Oh yeah, a lot trainers can charge less because they can keep all of the money the make rather than pay the gym. And since exercise equipment doesn't use electricity, your operational cost are much better. People are nowadays wanting more specialized and discrete training and the personal training studios offer it.
Better yet, some of them are getting their massage therapy licenses and are changing it to a wellness center. Add a small room and a table and you have an extra source of income
WHat place lets the PT's keep all the money. The have to be charged with rent or something. Personal Trainers who don't pay the gym and train people on their put the gym at risk for injury law suits. ANY PT who trains anyone and is not paying the gym a rental fee or percentage should be kicked out. All that has to happen is the client getting injured and sues the gym because they understood the PT worked for or under the gym. Equipment gets wear and tear from every person who uses it. And, most personal trainers have their clients do some kind of cardio using the machines. Also, clients take showers, use the restroom, paper towels, put wear and tear on the flooring. Small PT place have no chance in a market where there is a super club or franchised club that has the room to provide a more discreet area for some clients to train. When you have a massage therapy area there are certain regulations you have to abide by. One of them is providing water (sink) are to be able to wash your hands. That means plumbing. And depending on the location of the room it could end up costing $50,000+ to put in one 10 x 10 massage therapy room. You need ventilation, area to change too.
Another thing you forget is you have to give PT's a place to hold confernce with their clients. A desk, computer, filing cabinet, workout cards, releases, phone etc. Same with a massage therapist. You just don't something without knowing what you are doing Goodrum. Massage Therapy is a great way for a gym to make money but it is NOT as easy as adding a table in a small room. But then where you live I am sure anything goes and they don't give a shit.