What to Look For in a Personal Trainer

Every person is different, and you need to trust your gut when looking for a personal trainer. It can be a daunting task to find the perfect fit – someone who is right for you! It may take a little time and careful consideration – but this will be worth it in the long run. 

Where to Start

Good places to look for a trainer – and to be able to observe them in their natural habitat – would be local gyms like CLUB4Fitness, health centers, and fitness studios. It is also a good idea to ask for recommendations from family, friends, and colleagues. When you put yourself in the market for a trainer, here are some tips to follow.

The Right Stuff

Firstly you need to look at credentials to ensure that the trainer follows standards of professionalism and competence from a trustworthy organization. Your health is on the line and you need to be sure this is someone you can trust to have your best interests at heart. He/she should also have first aid certification from a reputable training facility like CPR Nepean. Should you have any underlying medical issues, they need to be educated in this area to provide sound advice to you. 

Experience and personality are of utmost importance too. They need to operate in a style that works for you: do you like to be gently encouraged or screamed at to get results? 

Their philosophy also determines whether you can get along with them as you are likely to spend a sizeable amount of time together. Look at the way they intend to work: gym-based or outdoors, machines or free weights, online, or in the privacy of your own home. 

Another aspect to consider is the location if they are based at an institution. Are you happy to drive 20 minutes to get there or would you prefer it to be within walking distance to add to your training session?

The Legal Stuff

Investing in your health is crucial, but you need to ensure that the service provider has professional liability insurance and sound business policies. These should be readily available for you to peruse. Cost is a large consideration and you need to be sure of your budget before making any decisions. They need to inform you of what packages they may offer: semi-private sessions or discounts for bulk buying. Enquire whether there are any extra fees or trial periods. 

The Stuff about Goals and Follow-Through

The trainer you choose must keep up to date with regards to health and fitness research. They may have an area of specialization that could be of great benefit to your health, and this should be discussed in length. One of the first things they should be investigating and collecting data on is your current fitness levels, long and short-term goals and what results you expect, and in what time frame. The trainer must constantly track and rate your progress to keep you motivated and accountable. It is also worthy to note if the trainer is using a personal training software for trainers, as this will make things convenient for both of you aside from being able to maximize your workout sessions.

A good trainer works so hard at helping you achieve your goals that he is likely to put himself out of a job! If all goes to plan, the end product is a healthier and happier you! The trainer you choose should be a natural fit: one who is attentive, a good listener, and makes you feel comfortable and inspired to attain your goals.