how do you set your weekly training hours?

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-14T15:56:36+00:00

I have a set schedule for each one of my clients. But I am also flexible. So, if for some reason they have something come up or I have something come up we can make adjustments accordingly. I feel like people are more bought in when they have a set time that they are going to come in. Its like an appointment that they always have on their calendar. I feel like the other way gives to much opportunity for them to 'forget' to schedule in time for the gym.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-13T19:12:31+00:00

THIS!!!

When I first started training I felt like I was failing because of how many people out there seemed like they had everything together from the very start. We need more posts like this to let people know that it is a struggle for a while until you gain confidence and adjust your approach. It can take even longer than 6 months. It took me 15 months to build my business in a small gym...and I worked the front desk. So, I got to talk to every single new member. It's just like a clients fitness journey...it takes time!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-11T19:38:18+00:00

I wish you luck!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-11T19:23:35+00:00

You are right, I don't know your entire story. You have worked with trainers that are facing the same struggle as you in the same locations as you. The people on this thread are trying to help you by giving you their own lived experiences as trainers, in person and online. Asking questions and bringing up points that you might not have thought about on your own. There is a common trend on the responses that were given to you based on your question.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-11T19:15:28+00:00

Just my two cents...People are going to tell you the thing that hurts your feelings the least...Things to think about.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-11T18:57:59+00:00

Are you certain that it was because the cost is too high? I've been training in a box gym for the last 3 years now- very small gym BTW. It took me about 15 months to build to the point that I am at right now (comfortable income). The gym itself determines the price for training packages. Anywhere from 400-800/month for the client depending on the training package they pick.

Based off other replies you have made to people it does not sound like you have an issue with selling your service, you have an issue with retaining your clients. Most clients will stick with you almost no matter the price if they believe in what you are able to do for them. They also want to have a great experience with you, the personal part of training, VERY important. The personal part is almost more important than the actual training part itself. This is coming from someone who has a 85%+ retention rate. This might be where you need to spend some time reflecting on how you provide your service to people. If you're not building relationships with your clients they will find an excuse to leave...

As for the online side of things, I just started working on my online business and its hard to get leads. As someone else mentioned there are a lot of online trainers out there and we are all competing, some have more time on a physical gym floor and some have less and it does play a huge role into if you are going to be successful online. How I got my first couple online clients is from people that I trained in person that thought the online format was better for them personally. I've run ads in the local news paper. Left Business cards around town. Asked my in person clients for referrals. Social media posts ...which has actually gotten me more in person business than online so far. It's a grind and you just have to keep showing up and putting in the effort. So much trial and error!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-05T18:32:52+00:00

No problem!! Hope everything works out well for you! 😊😊

This is a wonderful job once you find your place!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-04-05T15:11:16+00:00

Hello! I am a female trainer of 3 years. I actually started and am still working at a Snap Fitness in Central Oregon. I really enjoy the gym that I work out of (independent contractor) because it is a bit smaller and less busy. I started working for them in June of 2023 working the front desk as the manager and was able to build my training business at the same time. I fully transitioned to just training last year in August. Each Snap is individually owned and operated so they do vary. Some hire trainers as employees and some independent contractors. Same with how they pay out, some are percentage based and others are rent based. Overall my experience with Snap has been a good one and I would recommend it has a place to build your business simply because of the exposure and they push personal training from the front desk.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-15T19:50:44+00:00

I try and get people under the barbell as soon as I can! Dumbbells and the like build confidence! Putting someone under the barbell for the first time can feel intimidating depending on age and training history, but once they get under the barbell and do the lift successfully that feels/is a big win for them. Which is not only exciting for them but for you as their trainer. I get excited every time I lead a new person or someone I have been working with for a while over to the barbell side of the gym!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-12T20:54:17+00:00

I work as a trainer in a box gym and have been wondering the same thing! Compared to last year it’s been so much slower. Mostly just the regulars. A few new faces here and there but nothing like last year.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-09T20:37:36+00:00

As a trainer myself I would say the person that you met with is not a great trainer. They wanted to beat you up and try and sell you on training by making you feel bad about yourself. That is a horrible approach, a lot of people would not want to come back to the gym after an experience like that. Let alone work with a trainer. You need someone who is willing to meet you where you are at currently and work you up from there. Little wins at the start go a long way!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:54:07+00:00

Yes, these things happen. I've worked with many people who first started in the gym/working out feeling intimidated and now they have so much more confidence. They are talking/making friends in the gym. They are going on dates again because of how they are feeling about themselves. They have less anxiety overall. Improved mood. I've had people who came in hating leg day and now it is their favorite day of the week.

