How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer in Copenhagen [2025 Guide]

The wrong personal trainer costs you much more than just money.

Marie spent 20,000 kroner and 6 months with a trainer who had no plan. She ended up just as unmotivated as when she started, but now also disappointed in herself and skeptical about whether training could work for her at all.

Peter spent almost the same amount on a trainer who actually knew what he was doing. 6 months later, he lifts his children without back pain and has the energy to be the father he wanted to be.

Both paid almost the same. Both invested months of their time. But only one of them got the life they dreamed of.

The difference wasn't motivation, genetics, or luck. It was choosing a trainer with documented expertise over one who just sounded convincing in the first conversation.

At Nordic Performance Training, we've had more than 3,000 satisfied clients and conducted over 50,000 personal training hours over the past 8 years. In that time, we've seen this pattern repeat countless times. The right decisions create lifelong improvements. The wrong decisions create costly frustrations.

Want to go straight to the actionable content? Jump to:

• 5 Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Personal Trainer in Copenhagen
• 5 Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Personal Trainer in Copenhagen

Or read on for the complete guide on how to avoid becoming the next Marie and ensure you become the next Peter.

What Do You Actually Want from Personal Training in Copenhagen?

The first thing to figure out sounds simple, but it's not: what do you actually want from personal training in Copenhagen?

And no, it doesn't need to be super specific. A goal can absolutely be something as fundamental as wanting to become a person who trains consistently 1-2 times per week, to feel more confident in your body's abilities, or to build a routine that gives you more energy for everything else you want to do in your life.

It doesn't need to be a defined fitness goal like losing 10 kilos before summer or being able to perform 5 pull-ups. It's perfectly fine if you're just looking to feel more comfortable or do something positive for yourself.

Still, it helps to have at least a general sense of direction. Because personal trainers in Copenhagen, like professionals in any field, have different strengths and focus areas. The more you understand what you want, the easier it becomes to find someone who can help you get exactly there.

Examples of Goals from Our Start-up Conversations

Here are examples of the types of goals clients have shared with us during their start-up conversations. These might help you reflect on your own situation:

Marie, 57, manager from Frederiksberg: "I just want to feel younger and stronger again."

Rasmus, 41, finance director from Ørestad: "I want to be able to play with my children without back pain."

Louise, 37, hairdresser from Nordhavn: "I need something that's just about me."

And if you're reading this and thinking, "I actually don't know what my goal is," that's completely okay.

You don't need a crystal-clear goal to get started. Just deciding to begin is more than enough. A good personal trainer can help you figure out what matters to you, suggest realistic goals, and explain what it takes to move forward.

The important insight here is that your real goal is often not what you think it is. Rasmus didn't just want training—he wanted to be the engaged father he wishes to be. Louise didn't need a training plan—she needed to remember that she could prioritize herself. Marie wasn't just seeking weight loss—she was rediscovering her identity.

Understanding this difference will help you choose a personal trainer who solves the right problem.

"You don't need a specific goal to start training. The goal might come later. The most important thing is just showing up, again and again." — Lucas Iversen

How Much Time Can You Realistically Dedicate to Training?

This is one of the most important questions, and the most overlooked, when choosing personal training in Copenhagen.

Training should make your life better. It should give you more energy for long work days, more structure for chaotic schedules, and more strength to handle everything from bike rides to carrying groceries up stairs. It shouldn't compete with your calendar or feel like another pressure to live up to.

If you're balancing a demanding job, family, social obligations, and everything else life entails, you probably don't have 5+ hours per week available for training.

Here's the good news: you don't need 5+ hours per week.

Most of our clients train 1 or 2 times per week and get excellent results. Because when training is properly structured, you don't need to be in the fitness center every day.

Take Anna, 34, elementary school teacher from Nørrebro: "My back was killing me after whole days on my feet with the children. 2 training sessions per week didn't just solve the back pain, but gave me energy for both work and private life."

