Should I Charge Friends for Personalized Workout Plans? AITA?

In the world of fitness, where dedication and commitment play pivotal roles, one newly certified personal trainer is facing a dilemma that many may relate to. After years of providing workout advice to friends for free, he has decided to take a step back and evaluate the situation as he begins to charge for his customized workout plans.

This decision has sparked a debate among his friends, particularly one who feels that their long-standing friendship should exempt him from charging for his expertise. The trainer, a 28-year-old male, has invested his time and energy into creating personalized plans that cater to individual goals, schedules, and preferences.

Despite his efforts, many friends failed to adhere to the plans or communicate their progress. Frustrated by this lack of commitment, he rationalized that introducing a nominal fee might encourage accountability and respect for the service he provides.

However, the backlash from a close friend has raised questions about the intersection of personal relationships and professional services. Should he continue offering his expertise for free as a friend, or is it reasonable to expect compensation for his professional skills?

The Reddit community is weighing in on whether he is justified in charging for his services, prompting a broader discussion about the value of friendship versus the value of professional expertise. What do you think?

Original Post

I (28M) have always been passionate about fitness and recently became a certified personal trainer. Throughout the years, friends have asked me for workout advice, and I've helped them out for free.

However, I noticed that some of them weren't taking it seriously or sticking to the plans. After becoming certified, I decided to offer personalized workout plans tailored to each individual's goals, schedules, and preferences.

I put a lot of effort into creating these plans, including follow-up sessions to track progress and make adjustments. A few friends expressed interest, so I provided them with detailed plans for free initially.

However, most of them didn't follow through or consistently update me on their progress. This led me to reevaluate my approach.

I eventually decided to start charging a nominal fee for these personalized workout plans to ensure commitment and value the effort I put in. I made it clear that I would provide ongoing support, adjustments, and guidance as needed.

One of my close friends, who initially showed interest in the paid plans, became upset when I mentioned the fee. He argued that since we've been friends for years, I should continue offering the plans for free as a favor.

He seemed offended by the idea of paying for a service I offer professionally to others. Despite explaining my reasons and the benefits of the paid plans, he accused me of prioritizing money over friendship.

So, Reddit, AITA for charging my friends for my customized workout plans?

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