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I've been working with a trainer at my gym for a few weeks. We've had three sessions and the last one is this week. Here's my question: What's the protocol for tipping? Do I or don't I? And if I do, how much? He works full time at the gym and gets a cut of what the gym gets for these sessions.

No tip is necessary. But we all need motivation right? The time to act on this is when holiday or birthday time rolls around... a good guide is the cost of one training session ($40-80 or whatever) in cash or a personally selected gift.

PM8

Tipping a trainer? Never heard of that. Maybe we should tip the girl at the front desk too????? How about the locker room attendant???? Pool Guy????

Trainers are a bit of a luxury and can charge quite a bit. I don't know of any trainer that's received a tip. As a trainer myself, one time I did get a tad extra because we worked out together and we went a half hour over. He's a buddy of mine and it was not expected at all.

If you feel compelled to tip him/her wait until their birthday or holidays. Then it's just like giving a gift.

Back when I was training, I got tips on birthdays and holidays... but probably the best tip I ever got was when I was leaving Dallas.

One of my favorite clients knew I was buying a house in Beaumont and had lots of expenses.

At my going away pool party, everyone brought gifts and he brought me a card... so I publicly made fun of him for being the "only cheap one in the bunch."

I saved his card for last and when I opened it, there was a check inside for $5,000.

Needless to say I was overwhelmed... and NO Joe... I never had sex with him and he never asked. He was just a really good guy who wanted to help me.

Did you declare it with the IRS ? Why would I think that about Doc and you showed me the check that night.

CuriousJockAZ saidTipping a trainer? Never heard of that. Maybe we should tip the girl at the front desk too????? How about the locker room attendant???? Pool Guy????

What you americans don't tip these people

PHLmuscle8 saidNo tip is necessary. But we all need motivation right? The time to act on this is when holiday or birthday time rolls around... a good guide is the cost of one training session ($40-80 or whatever) in cash or a personally selected gift.

PM8

This is what I've routinely heard.

I work as the personal trainer in our small gym, part time, in addition to other duties. I make minimum wage there and I don't mind it at all (I'm basically donating my PT expertise). I really enjoy the clients, never discuss my birthday, and have never expected a tip. I think I would probably politely refuse if offered.

Never discuss your birthday?

What did you discuss during rest periods? Back when I was training people, we talked sex, relationships, dating, politics- virtually everything...

My clients would joke that they paid to come hear me talk about my life LOL

One of them would tell me that they couldn't wait to train to hear the next exciting episode...

I was intense about their training. The received $65 worth of training in every session, but we also had fun.

joeindallas saidDid you declare it with the IRS ? Why would I think that about Doc and you showed me the check that night.

You can receive a gift up to $11,000 and not declare it.

Since Personal Trainers are like The Hairdressers of the New Millinum, shouldn't teh clients pick the topics ?

Since Personal Trainers are like The Hairdressers of the New Millinum, shouldn't the clients pick the topics ?

JoeinDallas, I wanted to thank you for your genuine contribution to the forums. We'd be lost without you.

Thanks I think LOL

You have NO idea what it was like to have Joe as a client... very memorable ;)

Thanks I think JIM Hey you said I was one of your hardest working client

Years ago I signed up for personal training at my old gym. It was for 12 weeks. I think it was $1200 then. I was impressed with my physique and the knowledge I gained. I gave him $100 and a video(no DVD's then) on Nude Personal Training as a gag gift. He's an awesome trainer. And what's another $100 after spending $1200? If you're going to uise one long term, then I'd wait until birthday and xmas.

I usually tip at the holidays; usually 10% of what I have paid him that year...

My travel schedule is complex, and I need to have someone who can make time for me on my schedule. He's a hell of a nice guy. Keeping a trainer happy just good business sense.

Several years ago when I was recovering from a serious, debilitating, illness I hired a full time trainer for 4 mos, then tipped him at the end of his contract. If you are paying by the session, or for short term periods, I would think that at the end of the contract/sessions would be an appropriate time to make a gift or tip.

I don't think the circumstances warrant tipping. TIPS = "To Insure Prompt Service".

It depends on where you are, however, it does to keep in mind that tipping for professional services can be considered an insult in many places.

Terry

I've been a trainer and have used them too
There IS no protocol for tipping trainers
You can do it if you want but it's not expected

BigSETXjock saidYou have NO idea what it was like to have Joe as a client... very memorable ;)

Oh, so you two personally know each other. I see, then that makes more sense.

Thanks for the input guys. It certainly helped.