"I can't afford a personal trainer."
It's one of the most common reasons people give for not pursuing professional fitness coaching. And honestly? We get it. Traditional one-on-one personal training can cost $75-150 per session in the Coachella Valley. At 3 sessions per week, that's $900-1,800 per month.
For most people, that's simply not sustainable. But here's what many don't realize: there's a better way to get expert coaching that delivers great results without the premium price tag.
The Problem with Traditional Personal Training Pricing
One-on-one personal training is expensive for good reason: you're paying for 100% of a trainer's time and attention. The trainer can only work with one client per hour, so they need to charge accordingly to make a living.
This creates a frustrating situation:
- Those who can afford it get great results
- Those who can't are left to figure things out alone
- Many people try, can't sustain the cost, and quit
The fitness industry has inadvertently made professional coaching a luxury item. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Enter Semi-Private Personal Training
Semi-private personal training—also called small group training—is the game-changer that makes professional coaching accessible to everyone.
Here's the concept: instead of paying for a trainer's undivided attention for an hour, you share that attention with a small group of 4-6 people. Everyone gets personalized coaching, but the cost is split among the group.
Cost Comparison: 1-on-1 vs. Small Group Training
| Training Type | Cost Per Session | Monthly (3x/week) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-on-1 Personal Training | $75-150 | $900-1,800 |
| Semi-Private Training (Fit in 42) | $33-45 | $396-540 |
| Big Box Gym Membership (no trainer) | N/A | $30-60 |
At Fit in 42, our semi-private personal training sessions cost just $33-45 per session with a certified personal trainer—a fraction of what you'd pay for 1-on-1 training.
What You Get with Small Group Training
Some people assume that lower cost means lower quality. Not true. Here's what you still get:
- Certified personal trainers: Same credentials as expensive 1-on-1 trainers
- Customized workouts: Exercises modified for YOUR fitness level and goals
- Form corrections: Trainers watch and adjust your technique
- Progressive programming: Workouts evolve as you get stronger
- Nutrition guidance: Coaching on eating habits to support your goals
- Accountability: Someone tracking your attendance and progress
What You Gain with Small Group Training
Interestingly, the small group format offers some advantages that 1-on-1 training doesn't:
- Group energy: The motivation of training alongside others pushes you harder
- Community: You build friendships with people on the same journey
- Healthy competition: Seeing others work hard inspires your best effort
- Social accountability: Your group notices when you're not there
- More fun: Working out with others is simply more enjoyable
"I switched from 1-on-1 training to small group at Fit in 42. I'm saving $400/month AND getting better results because the group energy pushes me harder." — Michael, Fit in 42 Member
Is the Quality Really the Same?
Let's be real: in a group of 6, you won't get 100% of the trainer's attention 100% of the time. But here's what most people don't realize—you don't need it.
During a typical workout:
- You're resting between sets (trainer helps others)
- You're doing exercises you know (trainer watches but doesn't need to intervene)
- You need correction occasionally, not constantly
A skilled trainer in a small group setting can absolutely provide the guidance you need. The key is keeping groups small enough (6 or fewer) that everyone gets adequate attention.
When 1-on-1 Training Makes Sense
We believe in honesty, so here's when you might actually need 1-on-1 training:
- Recovering from serious injury (need constant supervision)
- Training for elite competition
- Severe anxiety about exercising around others
- Complex medical conditions requiring specialized attention
For everyone else? Small group personal training delivers excellent results at a price that won't derail your budget.
How to Evaluate Affordable Training Options
Not all "affordable" training is created equal. Watch out for:
- Groups that are too large: More than 8-10 people means less personal attention
- Uncertified trainers: Low prices sometimes mean undertrained staff
- One-size-fits-all workouts: Everyone doing identical exercises regardless of ability
- No progression: Doing the same workout month after month
At Fit in 42, we keep groups at 6 or fewer, employ only certified personal trainers, and customize every workout to individual needs.
Experience Affordable Personal Training
Try our 21-Day Kickstart and see how quality training can fit your budget.
Learn About 21-Day Kickstart →The Real Cost of NOT Investing in Your Health
Before dismissing personal training as "too expensive," consider the cost of the alternative:
- Gym memberships you don't use: $30-60/month wasted
- Medical costs from preventable health issues
- Lost productivity from low energy
- Mental health impact of not feeling your best
- Years of frustration from ineffective solo workouts
When you find affordable personal training that actually works, it's an investment that pays dividends in every area of your life.
The Bottom Line
Professional fitness coaching shouldn't be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Semi-private personal training makes expert guidance accessible to everyone—delivering the same quality coaching at a fraction of the cost.
If budget has been your barrier to working with a trainer, that barrier no longer exists. The question isn't whether you can afford it. The question is: can you afford not to invest in your health?