"It's like investing. You can buy high-risk stocks and hope for big quick gains - or buy C20 index funds and know with certainty that you'll get solid returns over time. Most investors who stick to the simple, reliable strategy end up with better results than those chasing the big, quick gains." — Kasper Vinther

Multiple large studies confirm this. 1-2 full-body training sessions per week are sufficient to improve strength, build muscle, and support long-term health, as long as the training is performed with structure and progression.

For an in-depth explanation of why full-body training works so effectively with lower frequency, read our complete Full Body training guide.

Busy Copenhageners understand efficiency in all areas of their lives. The best personal trainers apply that same efficiency in the training center.

So before you think "I can only manage 1-2 sessions," remember: quality and consistency mean far more than quantity. The trainer who helps you train consistently 1-2 times per week for 2 years will give you infinitely better results than the trainer who gives you a 5-day program you quit after 2 months.

Your Personal Training Budget: Price vs. Value

Here's an old saying that rings particularly true for personal training in Copenhagen: Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.

When you invest in quality personal training, you're not just paying for the hour you spend in a fitness center. You're paying for what that hour gives you in all the other 167 hours of your week. More energy at work, fewer tensions in neck and back, more focus, better sleep, and a stronger sense of control over your health.

We've seen this transformation countless times. A client starts with us thinking they just need to get a bit stronger, but what actually changes is how they carry themselves. They feel more confident on the stairs at Nørreport Station, more confident in business meetings, and generally more like the version of themselves they wanted to be.

That's why choosing a personal trainer based only on hourly price can be misleading. A 600-kroner session looks cheaper than an 800-kroner session. But if the first doesn't give you anything more than random training sessions that leave you uncertain about progress, then the lower price doesn't matter.

"The cheapest trainer is often the most expensive in the long run. You're not just paying for an hour - you're investing in how you feel during all the other 167 hours of your week." — Kasper Vinther, Nordic Performance Training

The Real Costs of Cheap Personal Training

We regularly meet people in Copenhagen who have spent 15,000-30,000 kroner on personal training that led nowhere. They convinced themselves they were saving money by choosing the budget option, but actually just spread the cost of failure over several frustrating months.

Here's the math that actually matters:

Experienced trainer: 800 kr × 48 sessions = 38,400 kr. These sessions create lasting change.

Cheap trainer: 600 kr × 48 sessions = 28,800 kr. But if you don't see results and have to start over with a new trainer, you've wasted both time and money - and then you have to pay for another 48 sessions.

What's Actually More Expensive?

A structured process with a professional trainer who tracks your progress, understands your life, and gives you the tools to keep training for the rest of your life. That makes a lasting difference - not just during your sessions, but across all the other hours of your week.

When it works, it becomes the most affordable option in the long run because you avoid the expensive cycle of starting over again and again.

Johanne, 44, real estate agent from Amager, had previously spent 12,000 kroner on a cheap trainer who mostly ran her tired in circuit training with kettlebells and burpees without any strength progression. After investing in an experienced trainer at 800 kr per session, she was stronger, felt younger, and her pain was gone after just 3 months. "The expensive trainer actually became the cheapest solution," she said.

What Should You Look for in a Personal Trainer in Copenhagen?

Now that you've reflected on your goals, schedule, and budget, let's talk about what actually makes a good personal trainer in Copenhagen.

There are thousands of people in this city who call themselves personal trainers. Some are excellent. Some are decent. Some are well-meaning but not very effective. And some, to be honest, shouldn't be coaching anyone at all.

So how can you tell the difference? Here's what we recommend looking for.

Education That Actually Matters

Saying "I've always been good at fitness" is not a qualification. It doesn't mean someone knows how to coach others, and it certainly doesn't guarantee they can help you reach your goals.

To be fair, a personal training certification or university degree doesn't automatically make someone a fantastic personal trainer either. But it shows a certain level of commitment to learning and professionalism.