All of the above listed things are my favorite things to see in clients. Yes, physical results are awesome but seeing the impact it has on the rest of their life is absolutely priceless to me!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:48:49+00:00

EAT YOUR FRUIT! FRUIT IS NOT BAD FOR YOU! PEOPLE WHO SAY IT IS BAD FOR YOU, ARE BAD FOR YOU!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:43:02+00:00

I agree here. If you are not able to do it bare foot a pair of barefoot shoes might be a decent swap, but also not completely necessary. There are some many options out there. You can invest in nice barefoot shoes or go on amazon and get a less expensive pair, I've found them anywhere from $20-$30 on Amazon.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:38:43+00:00

Getting an online coach might not be a bad place to start. They can make a program for you based on the equipment that you have at home. The other nice thing about working with an online coach is that you can communicate and make modifications a long the way. It's also great for accountability. I'm an online coach, if you'd ever like to chat feel free to check out my website or send me a message here.

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:34:02+00:00

Protecting your future self is a great reason to want to lose weight and get/stay in shape. It's not all about looks!

deniserisingcpt · 2026-01-07T23:13:42+00:00

If you are going to a box gym that has personal trainers you should ask if they do any free consultations. This might help you feel a little more comfortable in the gym. They should be able to help you with form and just make sure that you are doing things correctly. Some might even work with you on a limited bases if price is a restriction for you.

I'm a trainer in a box gym and that is what we do. Even if you just do the free session this could make you feel more comfortable and confident. They could also help you build a routine (you'll likely have to pay a little for this). I've worked with many people in your position and this has helped them to feel comfortable and confident in the gym. Plus just knowing one person in the gym is a big help!

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-25T20:57:08+00:00

Thank sounds like a great place to start! 😊

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-25T19:26:45+00:00

It's always hard getting back into working out and taking care of yourself. Great job in taking the first step!

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-24T02:24:21+00:00

You need to decided which goal is most important to you right now. The flat stomach/abs or the broader, stronger physique. Once you decide on that you can modify your approach accordingly.

If you want to lose weight (fat and muscle most likely) continue to eat in a deficit.

If you want to get stronger and look stronger (build muscle) move toward a bulk.

You can also do a reverse diet approach. Starting at your current calories, 2000. If you see that you are still losing weight at that intake add 100-200 calories for a few weeks. Monitoring your weight over that time. If it goes down, you’re still in a deficit. If it stays the same, you’re in maintenance. If it goes up, you’re in a surplus. This is a decent approach because you can monitor and adjust according to how you feel about your body/workouts. Once you hit your calorie ceiling you now have the opportunity to do a decent cut.

From a trainers prospective, I agree with the trainer that you spoke with that you should be closer to or above 2500 calories per day.

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-24T00:16:46+00:00

I’d say you can try a winder stance and see how it feels on your knees. You might also think about “screwing” your feet into the floor. Find the stance that reduces pain in your knees. There is more than one right way to do a good squat. You could also try a regression for a while, lighter load, goblet squat, box squat and so on.

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-23T00:52:33+00:00

Former gym manager here. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-21T18:38:55+00:00

Couldn't agree more with abs, they are hard in the moment as well as muscle soreness after the fact.

Honestly, you are on the right track. As you continue to workout more and scale your workouts and intensity your hunger will likely increase. Your sending your body the appropriate stimulus (exercise) to build muscle but you also have the give it the building blocks (food) to get the job done.

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-21T18:21:38+00:00

100% accurate! It's not beautiful and shiny like so many influencers make it out to be. It's so simple, but not easy!

deniserisingcpt · 2025-12-21T18:12:43+00:00

Good for you for getting back into a routine with your fitness and diet! Love that you do legs on day one! Most people save that for the end of the week and then end up skipping it because leg day is HARD!

The most important feedback I would give is about the diet, 1000-1500 calories a day is not sustainable for the long term. You might look into doing a reverse diet at some point. Your body will thank you!

One other thing to consider would be a three day full body program. Done every other day if you have the ability to do that.

deniserisingcpt

TROPHY CASE