Top 10 Best Gyms To Work For As a Personal Trainer-2024

Hi there! We've heard that you're an up-and-coming personal trainer looking for the best gyms to work for. Well, you have come to the right place.

Becoming a personal trainer is an exciting career path. However choosing the best gyms to work for as a personal trainer can make or break your experience.

As a trainer, the gym you choose to work for can impact everything from the types of clients you attract to the resources and support you receive. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which gyms are the best fit.

And this is where we come in. Let us peak at what we will be covering in this blog:

• Top 10 Gyms to Work for as a Personal Trainer
• Salary Insights: How Much Do Personal Trainers Make in Different Gyms?
• Benefits of Working at Premier Gyms
• Industry Insights: Insights, Statistics from World's Leading Personal Trainers
• Which Gym Has the Best Facilities for Personal Trainers?
• Best Gyms for New Personal Trainers

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready to discover the gyms that prioritize their trainers' success, foster a positive work culture, and provide the tools you need to take your career to new heights.

Top 10 Best Gyms To Work For As a Personal Trainer

1. 24 Hour Fitness

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24 Hour Fitness is a privately owned fitness center chain based in Carlsbad, California. It's the US's second-largest fitness chain by revenue, following LA Fitness, and operates 287 clubs across 11 states. Founded by Mark S. Mastrov, it changed ownership several times, first to Forstmann Little & Co. in 2005 and then to AEA investors and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan in 2014.

Type- Commercial Gym
Job Listing- Work at 24 Hour Fitness

2. LA Fitness

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LA Fitness is a privately owned chain of fitness clubs that has hundreds of locations and millions of members in the US and Canada. Instead of following passing trends, they have steadily expanded their presence by emphasizing the enduring value of good health. Founded in Southern California in 1984, LA Fitness continues to find new and creative ways to improve the health of its members.

With a wide array of amenities and a well-trained staff, LA Fitness offers enjoyable and effective workout options for people of all ages and interests.

Type- Commerical Gym

Job Listing- Work at LA Fitness

3.Gold's Gym

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Gold's Gym International, Inc. is a chain of fitness centers founded by Joe Gold in Venice Beach, California. They have gyms worldwide offering cardio, strength training gear, and group workouts. The company's main office is now in Dallas.

Type- Commercial Gym

Job Listing- Work at Gold Gym

4. Equinox

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Equinox Holdings, Inc. is a luxury fitness company based in New York City. It has over 300 club locations in major US cities and in London, Toronto, and Vancouver in Canada. Equinox+ App is a digital platform for access to digital classes.

Equinox is owned by investors like Harvey Spevak and The Related Companies, which manage various lifestyle brands, including Equinox, Equinox Hotels, Precision Run, Project by Equinox, Equinox Explore, Equinox Media, Pure Yoga, Blink Fitness, and SoulCycle.

Type- Premium Gym

Job Listing- Work at Equinox

5. Life Time

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Life Time (formally Life Time Fitness) was established by Bahram Akradi, who serves as the chairman and CEO. Originally known as FCA, Ltd., it was incorporated in Minnesota in 1990 and later changed its name to Life Time Fitness in 1992. In 2017, the company rebranded to simply Life Time, Inc., dropping the word "Fitness" from its name. Their first club was launched in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Type- Premium Gym

Job Listing- Work at Life Time

6.The Bay Club

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The Bay Club Company is a leading provider of fitness and lifestyle experiences across the West Coast, with clubs from San Diego to Seattle. They aim to offer a range of activities, including fitness, sports, family, and hospitality experiences.

Their Shared Membership concept acknowledges that "family" goes beyond traditional definitions. Members can tailor their memberships to include friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that suits their lifestyle.

Type- Premium Gym

Job Listing - Work at The Bay Club

7.D1 Training

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D1 Training is a leading fitness program with age-based workouts and personalized training options. They follow five key training principles and update workouts every eight weeks for progress. With over 100 centers growing, they cater to athletes of all levels.

Type- High-Performance Facility Gym

Job Listings- Work at D1 Training

8. Institute of Human Performance

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Since its establishment in 2001, IHP has become a global functional training facility. Fitness professionals flock to IHP to learn cutting-edge training methods from Juan Carlos "JC" Santana and the experienced IHP Master Trainers. Their staff is highly qualified and has been recognized as one of the best in the country.

IHP has earned accolades such as "Best Core Gym in the country" and featured in top publications like Men's Health and Women's Fitness. With a focus on expertise, IHP is the hub for personal trainer certifications, an international internship program, and educational resources for trainers and coaches worldwide.