Look for someone with:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in physiotherapy, sports science, or nutrition and health
• Certifications from respected organizations with examinations
• Relevant specialization courses
• A habit of continuing education

In Denmark, "personal trainer" is not a protected title. That means anyone can create a website and call themselves a personal trainer. It's worth doing some research before you invest your time and money.

But remember: credentials predict knowledge, not wisdom. The best personal trainers in Copenhagen combine solid formal education with the kind of experience and pattern recognition that only comes from training hundreds or thousands of different people.

A Documented Track Record of Real Results

A good personal trainer doesn't just talk about results. They can show them.

This could be client testimonials, Google reviews, or simply sharing examples of how they've helped people with similar goals to yours.

You can ask questions like:

• Have you helped anyone with the same goal I have?
• How long does it typically take for your clients to reach that goal?
• What's your success rate with clients who are like me?

A professional personal trainer should be able to document and share success stories (with consent) and not just say their approach works without anything to back it up. They should tell you what has worked, what hasn't, and what they've learned along the way.

At Nordic Performance Training, we have over 350 5-star Google reviews from clients across Copenhagen.

Relevant Specialization for Your Needs

Most personal trainers have a general understanding of fitness and strength training, but their approach and the type of clients they work with can vary significantly.

Some work primarily with rehabilitation after injuries, others focus on performance goals like running or CrossFit, while some specialize in helping normal people become more structured and consistent.

If your goal is to start running — or set a new personal record — you can benefit from reading our running guide for a simple, effective, and realistic program.

This specialization matters when you're choosing a personal trainer, especially if you have specific goals.

Let's say you're preparing for a police or military fitness test, so you'll probably need someone who understands how to combine strength and conditioning training and who knows exactly what's required to meet the physical demands. If your trainer mostly teaches yoga, that might not be the best match.

The same applies if you have chronic pain or are recovering from a serious injury, so you'll want someone with experience in that area who knows how to adjust exercises based on your situation, instead of someone who just tells you to push through the discomfort.

Take our client Sofie, 44, accountant from Amager, who was recovering after chemotherapy and needed to rebuild strength safely. "I was nervous about doing it wrong or pushing myself too hard," she said. Thanks to our healthcare professional background and experience with rehabilitation, we helped her regain not just physical strength, but also confidence in her body's abilities. Read our article Your Body Is Not Broken, where we dive deeper into how training can rebuild confidence and strength — even after pain or injury.

"It's not about finding the 'best' trainer. It's about finding the right place with the right trainer for you." — Lucas Iversen, Nordic Performance Training

At Nordic Performance Training, our core focus is structured, simple, and effective strength training for completely normal busy Copenhageners. Most of our clients come to us because they want to feel stronger, be healthier, and finally master being consistent with their training. They want this in a private, professional, and distraction-free training environment.

Within that framework, we've also helped clients prepare for Copenhagen Marathon, return to training after injuries or illness, improve in their sport, and build a solid strength foundation.

The point isn't that one type of training is better than another. The point is that your trainer should have relevant experience with people like you. That's what makes it easier to feel understood, supported, and confident in the process from day 1.

Science-Based Approach and Physiological Understanding

A fantastic personal trainer doesn't need to have a Ph.D. or be a researcher in exercise science, but they should understand why they do what they do, and even more importantly, they should be able to explain it to you in a way that's simple and makes sense.

They should understand how the body responds to training, what it means to develop over time, how stress, recovery, load, and adaptation are connected. Not just because it sounds impressive, but because it's the foundation for helping you improve in a smart and sustainable way.

This doesn't mean every session should feel like a university lecture, but if you ask questions—like why you're doing a particular exercise, why the weight increased this week, or what you can expect in the coming months—your trainer should be able to answer clearly, without hiding behind complicated terminology or vague buzzwords.

Look for someone who:

• Can explain training decisions in simple, practical terms
• Uses objective tools to track your progress over time
• References established principles and evidence-based methods
• Avoids pseudoscience, extreme claims, or trendy concepts they can't even explain

If a trainer can only talk about what "worked for them," or constantly changes your program without clear reasoning, it's worth asking what their method is based on. If they can't answer that calmly and thoroughly, you might not be getting the professional guidance you deserve.

