Personal Trainer- Etiquette question...

I'm about to start working out under the guidance of a trainer to (hopefully) get a good jumpstart into the winter months where I tend to slack off. How my gym handles this is that I am required to use one of the trainers that they have on staff, and I pay the gym directly. I would think that it would be appropriate to tip the trainer (as he's an employee of the gym) and I see that a lot of posts on other boards agree with that notion.

But...

A co-worker of mine is a trainer and said he once got blacklisted from a gym for accepting a tip. I'm probably going to ask the owner of my gym, at any rate, but was wondering if anybody here has any experience with this topic.

Thanks!

:hi:

you're trying to trim the fat.

I guess it had to be said, though.... :rofl:

which would be useful on a trip to England.

He's a trainer, I'm pretty sure.

they daren't think of speaking out of line.

Iron fist in a velvet glove, and all that. Mustn't mistreat the lower classes - they can't help the way they are; and yet one mustn't also not allow them to continue to err, for even they, though it take a long time and many years of patient training, can be taught to act in ways proper.

Best to ask the gym management. If they seem hesitant to want you to tip your trainer, don't. However, come Christmas (or other holiday you may celebrate) give him/her something (if they're productive for you). Also, I wouldn't see tipping to be a problem once you reached a certain goal. Sort of a "bonus" or reward for them getting you to a set goal.

Bear in mind, many of these "staff" trainers also earn a commission if they get you to buy supplements or other services, or to even extend your membership so they have other incentives with you as a customer.

Some trainers that are staff will often turn down the offer of a tip. Some see it like tipping your college professor or kid's teacher...which makes them feel weird. Again, this is for staff trainers that work for salary/commission. Non-staff trainers are a whole different story.

I figured this would be the case, so I'll ask the management.

They'll be barking up the wrong tree trying to sell me supplements, though- I don't really need them, and the few I've tried have not agreed too well with me.

simply ask if tipping is acceptable