Working out can be difficult, especially if you’re on your own. There are so many different types of workouts that finding a professional to guide you in the right direction can be extremely helpful. You don’t have to be an athlete or even in-shape to seek out a personal trainer. But, you should know what to look for. Here’s seven things to be aware of when choosing a personal trainer!
- Make sure they are qualified. A good personal trainer will have relevant qualifications and be up-to-date with the latest exercise techniques. There are a few things that you can look for to assure yourself of these qualifications. First, you want to make sure that the personal trainer has certification from a reputable organization. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American Council on Exercise (ACE) are two such organizations. These certification bodies require continuing education credits (CECs) every 2-3 years in order to maintain certification, so this is a good way to know that your trainer is keeping up with the latest research and trends. Next, it's a good idea to ask about the trainers' experience working with clients like yourself. If you have any specific goals or needs, be sure to let the trainer know so they can tailor their approach accordingly. It's also helpful to find out if the trainer has any other certifications or specializations that may be relevant to your goals. For example, if you're hoping to lose weight, a certified nutritionist on staff would be beneficial.
- Ask about their experience. Find out how long they have been working as a personal trainer and what kind of clients they usually work with. There are many different types of personal trainers that exist, each with their own unique set of skills, experience, and personality that they bring to the table. Here are just a few of the different types of personal trainers you may encounter:
a) The Health Nut: This type of trainer is all about helping their clients live healthier lifestyles. They’re often very passionate about health and fitness themselves, and love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with others. If you’re looking for someone to help you make lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health, this is the type of trainer for you.
b) The Motivator: Sometimes all we need is a little push to get us moving in the right direction. If you tend to be lacking in motivation when it comes to working out on your own, then a motivational personal trainer could be exactly what you need. These trainers excel at getting their clients fired up and excited about working towards their fitness goals.
c) The Drill Sergeant: For those who like things nice and structured, there are plenty of “drill sergeant” style personal trainers out there who thrive on running a tight ship. These highly organized individuals will put together detailed workout plans complete with specific exercises, sets, reps, etc., leaving no room for error or deviation from the plan. While this approach may not work for everyone, some people do find it helpful to have such clear guidance when trying to get in shape.
d) Body Trainer: As the name suggests, these trainers focus on helping women achieve their ideal bikini body – whether that means losing weight, toning up or both. Although any good trainer should be able to help you reach your desired physique regardless of gender, these specialists know exactly how to tailor programs specifically for female clientele. So if getting beach-ready is one of your main goals, seek out a bikini body trainer who can help you make it happen!
- Check if they are insured. This is important in case of any accidents or injuries during your sessions. They might be insured through the company they work for or the gym they train at. Don’t be hesitant to ask them directly.
- Ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used a personal trainer before. They can give you first-hand insights into what it’s like to work with them.
- Schedule an initial consultation meeting before committing to anything further. This will allow you to get a feel for their personality and see if you would be compatible working together on a regular basis.
- Think about whether you want group or individual sessions (or both). Group sessions might be beneficial if you want to meet other people in a similar boat as you. But, individual session might allow for more specific workout routines tailored to your needs. Be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for and what feels best.
- That leads nicely into our last piece of advice: click! Make sure you click with your trainer. Don’t just agree to train with someone because you haven’t met any other personal trainers. Don’t feel bad about browsing and knowing your options. You might be working out, but you’re still spending one on one time with someone for an hour or so. You should enjoy your time with them!
Working out and improving your fitness is important, but it can also be an extremely personal process. It’s important that you feel comfortable being honest when you’re working with a personal trainer. Make sure to consider these seven factors when searching for the right person to guide you through fitness training!