The best trainers don't just tell you what to do. They help you understand it. Because when you understand the process, it becomes much easier to trust it and stick with it long enough to see real results.

Communication and Coaching Style

This aspect is harder to quantify, but it means just as much as everything else. Maybe even more.

You want a personal trainer who listens—not just to what you say, but also to what you don't say. Someone who notices how your day has been before you even start your training. Someone who asks how you slept, remembers that your knee has been bothering you, and knows how to adjust your training without making it feel like a defeat.

Fantastic coaching is about meeting you where you are that day—not where a generic plan says you should be. It's about explaining things in a clear, concise way that keeps helping you move forward.

One of our primary focus areas at Nordic Performance Training is being responsive in the right way. The training program only changes when necessary, because structure is what drives progress, but how we coach you through it varies from session to session. Sometimes you feel strong, focused, and ready to push forward, and other days not so much. We know how to recognize the difference and adjust accordingly. That's what keeps training sustainable over time.

It's also about clarity. You should never leave a session wondering what you just did or why. Your trainer should be able to explain the plan, show you your progress, and help you understand what's coming next time.

You don't need to be best friends with your trainer. But you should feel safe, supported, and genuinely seen. Not just as someone performing repetitions, but as a whole person with a full life outside the fitness center.

Professionalism and Structure

This is one of those things people tend to take for granted. Most assume that when they hire a personal trainer in Copenhagen, everything will naturally be organized, structured, and professional. But in reality, this varies just as much as coaching style or training methods, and it makes a huge difference.

You should expect your trainer to treat your time with the same respect they expect you to have for theirs. That means showing up on time, being prepared, having a shared plan, communicating clearly, and not canceling last minute or being late without a good reason.

It also means there should be a clear plan and process behind the training sessions. Training shouldn't feel random. There should be a long-term plan in place, not just a collection of exercises thrown together for variety's sake. You deserve to know where you're headed, how you're developing, and how training is adjusted based on your feedback and performance.

At Nordic Performance Training, we don't coach just on intuition. Every single client follows a structured training program with a clear direction, but we remain flexible in how we deliver it, adjusting variables like when we increase load, when we add repetitions, and when we change exercises to keep things effective without losing the foundation.

We track your progress in our app, we communicate openly about expectations, and we always treat your time and energy with the same respect we expect from you.

When you work with a professional, it feels different. There's clarity, there's consistency, and there's a quiet confidence that comes from knowing someone is guiding the process with precision and attention. It makes it easier for you to show up, focus on the work, and trust that it works.

Personal Chemistry and Motivation

You're going to spend a good amount of time with your personal trainer. Often 1 to 4 hours per week over several months or years. So yes, personal chemistry matters—and probably more than people realize initially.

It's not about becoming best friends or having exactly the same humor. It's about whether you feel comfortable around them, whether you trust them, whether they create a training environment where you actually want to train, even on days when you don't really feel like showing up.

When that kind of relationship is in place, everything else becomes easier. Sessions feel less like obligations, you start building real momentum, training slowly becomes part of your life instead of something you constantly have to convince yourself to do.

At Nordic Performance Training, one of our biggest priorities is being the kind of people our clients really want to spend time with. That doesn't mean being overly talkative or entertaining, but more about creating an environment where you feel supported, respected, and challenged in exactly the right way.

If you've worked with a good coach before—in any area of life—you'll recognize the feeling. They're calm but focused, encouraging but honest, they make expectations clear but they never make you feel like you're failing, and they meet you where you are while always keeping perspective on where you're headed.

In practice, this looks like:

• They're positive and encouraging, celebrating your progress without making it feel forced
• They communicate clearly and directly, challenging you when necessary while helping you keep improving
• They're patient and down-to-earth, able to maintain long-term perspective while being fully present in each session
• They're structured and goal-oriented, but they include you in the process so training feels collaborative and personal

When these qualities are in place, motivation becomes easier. You don't just show up because of guilt or willpower. You show up because the process feels valuable, and because there's someone who's genuinely invested in helping you succeed.