Type- High-Performance Facility Gym

Job Listing:Work at Institute of Human Performance

9. Curves

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Curves International, also known as Curves for Women, is a fitness franchise that Gary and Diane Heavin co-founded in 1992.

They introduced a new fitness concept focusing on 30-minute workouts, strength training, weight-loss guidance, and a women-friendly environment. The first Curves opened in Harlingen, Texas, and it quickly gained popularity, leading to the expansion of the franchise across the globe.

Type- Specialty Gym

Job Listing- Work at Curves

10.YMCA

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The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), or simply the Y, is a global youth organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Founded in London in 1844 by George Williams as the Young Men's Christian Association, it operates in 120 countries and serves over 64 million people. The Y's mission is to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being based on Christian values.

Type- Specialty Gym

Job Listing-Work at YMCA

Salary Insights: How Much Do Personal Trainers Make in Different Gyms?

On average, personal trainers make $54,000 to $78,210 per annum or $30 to $40 per hour. They also receive an average additional cash compensation or commission of $6,799, varying from $5,099 to $9,518 (source).

Let's explore the salaries of personal trainers at each of these gyms (source)

1.24 Hour Fitness

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $24.83/hour
• Fitness instructor-$22.94/hour
• Fitness specialist: $22.78/hour

2.LA Fitness

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $54,716/year
• Coach: $63,879/year
• Consultant: $ 74,579/year
• Fitness manager: $55,543/year
• Fitness director: $57,358
• Fitness consultant: $46,221 **

3. Gold's Gym

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer:$27.89/hour
• Fitness Instructor: $24.67/hour
• Fitness consultant: $ 14.56/hour
• Fitness manager: $55,383/year

4. Equinox

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $ 21.15/hour
• Fitness Instructor: $26.66/hour
• Coach: $18.46/hour
• Fitness manager: $48,276/year

5. Life Time

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $31.78/hour
• Pilates instructor: $38.22/hour
• Swim instructor: $16.63/hour
• Swimming coach:$17.25/hour

6. The Bay Club

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $35.87/hour
• Fitness Instructor: $43.35/hour
• Pilates Instructor: $40.19/hour

7.D1 Training

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $24.63/hour
• Fitness instructor- $ 26.62/hour
• Head Coach- $ 32.40/hour

8.Institute of Human Performance

Average Pay-

Personal Trainer- $57,209

9.Curves

Average Pay-

• Personal Trainer: $10.82/hour
• Fitness Instructor: $10.16/hour
• Coach: $9.80/hour

10.YMCA

Average Pay-

Personal Trainer- $20.83/hour

Factors Affecting Salary

A personal trainer's income is influenced by several factors. Here are few:

1. Experience: The number of years a personal trainer has worked in the industry affects their salary.

2. Qualifications: Educational background and certifications play a role in determining a trainer's earning potential.

3. Skill Set: Specializations, additional certifications, and unique skills can also impact how much a trainer can charge for their services.

4. Location: The city or region where a trainer works can influence their salary due to variations in the cost of living and demand for fitness services.

Benefits of Working at Premier Gyms

Here are few general benefits of working a premier gyms:

1.Upscale Clientele: Premium gyms tend to attract clients who are more serious about their fitness and often have higher disposable income. This can translate to better compensation for you as a trainer, as clients may be willing to pay a premium for your services.

Additionally, these clients are likely to be more committed to their fitness goals, making them easier to work with and potentially leading to longer-lasting client relationships.

2.Top-Tier Equipment and Facilities: Premium gyms boast state-of-the-art equipment, spacious training areas, and luxurious amenities. This translates to a better work environment for you and a more impressive client experience.

You'll have access to a broader variety of equipment, allowing you to design more creative and effective workouts. Additionally, luxurious locker rooms and relaxation areas can enhance the client experience.

3.Potential for Mentorship and Development: Premium gyms often strongly focus on professional development for their staff. You might have the opportunity to be mentored by experienced trainers who can share their knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, these gyms may offer continuing education programs or workshops designed explicitly for their trainers, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve on the latest fitness trends and earn certifications that make you more marketable.

4.Positive Work Environment and Reputation: Premium gyms typically cultivate a professional and supportive work environment. This can contribute to your overall job satisfaction and make it easier to focus on delivering excellent service to your clients.

Being associated with a well-respected premium gym can boost your reputation as a fitness trainer, potentially attracting more clients seeking high-quality personalized training.

