Not being able to afford a personal trainer is one of the most common reasons people don't use one. As a trainer, I have had to watch clients who really needed and enjoyed my services walk away because they can't afford it anymore. That is probably the worst part about this job. So what do I say when you can't afford a personal trainer?
That is totally valid. Times are hard. You are not crazy or sacrificing your health because you can't get a one-on-one trainer. Personal training is somewhat expensive, especially in-person, at a commercial gym. It is a luxury, and it is a privilege. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand how budgets work, or is trying to sell you something and "overcome the objection." You do need to make sure your priorities are right, because health is arguably the most important thing you could pay for. But I am not a financial advisor, and I am not going to go through your budget item by item to find space for my services. If you cannot afford it, I believe you.
Money (or lack of it) does not excuse you from exercising. If you are using money as a reason not to take care of your body, you need to know that money is not a reason, it is an excuse. People are made to move, and it doesn't cost a dime. There are some things that could keep you from moving (injury or mobility limitations, no safe space to move, not time outside of work and family responsibilities), but money is not inherently one of them.
There are options to move on any budget. If you lack equipment or knowledge, there are 1000 equipment-free workouts online, and your local library (if you live in the United States) has free internet and books about exercise which include workout programs, which you can checkout for free. Walking only requires shoes (which you probably already have) and a safe space to walk. If you have a very small space, live in an apartment with noise concerns, or other space limitations, just google it. Someone has put a free workout out there for you. YouTube has hundreds of high quality, free workouts with "no noise" and "apartment friendly" in the tags. And if you have a gym membership (a great budget option, since some large gyms are only $20/month if you catch a good offer), you probably already have a ton of resources. Gyms often offer a free trainer session (they will try to upsell you, you have been warned, but if you have a limited budget, you have probably gotten good at saying 'no'), and free group classes included with membership.
I offer free consultation appointments for a reason. We live in an unfair world. This is also a privilege on my part, and not one that every trainer starting out will be able to offer. It also may not be something I am always able to offer. But for now, consultation appointments are free, and I want everyone to be able to use that, regardless of income or any other limiting factor. You do not have to buy a package to access a free consultation, or even be thinking of buying a package. If you want to talk about what you're doing, want to do, or just don't even know where to begin, I would love to meet about it. I can give you a basic workout or two, or point you to a program that suits your goals. I can correct form or work through obstacles with you. Whatever you need from that hour, it is there. Don't let fear, shame, or feeling "like a burden" stop you from using it. You are not a burden, or a waste of time. You are a human worthy of my attention.
Consultation appointments are free, and I want everyone to be able to use that, regardless of income or any other limiting factor.
This is my passion, and I believe everyone deserves to move and feel better. Whatever you are working with, be it limited time, budget, or physical limitations, I would love to talk about it with you and figure out how to get movement into your everyday life. No strings attached.
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