Choose a Trainer Who Practices What They Preach

This can be harder to define, but you'll feel it when it's there. And you'll definitely notice when it's missing.

A good personal trainer should practice what they preach. That doesn't mean they need to look like a fitness model or train for the Olympics, but they should believe in the methods they recommend and apply them in their own life, at least in some form.

So if your trainer never trains themselves, constantly complains about being tired or unmotivated, or doesn't seem to have any structure or direction in their own training routine, it's fair to ask: how could they help you achieve those things if they don't do it themselves?

At Nordic Performance Training, all our personal trainers and physiotherapists follow the same kind of training structure we give to our clients. We train ourselves structured and sustainably because we don't believe in asking our clients to commit to something we wouldn't do ourselves.

But it's not exclusively about what someone does in the fitness center. It's also about energy and attitude generally.

If a trainer constantly seems negative, pessimistic, or generally uninterested in their work—if they talk like they're tired of coaching or don't seem to enjoy working with people—that's a red flag. You're hiring someone to support your growth, and if they're stuck in their own frustration or burnout, it will negatively affect your experience and progress.

Clients can sense when a trainer is just going through the motions, and they can definitely feel when someone genuinely cares about what they're doing.

You don't need someone who pretends to have all the answers, but you need someone who's persistent, honest, and willing to lead by example. That's what builds long-term trust, and trust is what makes a coaching relationship sustainable.

5 Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Personal Trainer in Copenhagen

Sometimes the best way to make a good decision is knowing what to avoid. We've talked to many people who started with the wrong trainer and ended up frustrated, unmotivated, or even injured. Not because they didn't try, but because the coaching wasn't what they needed.

Here are 5 common red flags to watch for. If you spot one or more of these, it's worth reconsidering.

"We often meet clients who have wasted both time and money with trainers showing these red flags. You don't need to make the same mistakes." — Kasper Vinther

1. Unrealistic Promises

"Lose 10 kg in 30 days" or "guaranteed transformation in 6 weeks" sounds appealing, especially if you've struggled to see progress. But it's usually a sign that something's wrong.

Professional trainers know that real results take time and depend on factors beyond both your and their control. Life happens. Work gets stressful. Children get sick. Your body doesn't follow a predetermined schedule just because someone said it should.

What you should hear instead: A good trainer promises their best effort, full attention, and a structured approach. They focus on the process and build routines that make results lasting.

2. Random Training Sessions Without Structure

If your training sessions feel completely different every time, and you never know what's coming or why, your trainer probably has no long-term plan for you.

Variation can be useful, but only when it builds on structure. You need repetition and mastery to become stronger and more confident, not just new exercises for entertainment.

What you should see: A training program adapted to your needs and progress. If you can't see how this week's training builds on last week's, your body can't either.

3. No Interest in Your Background

A good trainer should want to know who you are. Not just your training goals, but your history, previous injuries, training experience, work, and what's happening in your life outside the fitness center.

This context matters enormously. If you've struggled with motivation before, if certain exercises make you nervous, or if you have a demanding job, that should influence how your training is structured.

Red flag: The trainer doesn't ask about these things or seems uninterested in the answers. They treat you like a generic task instead of a specific person with specific needs.

4. No Documented Results

Any experienced trainer should be able to show you proof that their approach works. That could be client testimonials, Google reviews, before-and-after stories, or examples of clients with goals like yours.

If they don't have any references, or become defensive when you ask, it's worth being cautious. You deserve to know if others have trusted this person before and what results they've helped people achieve.

What you should demand: Professional trainers are proud of their clients' success stories and happy to share them (with appropriate consent). See for example our [recommendations here] - they are short excerpts from the full Google reviews you can find [here] - as an example of how documented results should look.

