Just because a trainer is built like The Rock or Miss Figure doesn’t mean that particular trainer is right for you. Whether or not others choose a trainer based on what they’ve been hearing or seeing, or based solely on hopes and dreams, I recommend doing your research before investing your time and money. Picking a trainer for how that individual looks or how a friend likes them is the first mistake people make when they are looking to get in shape. Some trainers only know how to train themselves and that’s it! Poorly qualified “trainers” will often wing it if they don’t know how to train based on individual client needs, doing the same routine with every client. Clients are not built the same, so why should they be trained the same?
Now that I have your attention, let’s focus on the ideal characteristics of a trainer. Not all trainers are bad; there are a lot of talented certified trainers out there who can help you achieve your fitness goals. If you’re serious about getting in shape, it’s our job and singular focus to help you get there. We are here to help educate and motivate you, period. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to pick the right trainer, but it does take a common sense approach to doing the research.
A trainer’s mission is to get you to your fitness goals. Below is a checklist from Idea Health and Fitness Association’s website to help you make the right choice.
What is your exercise and educational background? Are you certified by a nationally recognized organization?
To properly design a safe and effective workout, a personal trainer should have a good grounding in exercise technique, including exercise physiology, anatomy and injury prevention. A four-year degree in a fitness-related field or certification—or, preferably, both—indicates the personal trainer knows at least the basics of conducting a quality session
What is your level of personal training experience? How do you keep current on the latest personal training techniques, research and trends?
Fitness is a fast-moving field, and you want to be able to rely on your personal trainer for current information on fitness, exercise and healthy lifestyle activities. Membership in a professional association such as IDEA is one way to tell the personal trainer is staying abreast of the latest information on a variety of important topics.
Are you certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid?
While emergencies during training are extremely rare, be sure your personal trainer knows precisely what to do in case one should arise during your session.
Do you require a health screening or release from my doctor?
Many medical conditions or past injuries can affect your participation in a training session and the program your personal trainer designs for you. A quality personal trainer needs to know relevant details of your past medical history, including any medications you may be taking, before he or she can provide you with an effective workout. If you are under a doctor’s care for certain conditions, your personal trainer will discuss any exercise concerns with your physician.
Can you give me references from other clients and industry professionals familiar with your knowledge and abilities?
People choose to hire a personal trainer for many reasons, including weight loss, cardiovascular improvement, marathon or triathlon training, injury or illness rehabilitation, pre/postnatal fitness and many more. It is important to hire someone who has experience in the type of training you seek. Calling references can help you gauge whether the personal trainer has the expertise to properly serve your needs.
Will you keep track of my workouts, chart my progress and update my medical history periodically?
Your personal trainer will help you establish realistic short- and long-term goals and assess your progress towards them. He or she might chart areas such as weight, percent body fat, body measurements, cardiovascular improvements, strength and endurance. By updating your medical history from time to time, your personal trainer will also be able to adjust your workouts as necessary to reflect your new abilities.
Do you provide clear-cut policies on cancellations, billing and so on in writing?
Having all policies clearly stated in writing helps avoid any misunderstandings or confusion and protects your rights as a consumer.
What is your rate per session? Do you offer any discounts or package deals?
The personal trainer you select will most likely be an experienced professional with a high degree of expertise, and expects to be compensated as such. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour-long session, and be sure to ask about any discounts available for multi-session purchases, for higher frequency (three times a week instead of two), and training two or more clients at a time.
Do you have a network of professionals, such as physicians, dietitians, physical therapist and other fitness/health professionals?
A quality personal trainer will have established sources for specialized questions and referrals to provide you with the best service possible.
What is your communication style with your clients?
A quality personal trainer will always motivate you through positive, not negative, reinforcement, and should never make you feel incompetent or inadequate. Your personal trainer should listen to you carefully to determine your goals and needs, communicate an understanding of them, and tell you why the program that has been designed is appropriate. He or she should also ask for your input on your program, and be prepared to put in writing the principles and reasoning behind exercise program decisions.
Give careful consideration to personality. Make sure your personal trainer’s approach—energetic versus relaxed, aggressive versus low-key—fits your personal style. Gender is also important, since some people like working with a trainer of the same sex, while others prefer one of the opposite sex.
The bottom line is, you will experience good results if you are comfortable with your personal trainer. We hope you will use this guide to go out and find the right personal trainer for you. Good luck, and stay active! This information furnished as a consumer education service of IDEA, the Health & Fitness Association, as part of our mission to “Inspire the World
to Fitness”.