Why Asking About Price First Can Miss the Point of Personal Training
- Charlie Jones
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
If your initial question is around cost and not around "this is my struggle." or "this is my goal". Then your missing the point. I say this from experience as to every single week I get asked this question first and every one of them sadly never gets to work with me. On the surface, this seems like a practical and responsible inquiry. After all, understanding the financial commitment is essential. However, when price becomes the first and foremost concern, especially for women exploring personal training, it can sometimes overshadow the bigger picture: the why behind the decision to pursue change.
Price Is a Number; Transformation Is Priceless
When you’re considering personal training, you’re not just buying sessions or workouts; you’re investing in your health, confidence, and quality of life. Fixating on cost before reflecting on your deeper motivations can derail your focus. Ask yourself:
Why do I want to make this change?
What goals do I want to achieve?
How do I want to feel in my body?
These questions dig into the heart of your aspirations. Personal training is not about checking off gym visits or following a cookie-cutter program; it’s about personalized guidance to help you build a life you love living. With price being a number, seeing this from off without understanding the value might put you off. For example, £500 for a broken down car vs £500 for the latest Porsche. My guess is that you wouldn't want to pay £500 for the first car, but likely to take the dealers arm off for the Porsche.
Understanding Your “Why”
Everyone’s journey is unique. For some women, the goal might be weight loss or toning muscles. For others, it’s about feeling stronger, managing stress, or reclaiming energy after a major life event. Understanding your “why” makes it clear that personal training is not just an expense but an investment in becoming the best version of yourself.
When you’re clear about your motivations, the conversation about cost becomes less about dollars and cents and more about value. You start to see how working with the right trainer can save you time, reduce frustration, and accelerate your progress in ways you might not achieve on your own
.
The Problem with Prioritising Price
Here’s the reality: focusing on price first can inadvertently lead you to choose based on cost rather than quality. This mindset often results in settling for subpar programs, cookie-cutter solutions, or trainers who may not align with your goals. While affordability matters, the real question should be: “What am I getting for the price?”
An experienced personal trainer will:
Design a customized program tailored to your needs.
Provide accountability and motivation.
Offer education on form, nutrition, and sustainable habits.
Help you avoid injury and burnout.
These benefits far outweigh the short-term savings of opting for the cheapest option available. You've heard of the say by poorly many times, but quality once.
A Mindset Shift: Investing in Yourself
Imagine shopping for a car. If you only looked for the cheapest option, you might end up with something unreliable that breaks down constantly. Similarly, your health and well-being deserve thoughtful consideration. Personal training isn’t about splurging; it’s about prioritizing yourself and your future.
When you stop viewing personal training as an expense and start seeing it as an investment, you’ll make choices aligned with your long-term success. You’re not just paying for a workout; you’re investing in:
Improved physical health.
Increased confidence and self-esteem.
Enhanced mental clarity and emotional resilience.
A lifestyle that supports longevity and vitality.
How to Approach the Conversation
Instead of leading with “How much does it cost?” try this:
Share your goals and motivations. Let the trainer understand what’s driving you.
Ask about their process and their approach to meet individual needs.
Inquire about the value they provide beyond the sessions themselves.
Then, discuss price with context and understanding of what you’ll receive.
Conclusion
If you’re asking about price first, you might be missing the point: personal training is about transformation, not transactions. Take time to reflect on your “why” and the life you’re striving to create. When you shift your perspective from cost to value, you’ll find that investing in yourself is the most empowering choice you can make.
Because at the end of the day, you’re worth it. But only you can make these choices.
