The first answer is passion. I chose to be a personal trainer because I have a passion for fitness. I have a passion for helping those who want my help. (There’s a difference between wanting to improve your fitness level and talking about wanting it.)
If you really want a trainer, I want to help you find the best fit. In truth, not every trainer is a fit for every client. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of time, money and heartbreak.
Here are my five top tips for finding an awesome personal trainer in your area.
Make a List of Your Goals
As a personal trainer, I want to make sure you get what you paid for. To do this, you have to tell your trainer what you need.
People come to me with goals like:
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Building confidence (to wear clothing or love the skin they’re in)
- Company (a workout partner to get them going)
Be forward about your goals, desires and concerns. This will help your trainer to tailor your workout and develop a blueprint for your sessions. The more you tell them, the more they can help. Your trainer is your personal cheerleader, but they have to know what you’re looking for.
Research Your Trainer’s Background
Did you know that not all trainers are certified? Anybody can say they’re a trainer, and even take a quick 20-minute test. So do your research to weed out the bad ones.
Ask if they have a certification or a degree in an an exercise-related field. And when it comes to certifications, know that not all certs are the same. Look for credentials from well-known organizations like: ACE (The American Council on Exercise), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) or NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness).
Ask for Testimonials
Did you know you can ask for testimonials and videos of past training sessions? Look for the unedited version. This lets you know what current clients think about the trainer.
In addition, videos allow you to see the interaction between client and instructor. This can help you decide if a trainer will be a good fit before you spend any money.
Make Sure Your Personalities Mesh
You want to look for someone who will motivate you, inspire you and hold you accountable. Someone who will help you build confidence and self-determination.
At the same time, you want a trainer who makes you feel comfortable. Your personal trainer can also be like a therapist, so you want someone who will support you emotionally … especially when you’re going through times of self-doubt.
Remember that a trainer is supposed to help you take all of the negative words out of your vocabulary, like “I can’t.” He or she should never make you feel bad about yourself. A trainer that makes you feel bad about yourself is toxic to you.
In addition, your trainer should never be afraid to sweat with you. Training is a team effort!
Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Trainers
You should be able to tell if a trainer is a good fit in one to three sessions. Don’t be afraid to switch if you’re not happy. It’s your money that’s paying for your health, happiness and self-development.
This is also true when it comes to complimentary training sessions that come as a part of a membership package at a new gym. If you don’t feel comfortable after your first or second visit, ask if your gym will offer another complimentary session with a different trainer.
Don’t get discouraged and give up on your goals based on your experience with one person. Sometimes, it may take a couple of tries to find the right fit.
Beware of Body Judgment
There are two points I want to make here. First, don’t choose a trainer based on their body type. I’m plus-size. Some people might pass me up because I’m not a size 2 trainer. Size has nothing to do with my ability to help you kick ass!
At the same time, make sure your trainer understands your body during your sessions. A lot of trainers will try to give the same workout to everybody. Your trainer needs to make your workouts harder or easier based on your abilities.
And be careful about weight loss-obsessed trainers. If that’s not your goal and a trainer doesn’t understand that, politely let them know that it isn’t a good fit.