Let us look at the extra perks and benefits offered by premium gyms:

1. Equinox

• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Performance Bonus
• 401K
• Stock Options
• Family Medical Leave
• Maternity & Paternity Leave
• Reduced and Flexible Hours
• Childcare
• Sick Days
• Paid Time Off & Vacation days
• Employee Discount
• Gym Membership
• Job Training
• Professional Development

2. Lifetime Fitness

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401K plan
• Stock options
• Retirement plan
• Flexible Hours
• Paid Holidays and Sick Days
• Employee Discount
• Gym Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Job Training
• Professional Development
• Tuition Assistance

3. Bay Club

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Maternity & Paternity leave
• Family medical leave
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation time off
• Gym Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Lunch and Snacks
• Job Training

4. The Houstonian Hotel Club and Spa

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• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Maternity & Paternity leave
• Family medical leave
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation time off
• Gym Membership
• 401K

Industry Insights: Insights, Statistics from World's Leading Personal Trainers

Let us look at what leading personal trainers around the world have to say :

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Gunnar Peterson: "(Instructors) need to constantly evolve and update their offering to suit consumer needs, which is why our timetables have been adapted to incorporate cardio, resistance, recovery, and now hybrid workouts, to ensure members are getting everything they need from its workout structure" (source ).

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Brad Schoenfeld: " Research now shows that going to failure each Time can have negative effects in some instances. Of course, there are still some benefits to training for failure. So you see, it's complicated. Researching this has shown me that many of the answers can't be boiled down to a sentence or two. A lot of it depends on what you're trying to accomplish as trainee." (source).

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Louise Parker: "I devised a program for people like me – those wanting the direct route to results and common sense – and just a happy way of living.... We coach our four-pronged approach to overhauling your lifestyle habits – that is everything to do with your daily routine, including sleep and stress; we look at diet and teach you how to eat again in the real world, on a plane, on the move, fad-free, just normally; the third pillar is exercising intelligently – how to get the most bang for your buck; and the last one is mind-set. We break the day into "15-minute slots" and work out what we can change, and then use Neuro-Linguistic Programming and motivational interview techniques." (source).

• Time to crunch some numbers! Let's see what the data reveals-

Global Fitness Market Growth: The global fitness market is expected to reach a value of $1 trillion USD by 2027, according to Statista. This indicates a booming industry with a growing demand for personal training services.

Personal Training Market Share: In the US alone, the personal training market size is estimated to be over USD 10 billion, showcasing the significant role personal trainers play in the fitness landscape.

In 2021, the employment of personal trainers varied significantly across different regions of the United States. The states with the highest numbers of personal trainer jobs were:

• California: Topping the list with 25,200 jobs in the personal training field.
• Texas: This is followed closely by 17,000 personal trainer positions.
• Florida: Not far behind, with 14,900 jobs in personal training.

Which Gym Has the Best Facilities for Personal Trainers?

Here are eight gyms that have some of the best facilities for personal trainers in terms of equipment, training spaces, and other facilities crucial for personal trainers:

1. Crunch Fitness:

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Known for its energetic and fun atmosphere, Crunch Fitness offers a wide range of equipment, from free weights and cardio machines to functional training areas and dedicated stretching spaces. They also have private studios that personal trainers can use for one-on-one client sessions.

2. LA Fitness:

LA Fitness offers a similar range of equipment to Crunch Fitness, spacious training areas, and a free fitness assessment for potential clients, which can be a great tool for personal trainers to use when onboarding new clients.

3. 24-Hour Fitness:

As the name suggests, 24-Hour Fitness offers 24/7 access, which is a significant perk for personal trainers who have clients with busy schedules. They also boast extensive equipment and training spaces.

4. Anytime Fitness:

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Another gym chain with a reputation for flexibility, Anytime Fitness offers a variety of membership options, including 24/7 access, which can be convenient for personal trainers. They may have a slightly smaller footprint than some of the other gyms on this list, but they still offer all the essential equipment for a great workout.

5. Equinox:

Known for its luxurious amenities and high-end equipment, Equinox is an excellent option for personal trainers who cater to a clientele that expects the best. They offer various equipment, from top-of-the-line cardio machines to free weights and functional training areas. Equinox also has spacious training studios, private locker rooms, and other amenities, making it a premium gym experience.

6. Life Time:

Life Time offers a similar range of amenities to Equinox, including a wide variety of equipment, spacious training areas, and luxurious locker rooms. They also have a pool, basketball courts, and other amenities that can be a great perk for personal trainers who offer a variety of workout options to their clients.

7. Flywheel Sports:

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Flywheel is a boutique fitness studio specializing in indoor cycling. They offer state-of-the-art bikes and a high-energy atmosphere that can be a great fit for personal trainers who specialize in cycling workouts.

8. Orangetheory Fitness:

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Orangetheory is another boutique fitness studio that offers a unique workout experience. Its classes combine cardio, strength training, and interval training, and it uses heart rate monitoring technology to help clients track their progress. Orangetheory is a great option for personal trainers who are looking for a gym that offers a challenging and results-oriented workout.

