Did you know that people who work out with a personal trainer often see better results than those who work out alone?
Whether you’re hoping to lose weight, build muscle, or just make fitness a regular part of your routine, a personal trainer can help you get there faster. The key to making progress, though, is choosing the right personal trainer for you.
Not sure how to find the best person for the job? Listed below are 7 important things to look for when meeting with different candidates.
1. Credentials
When choosing a personal trainer, a good place to start is by reviewing their credentials.
What makes them qualified to train you and offer fitness advice? What kinds of certifications do they have? Is their license up to date?
The fitness industry is largely unregulated. Because of this, there are lots of people out there providing training even though they don’t have the education required to do so.
If you work with someone who doesn’t have the proper certifications, you might not get the kind of research-backed training plan that you need to achieve your goals. There’s also a greater likelihood that they will put you in positions that are dangerous and could increase your risk of injury.
2. Experience
In addition to asking about credentials and licensing, it’s also important to ask about experience.
When you meet with a potential trainer, find out how long they’ve been working in the industry. It’s not always a bad thing to work with a new or less-experienced trainer, but it’s still helpful to know about their background before you sign any contracts.
Ask about the trainer’s experience with clients like you, too.
If you’ve recently had a baby, for example, your best option is to work with someone who has experience training women post-partum. They will have more knowledge about your specific situation and will know what to recommend and what to avoid when putting together a program for you.
3. Active Listening Skills
A good personal trainer is someone who actively listens to you. They shouldn’t cut you off when you’re trying to explain your goals or fitness challenges, and they should take the information you’ve provided into account when designing your plan or guiding you through a training session.
The best trainers also ask you questions, too. They should seek feedback about the workouts and your overall progress, check in with you regularly, and make sure you’re feeling safe and comfortable.
If a trainer seems to be giving you a cookie-cutter plan or not factoring in the things you’ve told them, that’s a red flag and a sign that you should look into working with someone else.
4. Positive Attitude
What kind of trainer do you want to workout with multiple times per week? Someone who acts like it’s a chore to be there, or someone who has a positive attitude and is excited to train with you?
For most people, the latter option is a lot more appealing.
Look for a trainer who is enthusiastic and who wants to help you succeed. If they’re engaged and eager to train, you’ll likely start to mirror their energy and feel the same way.
That being said, it’s important to note that there is such a thing as too much positivity.
It’s great if a trainer is enthusiastic and optimistic, but if they take it to an extreme and don’t take your concerns or frustrations seriously, that can be a problem. Make sure they have a positive attitude but are also realistic and empathetic.
5. Flexibility
Your personal trainer shouldn’t be too rigid, either. If they see that something isn’t working for you, they should be willing to make adjustments and change the program so that it supports your goals, keeps you safe, and helps you to continue seeing progress.
For example, let’s say they give you a plan that requires you to work out 4 days per week.
If you find that you’re constantly missing that 4th workout because you have too much going on, a good trainer will work with you to solve the problem. Perhaps they’ll make the 4th workout one you can do from home so you don’t have to worry about driving to the gym, or maybe they’ll adjust your program so it’s just a 3-day-per-week schedule instead.
6. Honesty
Personal trainers are knowledgeable professionals, and there’s a lot they can help you with on your fitness journey. At the same time, though, there’s also a lot that’s outside of their scope of practice.
Your trainer should be honest with you when they don’t know the answer to a question. They’ll also tell you directly when they’re not allowed to offer advice on a particular topic.
For example, personal trainers legally cannot make meal plans for their clients. They can offer general advice on macronutrients or healthy eating, but they can’t give you a meal plan telling what and how much to eat each day. Only a registered dietitian can do that.
7. Transparent Pricing
Finally, look for a personal trainer who offers a transparent pricing structure. Personal training is often pricey and can definitely be an investment. Your trainer should understand that you need transparency so you can work the cost into your budget.
If someone won’t give you a clear answer on pricing or the cost of training packages, that’s a problem. Choose a trainer who can lay out exactly how much you’ll need to spend in exchange for their services.
Work with a Personal Trainer Today
Now that you know how to choose the right personal trainer, it’s time to start your search. Keep these 7 factors in mind so you can find someone who is qualified, understands your needs, and knows how to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Do you want to work with a trainer who can check all the boxes mentioned above? If so, we’re here to help at Dynamic Fitness.
Click here to sign up for a free 3-day pass to try out our gym and see what we (and our personal trainers) are all about.
