FIELDNOTE · Before you book
Studio, home or online: what are you actually booking?
A personal training search can put a one-to-one studio appointment, a home visit, a coached group and an app program beside one another. Start by comparing the amount and kind of contact you want, then ask what is included.
Studio PT: ask what private means
A one-to-one session means one coach working with you; it does not always mean exclusive use of the whole gym. My Train Station and Gavin Park PT describe private studio settings. Sempre lists sessions within Goodlife Burleigh Waters. Ask whether other people train in the same space and whether gym entry is included. If equipment access or a quieter room matters to you, describe that need before the first appointment.
Mobile PT: make the location part of the quote
Sempre and Think Fit with Deb both list home or mobile options. Neither listing on this guide is a guarantee of service at every Gold Coast address. Give the coach your suburb, the kind of space available and any access constraints. Ask who brings equipment, whether travel costs extra and what the fallback is if the planned space is unusable. If you propose a public space, have the trainer confirm it is permitted and suitable.
Online coaching: distinguish a live session from a program
Halligan's Fitness describes online personal training, while Sempre describes an app-based program and check-ins. Gavin Park PT lists online powerlifting and technique coaching. Ask whether your offer includes live video, written programming, recorded technique feedback or messages, and how often someone reviews progress. The word online does not tell you how much real-time attention you receive.
Small-group PT and classes: find the practical difference
Skadi lists one-to-one and small-group PT. Evolve and Vision list group classes alongside personal training. Ask how many people attend, whether everyone follows the same exercises and whether you receive an individual program. A group may suit the social routine you want, but compare the session structure with your goals rather than assuming it is identical to one-to-one coaching.
Get a complete quote before deciding
Request the session length, payment frequency, gym access fee, travel charge if relevant, minimum term, cancellation notice and pause policy in writing. Explain your exercise experience and any adjustments you need directly to the trainer. This guide helps compare services; it does not assess a provider's qualifications, clinical suitability or the results you might achieve.
Sources & editorial note
Provider facts are drawn from the official pages below, checked 13 September 2026. The comparisons and planning questions are our editorial guidance. We have not visited these venues or assessed their coaching.