Should I Charge Friends for Personalized Workout Plans? AITA?

Some people don’t recognize a favor, they just treat it like background noise. In this case, it’s a 28-year-old guy who started out being the “fitness friend” who helped everyone out for free, until the free help turned into zero follow-through.

He’s now certified, he’s putting actual effort into personalized workout plans, and he’s even doing follow-ups to adjust everything based on real progress. At first, he offered detailed plans to a few interested friends with no cost, but most of them didn’t stick to the program or consistently update him, so he changed the deal.

That’s when one close friend got offended, like being asked to pay for a tailored plan was a betrayal of friendship.

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.

One of my close friends, who initially showed interest in the paid plans, became upset when I mentioned the fee.

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?

Comment from u/fitlife_guru

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After years of free workout advice, the moment he started creating personalized plans for real goals and real schedules, the vibe shifted fast.</p>

And it’s a similar boundary fight to the spouse with faux fur mattress allergies that kept causing problems.

When the friends who got those detailed plans stopped updating him and didn’t take the plan seriously, he decided the “free” setup wasn’t working.</p>

The complication hit hard when he told his close friend he’d be charging a nominal fee for customized plans, and that friend took it personally.</p>

Now he’s stuck defending the value of the work he does, while his friend insists he’s prioritizing money over friendship.</p>

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Nobody wants to work for free, especially when the plan gets ignored and the updates never show up.

Wait, it gets messier, check out the neighbor who rehomed an aggressive cat after it attacked their pet.