Selecting a Personal Trainer - The Top Three Things to Consider
If you have decided that you want to lose weight, get fit, or improve your performance in a particular sport, a personal trainer could be the best answer.
From my years of experience I have put together the top 3 things you should ask them or yourself before you sign up.
Tip 1
Check the credentials of a any Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Ask where and when they got their certification, and check it out online. Don’t just believe the words that come out of a trainer’s mouth. Too many individuals have jumped on the “I want to be a Personal Trainer” bandwagon lately, with a fly by night certification along with a lack of experience. This mentality leads to a trainer to think that everyone should be trained the same way, with no individualization being incorporated into one’s periodized training program. I have been training individuals, athletes and teams for 13 years now, and it is a passion and a way of life for me. There are no two clients the same. Their goals and lifestyles are different. If your potential new trainer doesn’t ask about you and your goals before you sign up then take that as a warning sign.
Tip 2
Ask to speak to some of the trainers existing and previous clients. A good trainer will be happy to share names with you. Also do your own research with friends and see if you can get a true picture of who they have worked with and the results that have achieved. Don’t just look at the big box gyms, many towns now have specialized personal trainers and sports specific trainers that give much more focused results. Good trainers quickly develop good reputations.
Tip 3
Basic nutritional guidance shouldn’t come as an optional extra. Your trainer should offer a plan tailored to your specific needs. Caloric needs for an athlete are not the same as that of a 45 year old mother of 3 (although she deserves a gold medal).
I am happy if I feel as though a potential new client is checking up on me. It shows me that they are serious about starting to train with me and I know great results are likely to happen. Any trainer who acts as though you shouldn’t be checking, may just have something to hide.
As a bonus tip I would say listen to your gut. Your trainer should be approachable (even if he is tough) and listen to your needs and concerns, especially about injuries.
The bottom line is: If you wanted a return on an investment, you wouldn’t trust a Certified Financial Planner who only had a few hours worth of experience with a thousand dollars of your money, so don’t trust just any Certified Personal Trainer with your money, body and health!
