Hiring a Personal Trainer in Chicago in 2023: Pros and Cons

Are you considering hiring a personal trainer in Chicago to help you achieve your fitness goals? Personal trainers are dedicated fitness instructors who provide valuable guidance and support to individuals striving to improve their physical health and well-being.

From working in gyms and health clubs to conducting home visits, these fitness professionals offer personalized workout plans, form and technique guidance, nutrition advice, and lifestyle recommendations.  

While there are some cons to hiring a personal trainer, the pros far outweigh the cons. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of hiring a personal trainer in Chicago, examine why they are worth investing in, and learn about our competitive pricing options at Chicago Athletic Clubs.

What is a Personal Trainer? 

Personal trainers are fitness instructors who work with clients to help them reach their fitness goals. Most have careers where they do things such as: 

• Work in a gym 
• Teach in health clubs 
• Work in other fitness facilities 
• Conduct home or office visits 
  

Many personal trainers chose their work as a full-time career path. Good trainers can motivate their clients and help them stay on track with their fitness goals. Personal trainers typically work one-on-one with clients, helping them with things like: 

• Creating individualized workout plans to reach their long-term fitness level 
• Guidance on proper form and technique when performing exercises 
• Nutrition advice 
• Suggested lifestyle changes to support overall health 

Many personal trainers have regular work hours, but many are also available for evening or weekend sessions, depending on the needs of their clients.  

These fitness professionals provide crucial services within the fitness industry by providing invaluable guidance and support to those looking to improve their physical health and wellness. Read on to find out the pros and cons of personal trainers, where to find the best ones, and how they can help your goals! 

Six Pros of Hiring a Chicago Personal Trainer

Now that you’ve heard a few of the potential cons, here are six awesome reasons to hire a personal trainer! 

1. Improved fitness and health 

A personal trainer can be a great asset in helping you reach your fitness goals faster and more efficiently. Fitness professionals are very knowledgeable in nutrition and exercise and can help you make lifestyle changes to lose weight and get physically fit. They can also help you find a tailored fitness program designed to meet your individual needs and goals. 

2. Accountability 

A personal trainer can help you track your progress and provide feedback and encouragement to keep you on course. Having someone to hold you accountable for your actions can be a great motivator, and receiving support from a trainer can help you strive to improve your fitness. With the help of a personal trainer, you can improve much faster than if you were attempting it alone. 

3. Injury prevention

Personal trainers are exercise experts. Many tout the benefits of MAT for injury recovery, but personal trainers can help prevent injuries before they happen. They understand the importance that proper form and technique plays in preventing injuries during exercise and can show you how to correctly execute common exercises such as: 

• Stretching 
• Squatting 
• Lunging 
• Lifting weights 

Experienced trainers can also help you identify any weak areas that may require extra attention or focus and provide modifications for exercises you are struggling with. This extra guidance ensures you get a safe and effective workout regardless of your ability level. It’s crucial to exercise safely and correctly. as common issues like poor form or too much weight can cause serious injury. 

Related Content: More Reps or More Weight? What's Better for Muscle Growth? 

4. Exercise Variety 

Personal trainers can also add variety to your workouts by introducing new exercises that may not have been part of your routine before. This variety can help to keep things interesting and challenging, ultimately leading to better results. For example, a personal trainer may introduce you to new and diverse types of strength training exercises, such as: 

• Squats 
• Lunges 
• Deadlifts 
• Adding resistance bands or kettlebells 
  

5. Motivation 

Having a personal trainer who will push you to work harder than you would on your own can help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently. A personal trainer can also provide positive reinforcement when needed, helping you to stay optimistic and focused on achieving your goals. With a personal trainer’s support, you can feel confident that you'll be able to get into shape and improve your well-being in practically no time. 

6. Education  

Personal trainers are experts in fitness and nutrition, which means they can provide valuable education to help you develop better habits. When you have a personal trainer, you can rest assured that you are exercising safely and correctly, minimizing your risk of injuries and ensuring you get the maximum results from your workouts. 

