The Truth About Going Independent as a Personal Trainer with Rick Richey

Opening your own gym or going independent sounds like the ultimate goal for a personal trainer, but is it actually the right move for you? In this episode, I sit down with longtime fitness educator, entrepreneur, and NASM podcast host Rick Richey for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful career in personal training. We talk about the financial reality of opening a facility, why your network often matters more than your technical knowledge, how independent trainers are charging $175 to $300 per session, and whether online coaching really offers the freedom trainers think it does. Before you quit the gym, raise your rates, or sign a lease, listen to this conversation.