Personal Training at Home

Personal training at home is a lucrative business for trainers and beneficial in many ways to the client. Most people fear that getting a personal trainer to make house calls can cost a fortune. However, you can strike a good deal if you shop around and find a qualified, knowledgeable professional who can guide you in your fitness goals.

Key Benefits for the Trainer

Personal trainers can make more money by operating independently and making house calls. If a gym or an on-site personal training company employs a personal trainer, the earnings may either be split between the parties, or the trainer may earn a fixed salary. On-site personal training offers trainers an opportunity to build a clientele and expand their business. There is no need to invest in expensive training equipment, either. The client has to make arrangements for heavy equipment such as treadmills or home gyms, if they are part of the workout agenda. However, the "New York Times" notes, trainers may be expected to bring some weights or other portable equipment.

Advantages for the Client

If you find yourself making excuses when it is time to head to the gym, you are not alone. It can be difficult to find motivation when you think of the drive, the traffic and the hunt for a parking spot. If you have young children at home, you might have to take them along and place them in the childcare section while you work out. At the gym, you may find yourself waiting for a chance to use equipment, particularly in the mornings, evenings and on weekends. You may not get adequate personal attention from the trainer. If you are self-conscious or embarrassed about exercising in a crowd, personal training at home can be a boon. You can exercise in the comfort of your own home and you are bound to a fixed routine, because the personal trainer shows up whether you feel like exercising or not.

Drawbacks of Personal Training at Home

It can be difficult to maintain a favorable environment for training at home, particularly if you live in smaller quarters. If you have children or pets, they may disturb you and demand attention when you are working out. At-home sessions can be a hassle for the personal trainer if the space is unclean or cluttered. Carrying workout equipment from one client to another can get tiresome as well.

Fees and Equipment

Personal training at home is an option, whether you own the required equipment or not. Your trainer can provide equipment if you plan to train with free weights or resistance bands. The same is true for learning yoga or Pilates at home with a qualified instructor. The cost of an at-home personal training session ranges from $40 to more than $200, depending on your locality and the trainer you hire. You can get cheaper rates by taking classes with a friend or by purchasing a large number sessions, the American College of Sports Medicine notes.

Safety

The personal trainer and the client face greater safety risks with on-site personal training. You must be cautious about who you let into your home. Check credentials, qualifications, certifications, resume and references before you hire an on-site personal trainer. Similarly, personal trainers must be vigilant about clients that act suspicious or make untoward advances.