Do you tip a personal trainer?

[G Vice]

It isn’t about whether I can afford it. I can afford to tip my dentist but it isn’t expected or appropriate. I’m trying to figure out what category PTs are in — dentist or massage therapist tip territory? It’s sounding more like they’re in mail carrier territory — not expected, always appreciated, usually around Christmas

I've never heard of anyone tipping their dentist. It is not customary, nor is it expected, to tip medical/healthcare professionals (I am one). But well-meaning clients/patients want to do this sometimes, usually during the holidays. They might give a gift card of some sort or bake some cookies for staff, and that's okay.

Do personal trainers fall in to the same category and healthcare professionals ? They may do good work, but the business model can be quite different, and I'm not arguing their value. But they usually aren't counting on tips for income like others in service industry.

I tip my haircut person every time I go, and massage therapist (but I only make time for that once or twice per year).

 

[ProfAndyCarp]

I’ll be starting a personal training program at the local rec center. It costs about $80/session paid to the center. Is this like massage where the practitioner only gets a bit of that and I am expected to supplement with tips? If so, how much?

I never have tipped my trainer of 10 years, but I do give her a small gift at the end of the year — a book, usually.