5. Lack of Boundaries and Professionalism

This one might not be obvious right away, but over time it significantly affects the quality of your experience.

If a trainer constantly allows last-minute rebooking, responds to messages around the clock, often arrives late, or operates without structure around their schedule, it's a sign they're overloaded or struggling to manage their own time.

This might seem like flexibility, but when a trainer doesn't set healthy boundaries or take care of their own routines, they often can't be fully present for their clients either.

What you should see: Fixed training times, clear boundaries, and respect for both their and your time. At Nordic Performance Training, we have fixed weekly training times, planned progression, and clear expectations for the process. We prioritize our own training because we can't expect you to value it if we don't do it ourselves.

Respect goes both ways. When a trainer respects their own time and energy, they're far more likely to respect yours and create a stable, reliable training relationship.

5 Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Personal Trainer in Copenhagen

When you've narrowed down your options, it's time to have real conversations. Whether you're meeting for a free start-up conversation or exchanging emails, these questions can help you determine if a trainer is actually a good fit, both professionally and personally.

You don't need to interrogate them, but you should understand what you're getting into. A professional personal trainer should be able to answer these questions without hesitation. If they can't, that tells you just as much as any answer would.

"If a personal trainer or training center doesn't offer a free start-up conversation, that's a red flag in itself. Professional personal trainers want to ensure it's the right match for both parties." — Lucas Iversen

1. What do you specialize in, and why does it fit my goal?

This is where you discover if the trainer has relevant experience with people like you. Listen for clear, specific answers—not vague generalities.

If you're recovering from an injury, they should be able to speak confidently about that process. If you want to build strength without having to train 5 days a week in fitness centers around Copenhagen, they should understand how to help you streamline your training.

You're not looking for a perfect match on paper. You're looking for someone who understands what matters to you and can explain why their approach will support your specific goals.

2. Can you describe your process for someone like me and show examples of other similar clients?

Before you commit to anything, you should have a clear understanding of both the theoretical approach and how it works in practice.

Ask about the process:

• How many sessions per week would we do, and how long do they take?
• How is training structured over time?
• How do you measure progress?
• What happens between sessions?

Ask for concrete examples: They can show you videos from their social media, walk through a case study similar to your situation, or describe how they've helped someone with comparable background and goals. The point is to give you a more concrete picture of what you can expect.

If they can't answer both parts clearly, it might indicate lacking systematic structure or limited experience with clients like you.

3. What's your education and certification background?

Take time to understand your trainer's background and how much effort they've invested in becoming skilled at what they do.

Do they have relevant formal education in areas like physiotherapy, sports science, or human nutrition? Do they actively continue their education through courses, mentorships, or certifications? Do they stay updated with training research, or do they still rely on what they learned years ago?

The best personal trainers in Copenhagen are always learning. Not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about improving—for themselves and for the people they coach.

4. How do you handle plateaus or periods of slow progress?

If you train consistently long enough, you'll probably hit plateaus. That's completely normal. The question is whether that plateau represents a natural part of your development or a sign that something in your training approach needs adjustment.

A professional trainer should be able to help you navigate this difference. Sometimes it's exactly appropriate to maintain your current level, especially if your life outside the fitness center is particularly demanding. Other times, a small but strategic change might be necessary.

If the plateau is motivational rather than physical, they should also know how to support you through that. The right coach won't panic but will listen and develop appropriate solutions.

5. What does your service include, and what are your terms and prices?

This combined question clarifies both value and practical expectations at once.

Ask about service and support: What kind of support is available outside the fitness center? Do they help with lifestyle guidance, programming for your free days, or general accountability between sessions? Does it include apps, videos, or other guidance?

Clarify practical terms: Ask about binding periods, whether sessions are sold individually or in packages, cancellation policy, and whether sessions are scheduled at fixed times or with flexible booking.

At Nordic Performance Training, we offer training courses of 6 or 12 weeks with 1-3 fixed sessions per week, plus access to our training app with exercise demonstrations, result tracking, and nutrition support. We always start with a free start-up conversation so you can make an informed decision.

