Personal Trainers Escape Stressful Gyms by Going Freelance

Personal Trainers Seek Freedom in Freelance Opportunities

Veterans in the physical fitness industry have warned that personal trainers working at large gym chains in Hong Kong are suffering “unbearable pressure” and they are increasingly turning to freelance opportunities to earn more with less stress. Personal trainers pointed to the strain of having to engage in hard-sell practices fuelled by a commission-based pay system at large chains such as the recently closed Physical gym. The high-profile closure has put its sales tactics in the spotlight, with one former employee accusing the chain of “scamming customers”.

Freelancing: A New Era for Personal Trainers

Some coaches who previously worked at major chains said freelancing offered an escape from such high-pressure environments, and clients were better off too. One personal trainer who decided to go solo recalled the stress of working for more than a decade at major chains Physical and Goji, which closed in 2021. “Working at large fitness chains was incredibly stressful. Those who have worked at places like Physical or California were shouldering unbearable pressure,” said the 38-year-old.

• Freelancers typically rent slots at smaller, boutique gyms across the city.
• They charge clients anywhere from HK$600 to HK$1,200 per session.
• Many personal trainers are now using social media to build their client base.

Derek Poon, who runs Optimum Performance Studio, notes that the number of people pursuing careers in training has skyrocketed. Freelancers have flexibility, allowing them to charge based on demand and manage work hours, which greatly improves their quality of life.