How do I rent a private gym studio for personal training, photography, or filming?

Are you looking to rent a gym space to train your next client? Maybe you're finally investing in a professional fitness photographer to level up your Instagram, or you just need open floor space to film your virtual classes. Either way, here's what you need to know before you book.

Where to Find Available Fitness Space

Public parks are always a good place to start. Many parks around Los Angeles are free and offer plenty of open space with skyline views. For something more structured, most cities offer park rentals — you'll need a permit and an hourly fee, but it beats getting escorted out by Parks and Rec.

A client's home works well for some trainers. High-end personal trainers often commute directly to clients for private sessions — the tradeoff is that in-home training typically commands a higher rate.

A private studio rental is the best option if you want to take the experience up a level. Plenty of fitness studios are happy to rent out their space for the right price — browse available studios on Subler to find one near you.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Gym Space?

Studios typically offer multiple pricing, and rates vary depending on location, facility type, and the equipment you need for training, photo, or film work. You'll usually see three pricing structures:

1. Hourly rentals — a flat hourly rate, best for one-off sessions or if you want to test out a few different studios.
2. Monthly rentals — a discounted rate for trainers who need a space on an ongoing basis.
3. Per-client pricing — some studios charge based on how many clients you bring per session. Fewer clients usually means a better rate.

Search Subler's listings to compare pricing across studios near you.

How to Train a New Personal Training Client

You won't always know a new client's medical history upfront, so it's worth having multiple workout plans — or modifications ready for each exercise — before the first session.

What to Expect When Renting a New Fitness Space

Before you arrive at a new studio, confirm the basics: what equipment is available, how you'll get building access, and any studio-specific guidelines.

We'd also recommend tailoring your workout program (or your photo/film shoot) to the space itself. Whether it's a park, a studio, a living room, or a garage, plan around the equipment and room constraints you'll actually have.

Equipment matters no matter what kind of session you're running. If you're renting a studio, confirm ahead of time what's provided and what you'll need to bring. If you're training at a client's home, ask what equipment they already own before you show up — it'll save you from hauling gear you didn't need.

Do I Need Personal Trainer Insurance to Rent a Private Studio?

If you don't yet hold a personal training certification, insurance matters even more.

Most private studios require personal training insurance before they'll rent to you. At minimum, you'll need General Liability Insurance — it's straightforward to obtain and usually a one-time purchase that covers you for a year. Independent contractors will need to list the studio on their policy as an "additional insured"; check with your insurance provider for details, and always ask for proof of insurance if you're subletting from another trainer.

As a newly certified trainer, insuring yourself against liability — client injury, client dissatisfaction, or otherwise — is one of the most important steps in getting your business off the ground. It gives you access to general and professional liability coverage built specifically for the fitness industry.

Policies can be purchased online in minutes, and most insurers offer monthly payment plans, so you can get covered without a big upfront cost. We strongly recommend picking up personal trainer insurance before your first rental.

Ready to find your next space? Start browsing on Subler.