Best Gyms and Tips for New Personal Trainers

Tips for personal trainers who are just starting their careers:

• As a new personal trainer, commercial or big box gyms can serve as a valuable starting point for your career.

• These large gyms typically offer a wide range of equipment and training spaces, allowing you to cater to a diverse clientele and gain experience with different workout styles.

• The potentially lower membership costs at big-box gyms can be an advantage when trying to attract new clients who might be hesitant about the initial investment in a personal trainer.

• Additionally, some big box gyms provide supportive environments with workshops or networking events, fostering connections with other trainers and potentially leading to mentorship opportunities.

• While they may not offer the same level of specialization as boutique studios or premium gyms, big-box gyms can provide you with a solid foundation to build your personal training skills and clientele in the fitness landscape.

Here are a few gyms that are good for your first step as a personal trainer-

-LA Fitness & Crunch Fitness:

• These large gym chains offer a good balance of factors that can benefit new personal trainers. They typically have:

• Extensive equipment variety: free weights, cardio machines, functional training areas, and dedicated stretching spaces.

• Spacious training areas.

• Diverse clientele: This allows you to gain experience working with a wider range of people.

• Potentially lower membership costs: This can make it easier to attract clients who are new to working with a personal trainer.

-Anytime Fitness & Planet Fitness:

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Similar to LA Fitness and Crunch Fitness, these gyms offer:

• A variety of equipment to cater to different workout styles.

• Flexible hours: Anytime Fitness is known for its 24/7 access, while Planet Fitness offers extended hours. This can be a perk for trainers with clients who have busy schedules.

• Supportive atmosphere: Both gyms are known for being welcoming to beginners, which can extend to new personal trainers as well.

• Potentially lower membership fees: This can help you build your clientele, as affordability might be a concern for some new clients.

Tips on building a client base and gaining experience

1. License and certification

To grow your clientele and gain experience, it's crucial to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications. If you don't have them yet, consider enhancing your skills and earning these credentials. Possessing valid certifications and licenses demonstrates your credibility and fosters trust with your clients.

Examples of such certifications include ACSM's Certified Personal Trainer, ACE's Certified Personal Trainer, and NASM's Certified Personal Trainer credentials, which are commonly pursued by personal trainers.

2. Leverage the Gym:

• Network with gym staff: Introduce yourself to the front desk staff, sales team, and other trainers. Let them know you're new and eager to connect with potential clients. They can recommend you to interested gym members.

• Offer free consultations: This is a chance to assess a client's needs and showcase your expertise. It can convert into a paying client and allows you to build rapport.

• Look into gym programs: Some gyms offer programs where trainers can shadow more experienced trainers or take on discounted client packages.

3. Market Yourself Online and Offline:

• Build an online presence: Create a website or social media profiles highlighting your qualifications, experience, and success stories (with client permission). Offer valuable fitness content to attract potential clients.

• Network in your community: Attend fitness events, join relevant online forums, and connect with local businesses that cater to health and wellness. Offer workshops or presentations to build brand awareness.

• Utilize word-of-mouth marketing: Provide excellent service to your existing clients and encourage them to refer their friends and family. Offer referral incentives if your gym allows it.

Focus on Client Experience:

• Deliver exceptional service: Be reliable, professional, and passionate. Create personalized workout plans and cater to each client's goals and limitations.

• Track progress and celebrate wins: Document your client's progress with photos or fitness assessments. Celebrate their milestones to keep them motivated.

• Become a lifelong resource: Offer ongoing support and answer client questions outside of training sessions. This builds trust and positions you as a valuable resource in their fitness journey.

Key Takeaways

1.The gym you choose to work at as a personal trainer can significantly impact your career growth, client base, and overall job satisfaction.

2.While big box gyms offer a solid foundation for new trainers, premium gyms like Equinox, Life Time, and The Bay Club provide luxurious facilities, upscale clientele, and opportunities for professional development that can elevate your training career.

3.Regardless of the gym you select, continuously updating your skills, earning certifications, and delivering exceptional service is crucial for building a loyal client base and establishing yourself as a reputable trainer in the fitness industry.

4.Consider factors such as the gym's culture, available resources for trainers, potential for mentorship, and the type of clientele you want to attract when choosing the best fit for your personal training career.

5.Don't underestimate the power of networking, marketing yourself effectively, and leveraging the resources provided by the gym to attract new clients and grow your personal training business.

6.Ultimately, the best gym for you as a personal trainer will align with your professional goals, training style, and the type of client experience you aim to provide. Keep an open mind, continuously assess your needs, and be willing to adapt as your career progresses.