Three Cons of a Chicago Personal Trainer 

1. Cost 

Hiring a personal trainer can be expensive, depending on the experience and qualifications of the trainer. Personal trainers with more experience and higher qualifications tend to charge more for their services. The expense is because they have more knowledge and expertise in the field and more contacts in the industry.

Experienced trainers may also have access to better equipment or facilities that require additional fees. Depending on your goals, you may also need to purchase specialized equipment or supplements (which can add up quickly!). 

Some personal trainers may also charge extra for travel expenses if they need to come to your home or office. Depending on the trainer's schedule, you may need to pay for multiple sessions to get the desired results. Remember that regular fitness is a commitment, so consider this when starting! 

2. Time Commitment 

Working with and hiring a trainer requires significant time, as you must meet with them regularly to see results. This is because the trainer needs to be able to assess your current fitness level, create an individualized plan that fits your goals and lifestyle, and then monitor your progress.  

Regular meetings also allow the trainer to provide feedback on form and technique so that you can maximize the effectiveness of each exercise. Having someone knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition can help you make better decisions when it comes to your overall health and well-being. 

3. Risk of Injury 

Without proper instruction and guidance from a qualified professional, there is a risk of injury when performing certain exercises or activities during training sessions. This is why it is critical to hire a certified personal trainer who can provide the necessary knowledge and expertise to design a tailored program that fits your individual needs (while also considering any physical limitations or injuries you may have). 

Are Personal Trainers Worth It?

While there are various pros and cons to personal trainers when it really comes down to it, the benefits outweigh the downsides! Personal trainers are an amazing way to: 

• Stay motivated 
• Learn proper form and technique 
• Learn new workouts 
• Get personalized advice tailored to your exercise needs 
• Provide accountability (critical for reaching any fitness goal!) 
• Create a plan that works for your lifestyle and budget 
• Ensure you’re staying on track with your fitness goals 
• Be provided with a sense of encouragement and positive reinforcement 

Personal trainers can be invaluable in helping you reach your fitness goals, especially if you’re new to exercise or have been struggling to make progress on your own. They can also provide a sense of camaraderie and support, which is often lacking when working out alone. 

Personal trainers can also educate you on the science behind exercise and nutrition so that you can make informed decisions about your health. They can offer a variety of exercises that will keep your workouts interesting and challenging. Because of this, personal trainers are an excellent resource for anyone looking to get fit and stay healthy! 

How Much Does a Personal Trainer Cost in Chicago? 

Ready to start your fitness journey? You might be wondering how much a personal trainer can cost! At Chicago Athletic Clubs, we pride ourselves on competitive and transparent pricing. Our sessions come in half-hour or hour-long sessions, and we divide them into three categories: 

Expert Trainers 

• One half-hour session for $47 
• Eight half-hour sessions for $360 ($45 per session) 
• Sixteen half-hour sessions for $672 ($42 per session) 
• One hour-long session for $77 
• Eight hour-long sessions for $600 ($75 per session) 
• Sixteen hour-long sessions for $1,168 ($73 per session) 

Elite Trainers 

• One half-hour session for $52 
• Eight half-hour sessions for $392 ($49 per session) 
• Sixteen half-hour sessions for $752 ($47 per session) 
• One hour-long session for $82 
• Eight half-hour sessions for $640 ($80 per session) 
• Sixteen half-hour sessions for $1,248 ($78 per session) 

Specialist Trainers 

• One half-hour session for $57 
• Eight half-hour sessions for $432 ($54 per session) 
• Sixteen half-hour sessions for $816 ($51 per session) 
• One hour-long session for $87 
• Eight half-hour sessions for $680 ($85 per session) 
• Sixteen half-hour sessions for $1,328 ($83 per session) 

In addition to these tiers, we also offer semi-private training for groups of two, three, and four people! Whatever your fitness goals or levels are, we’re here to help.

Chicago Athletic Club's Personal Trainer Recommendations 

When it comes to finding the best personal trainer in the city, Chicago Athletic Clubs offers truly the best of the best. Whether you have more challenging fitness goals or simply want to work on improving your movement and general fitness, our team of qualified personal trainers is here to help.  

Contact us now to schedule a session to discuss your goals for personal training and find a trainer for you!