A professional personal trainer should be transparent about both value and expectations from the start. When both parties understand what they can expect, everything runs more smoothly.

Can a Personal Trainer Really Make You Stronger with Just 1-2 Sessions Per Week?

Absolutely. It's not just something we've observed with thousands of clients—it's also supported by significant research.

Most of our clients train only 1-2 times per week. They're busy, career-driven, often parents with complete lives and limited time. Yet they get stronger, feel better, and maintain progress over time.

Research continuously demonstrates that 1-2 full-body training sessions per week can lead to measurable improvements in strength, muscle mass, and long-term health outcomes. The key requirement is that the training is structured and performed with appropriate intensity and progression.

Rebecca, 41, manager from Østerbro, didn't believe 1 time per week could make a difference. "I was starting to lose confidence and could feel I was getting older," she said. After 9 months of structured strength training, she felt stronger and as confident as she did in her late twenties.

Many clients have significantly reduced their training volume from previous routines and still achieved better progress, simply because their new approach was realistic and sustainable.

The traditional fitness industry wants you to believe that more is always better. But for most people, the opposite is true. Less training volume with higher quality and consistency produces superior long-term results.

At Nordic Performance Training, we've optimized everything around this principle. Our clients succeed with minimal time investment because every aspect of their program is targeted and progressive.

Why Personal Training Is an Investment, Not an Expense

This connects directly to what we discussed earlier about pricing and value.

If you evaluate personal training purely as a price-per-hour service, it can seem expensive compared to other activities. But when you consider what the right trainer can help you achieve—and how it improves your entire experience outside the fitness center—it becomes one of the most effective investments you can make.

Let's revisit the economics:

A skilled trainer at 800 kroner per session who helps you reach your goals in 48 sessions costs 38,400 kroner. These sessions create lasting behavioral change and physical improvement that benefits you for years.

A less experienced trainer at 600 kroner might seem cheaper, but if they don't have clear methodology or systematic progression, you spend 28,800 kroner on training without meaningful progress. Then you're back at the beginning and have to start over.

"The real cost isn't what you pay per session—it's the months of wasted time and thousands of kroner on training that doesn't work." — Kasper Vinther, Nordic Performance Training

Take Johanne from our earlier example: After wasting 12,000 kroner on ineffective training, she invested in quality and achieved lasting results. Her investment continues to pay dividends year after year through better health, energy, and confidence.

Quality personal training pays dividends over time. Ineffective training will always be the most expensive option in the end.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Training in Copenhagen

How do I choose the right personal trainer in Copenhagen?

Choose a trainer with relevant experience, a structured method, and proven results.
Start by clarifying your goals and available time. Look for a trainer who explains their process clearly, shows examples of similar client results, and feels like a good personal fit. Ask about their education and how they measure progress — the quality of the relationship often determines long-term success.

What does personal training cost in Copenhagen?

Personal training in Copenhagen typically costs 600–1,500 DKK per session.
Prices depend on the trainer’s experience, education, and environment. Independent trainers often charge less, while specialized physiotherapists or private training studios charge more. Remember that cheaper isn’t always better — effective, structured coaching usually saves money long-term by producing faster, lasting results.

Should my personal trainer have specific certifications?

Yes. Always choose a certified or licensed professional.
If the trainer isn’t a physiotherapist or healthcare provider, they should hold a recognized certification from a respected education body and engage in ongoing professional development. The title “personal trainer” isn’t protected in Denmark, so it’s worth verifying their education and how they stay updated.

How do I know if my personal trainer is effective?

An effective trainer tracks progress, explains exercises clearly, and adjusts your plan when needed.
They measure performance objectively, help you stay consistent, and create a motivating environment. Look for trainers who can show real testimonials, adapt training to your life, and provide structure through both easy and challenging phases. If they can’t document progress, it’s a red flag.

Can I get results training only 1–2 times per week?

