We have all been there… scrolling through forums, asking other trainers, or quietly stalking what the gym down the street charges. And honestly, when you are just getting started… especially after doing your certificate 3 in fitness, pricing your sessions can feel like guesswork. Too high and clients hesitate. Too low and you end up working way more hours than your body (or brain) can handle.
So let us talk through it properly… real numbers, real situations, and a bit of common sense.
Why Pricing Feels So Confusing
One thing we realised early on is that personal training does not have a fixed price tag. It depends on where you train, who you train, and what you bring to the table. Some trainers begin at the local park for a small fee. Others walk into a boutique studio and charge triple. And none of them are wrong.
Plus, fitness habits have changed. According to global industry reports, people are willing to pay more for personalised coaching that helps them stick to workouts. That is huge. Because it means your time and knowledge actually matter to people who want guidance.
Start With the Basics: Your Costs and Time
Before thinking of prices, we always ask ourselves a simple question… how much time and energy does each session really take?
It is not just the 45 or 60 minutes you spend training the client. There is travel time, planning, messages, nutrition support, even those random voice notes at 10 pm when the client forgets what warm up they are supposed to do.
When we added all that up the first time, we were shocked. We realised our “one hour” session was more like 90 minutes of effort. That is why so many trainers undercharge without even noticing.
So grab a notebook or a random scrap of paper… list your weekly hours, effort, travel, equipment costs, gym rent if any, and see what number feels fair.
What Trainers Usually Charge (A Quick Reality Check)
We are keeping it simple here… no fancy graphs. Just what we see happening around Australia and in general:
- New trainers often charge $30 to $50 per session
- Experienced trainers charge anywhere from $60 to $100
- Specialist coaches or trainers in high-demand areas go up to $120 or more
Group sessions usually cost less per person but make more overall. And online sessions often sit at the lower end because they do not require travel.
These numbers are not rules. They are just a starting point so you are not pulling prices out of thin air.
Location Makes a Big Difference
Training in a suburban area vs a fancy CBD studio is not the same thing. Your price should reflect your environment.
For example, trainers in busy cities tend to charge more because rent, demand, and competition are all higher. If you are working from a home gym or community space, your cost is lower… so you can adapt your price without losing profit.
Confidence Also Affects Your Rate (More Than You Think)
We learned one thing pretty quickly… clients can sense when you are unsure about your pricing. If we say the number confidently, they accept it almost every time. If we hesitate, they bargain.
You do not have to sound overly serious. Just be clear:
“My session rate is $65. It includes your program and ongoing support.”
That simple line removes so much awkwardness.
Adjust Your Price As You Grow
Your rate should not stay the same forever. As you gain experience, improve your coaching, or finish new qualifications, your value increases.
Many trainers bump their rates every 6 to 12 months. And clients actually get it… especially when they see progress.
So do not trap yourself in a beginner price bracket for too long.
Final Thoughts
The right price for your personal training class is the one that covers your time, skills, and effort while still feeling fair to clients. No magic formula… just honest evaluation and a bit of self-respect.
And as you continue learning, especially if you plan to upgrade with a cert 4 fitness online, your rates will naturally rise too. Because growth should always be reflected in what you charge.