Best Alternative To A “Big Box” Gym: Training Clients In A Private Studio

When you’re venturing off on your own as an independent personal trainer, you likely won’t have access to the playground that is a “big box” gym. What is the meaning of a “big box” gym, you might ask. You know, massive gyms such as Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, and the like, which are all jam-packed with the latest equipment and machines. These big box gyms maintain strict policies prohibiting non-employees from training anyone else for any form of payment. Trust me, they won’t be making an exception just for you. Be careful if you want to tread this fine line, you and your client could ultimately lose your memberships. And besides, the goal here is to start your own personal training business, not to work for a corporate gym. So, you’re going to have to think outside the “box”.

What’s In A Private Training Studio?

If your goal is continue training your clients in an indoor space with limited equipment, perhaps the next best alternative is a private personal training studio.  Although smaller in size, a private studio can offer a more flexible, friendly and private atmosphere. At a private studio, you’ll find just a mere fraction of the distractions found at big box gyms. In fact, many clients prefer the trade off of space and equipment for a more focused and attentive training session. As you might expect, smaller facilities also means a smaller selection of weights and other training equipment. Some private personal training studios will be stocked with swiss balls, showers, cardio machines, a squat rack, a full set of dumbbells and maybe even a juice bar. Meanwhile, others might only have four walls and the ceiling overhead. Either way, be prepared to get in touch with your creative side and customize your clients’ programs according to the available space and equipment. You’ll typically end up sharing the studio space with other personal trainers scheduled at the same time, especially during peak hours. Give the other trainers some space, and allow them to focus on helping their clients.  If a specific piece of equipment you need is being used, simply modify the routine and circle back once it becomes available. Always be respectful of the other trainer and their client and they will likely do the same for you.

Signing Up And Getting Started

Private studios allow you to rent out space for a designated period of time, usually by the single session, hour or month. You can expect to pay roughly $10-25 per session, sometimes measured as a percentage of your fee. When discussing pricing, be sure to inquire about any package deals they might offer. You could end up saving a chunk if you buy in bulk or commit to a longer rental period. Whatever fee you negotiate with the studio owner, be sure to get it in writing.  You don’t want to end up in any sort of dispute with management. Maintaining a solid relationship with them will ensure your long-lasting success and happiness within the facility. While the private personal training studio may be able to pass you some client leads, its always a good idea to make sure your own personal training website is looking sharp to help attract additional clients.

Other Important Considerations

Also keep in mind that when working for a private studio, you’ll need to maintain your own insurance policy and provide proof of coverage to the management before training with any clients. This is a must-have for independent personal trainers and will run you a few hundred dollars a month. This situation is ideal for the independent personal trainer because you remain an independent contractor, not working for the studio, but simply contributing to cover the facility’s overhead costs for rent, utilities, etc.. This allows you to build and market your business the way you see fit, creating a brand and experience that will have your clients returning for more. As an independent trainer, you won’t be sharing any member systems with the studio, so make sure you’ve got your own personal training software selected ahead of time. When deciding which personal training studio to rent and train at, be sure to go out and visit the different personal training studio rentals in person. You’ll want to gauge whether you and your clients will feel comfortable training there and whether or not they have the right equipment. Of course, settling on a central location that is easily accessible to both you and your clients is highly recommended.

Lots Of Gym In A Small Package

Even without all of the bells and whistles found at a big box gym, with their reasonable rates, friendly staff and a more and intimate setting, personal training studios are an excellent indoor space for you to work with your clients. If you’re looking for different types of equipment you can train your clients with in a small personal training studio or at home, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Training Equipment that can give you a ton of ideas on personal training studio equipment.