Your choice of trainer will have a major impact on your experience. Some people do better with a trainer who uses positive reinforcement, while others must be screamed at to get through a workout.
Choose a trainer that fits you well rather than going with the person closest to home or work. This may save you time but could cost you quality and physical pain.
Table of Contents
Personality
Personality is a huge factor to consider when choosing a personal trainer. Think about what kind of coaching style you prefer – some people need their trainer to play the role of a drill sergeant to keep them off the couch and in motion, while others might respond better to a more nurturing approach.
A good trainer will take the time to get to know their clients and ask lots of questions about their goals and history with fitness. A poor trainer will spend the whole time talking about themselves and their credentials and can only give you a little insight into how they can help you achieve your fitness goals.
Being extroverted is optional for a trainer, but lacking patience will be a problem. You’ll need to be patient with your clients, too – some might struggle with motivation, and some might get impatient when they don’t see results as quickly as they would like.
Fees
Some trainers require a minimum commitment, while others are “pay-as-you-go” and allow clients to cancel anytime. Ensure your trainer is fully licensed and insured to protect you in case of injury. They should be certified in CPR, first aid, and have basic training in exercise-related emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest.
If they don’t, be wary – their only goal might be to get your money and leave you to your own devices (late-night fast food runs, anyone?). Good trainers should be results-focused and will be honest with you if they don’t feel that they can help you achieve your goals.
Ask what their cancellation policies are and whether they have any packages that might save you money in the long run. Also, find out if they work out of their own home or a local gym; they might have to lug their equipment around, adding to the cost.
Experience
Trainers with diverse experience working with clients are more likely to be successful in helping them reach their goals. For example, a personal trainer experienced in powerlifting and Olympic lifting may be better equipped to train someone looking to compete than a trainer with only general fitness training experience.
Ask the trainers you are considering about their past experiences. They should be able to tell you how many clients they have worked with and what results they achieved. A good personal trainer should also be able to explain how they came up with their exercise plans for each client.
Be wary of trainers who spend most of their time talking about themselves. They might rattle off their credentials and experience, but they must ask you more questions about your goals to design a realistic workout plan. You want a trainer to motivate you with positive reinforcement rather than negative criticism.
Qualifications
When looking for a personal trainer, finding one with the right credentials is important. Ideally, they should have an educational background in exercise science or kinesiology. In addition, they should be certified in CPR and first aid. This will ensure that they are familiar with the basics of emergency care should something go wrong during your workout session.
Look for a trainer genuinely interested in your fitness goals and will tailor your sessions to suit them. It’s also a good idea to check their registration with the fitness industry body. You can do this by visiting their website or calling their helpline. Avoid a trainer who boasts about their celebrity clients or posts sexy (shirtless) selfies on social media. These trainers must gain the relevant qualifications and experience to help you achieve your fitness goals. They can do more harm than good. Ensure you get everything in writing and ask about their cancellation policies, fees, and liability insurance.