Yes. Research and client data show that 1–2 structured strength sessions per week can build strength, muscle, and health.
The key is a systematic program that progresses over time — not random workouts. Many of our busiest clients achieve excellent results with just 1–2 weekly sessions when they follow a consistent plan with proper intensity and progression.

How long should I commit to personal training?

Commit at least 12–16 sessions to build a foundation and see results.
For most people, a 3–6 month period is ideal to develop habits, confidence, and measurable progress. The best trainers focus on making you independent — teaching sustainable principles rather than creating dependency on ongoing sessions.

What can I expect at my first training session?

Expect a thorough conversation before any training begins.
A professional trainer takes time to understand your background, goals, and daily life before assessing movement patterns. The session should include clear explanations, realistic expectations, and a plan that leaves you confident about the process and what comes next.

The Big Decision: How to Choose Right

Choosing a personal trainer and training center is a bigger decision than most people realize. It's not just about who's available or cheapest.

It's a significant investment: For many people, it's many thousands of kroner. Chosen correctly, it becomes one of the best investments you can make. Chosen wrong, it becomes wasted money and months.

Big decisions you need to make:

• Private training center vs. large commercial fitness center
• Experienced trainer vs. newly qualified (and price difference)
• 1-2 times vs. several times per week
• Structured approach vs. varying programs

What should you prioritize?

Start with clarity about your goals—even if it's just building a sustainable routine. Be realistic about time—for most Copenhageners, 1-2 training sessions per week is optimal. Choose a trainer with structure, documented results, and the ability to adapt to your life.

Look for someone who tracks your development, respects your time, and explains their decisions clearly. Consider practical factors: location, environment, and whether you feel comfortable there.

Remember: You're not just investing in training sessions—you're investing in your future health, strength, and confidence. These results follow you for the rest of your life if the choice is right.

Ready to Make the Right Decision?

If you want to hear more about what we can offer at Nordic Performance Training, we offer a free start-up conversation without obligation.

In the conversation, you get:

• Personal guidance for your specific goals
• Insight into our structured approach
• Answers to all your questions about training, scheduling and terms
• Opportunity to experience our Private Gym

Book your free start-up conversation here

No obligation—just an honest conversation about the right training choice for you.

References

Lu, Y., Lin, L., Xia, M., Chen, W., & Zheng, Q. (2024). Comparing the impact of personal trainer guidance to exercising with others: Determining the optimal approach. Heliyon, 10(2), e24625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24625

Gjestvang, C., Kalhovde, J. M., Tangen, E. M., Clemm, H., & Haakstad, L. A. H. (2025). Impact of In-Person and Mobile Exercise Coaching on Psychosocial Factors Affecting Exercise Adherence in Inactive Women With Obesity: 20-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e68462. https://doi.org/10.2196/68462

Gómez-Redondo, P., Valenzuela, P. L., Morales, J. S., & Lucia, A. (2024). Supervised versus unsupervised exercise for the improvement of physical function and well-being outcomes in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sports Medicine, 54(7), 1877–1906. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02024-1

Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Davies, T. B., Lazinica, B., Krieger, J. W., & Pedisic, Z. (2018). Effect of resistance training frequency on gains in muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 48(5), 1207–1220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0872-x

Saeidifard, F., Medina-Inojosa, J. R., West, C. P., Olson, T. P., Somers, V. K., Bonikowske, A. R., Prokop, L. J., Vinciguerra, M., & Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2019). The association of resistance training with mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 26(15), 1647–1665. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319850718

Schoenfeld, B. J., Grgic, J., Haun, C., Itagaki, T., & Helms, E. R. (2023). Resistance training recommendations to maximize muscle hypertrophy in an athletic population: Position stand of the IUSCA. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 3(1). https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/81 

Steele, J., Fisher, J. P., Assunção, A. R., Bottaro, M., & Gentil, P. (2023). Long-term time-course of strength adaptation to minimal dose resistance training through retrospective longitudinal growth modeling. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 94(4), 913–930. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35591809/