Tip your PT?

GlowUpSzn

GlowUpSzn

Active member
I'm beginning a workout program with a trainer at the YMCA. Each visit is about $75, and it's paid right to the facility. Should I also be tipping on top of that, like you would a masseuse? And if so, how much would be appropriate?
 
This whole tipping thing is out of control. Companies need to start compensating employees adequately and reflect the true cost of services instead of relying on customers to subsidize wages.

I wouldn't tip a trainer. Their payment structure can vary quite a bit, so it's hard to give a definite answer.
 
I totally agree that tipping is insane and I wish it would just be built in, but here we are. I wouldn't skip a tip for a massage but this seems different. I just want to know what's typically done, assuming it's even possible to know!
 
While it does differ, most trainers get a reasonable cut. I would assume that an added tip isn't expected.

The logistics of it make it weird too, unless you're paying at each session and not in advance.
 
I recall that at Christmas, it was normal to give a tip to a trainer you'd worked with for a while... but that was 15 years ago, and literally only at Christmas.
 
No, I don't give my trainer tips and I haven't ran into anyone who does. I did give him a small succulent once, and I'll give him a Christmas bonus, but he doesn't look for tips.
 
A lot of employers subsidize fitness classes and trainers for employees, so it's not always a rich person thing.
 
I tip the person who delivers my mail around Christmas. I also tip housekeeping crews if I stay at a hotel.

Tipping can be a pain and come off as a scam. I tend to be performance-based. I usually do 10-20%. If you keep my water glass filled and give great service, 20%. If I have to flag you down, it's 10%.

For the OP, 10-15% feels reasonable. Were they really plugged in and giving good feedback? What does that even mean for a trainer? Whatever you do, you'd be setting a standard. It also depends on how generous you are. Service industry people can usually get tips.
 
It's not about being able to afford it. I could tip my endo but it's not appropriate. I'm trying to figure out what category PTs are in -- endo or massage tip territory? Seems they're more like mail carriers -- not expected, always appreciated, and maybe a gift around the holidays.
 
My issue is that tips seem to be expected so many places - even for things that should be factored into pricing already.

Speaking of tips though - should we tip our GLP compounders? Like, 35% if it doesn't kill you?
 
It might depend on how you hired the trainer. If you pay through a gym, they might not be allowed to accept money. The gym might think they're training you on the side. If you pay them directly, a gift at Christmas would be nice.
 
I think you are what would be called a "flat tipper". 20 percent no matter what.

I'll tip 10 percent on takeout. Overall it's always a judgement call. I like to reward performance. After all, isn't that why we tip? These employees aren't charitable organizations. For me, I like to speak with my money.
 
I did two sessions a week with my trainer, plus another workout or two solo. I only saw them for about 3 months. You should outgrow them and they teach you how to work out on your own. Then you can check in every few months. Or when you want to learn new skills/programming.

I didn't like trainers that did partner stuff, so I kept hiring new ones.
 
My wife goes partly for accountability - she doesn't want to outgrow anything. It keeps her going. She goes 2-3 times weekly and I go along 1-2.

I have a gym at my house with cardio, weights, and a cage. I go to the trainer because it's fun and he teaches me new exercises.

There are two categories of trainers: Those who teach basic exercise, and those who keep coming up with interesting exercises.
 
I saw one once a week. Unless you need someone for accountability, just take a few exercise classes and learn yourself. It's cheaper after a while and you'll learn stuff forever.
 
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