Personal trainers can be a great asset, but you have to find a good one! I’ve been in the industry for over 12 years, and I’ve had some great colleagues …. and some not-so-great ones. Having worked as a manager, I’ve also hired and fired many trainers and, unfortunately, a bad trainer can do more harm than good for the company and the client. Hopefully I can provide some tips to help you find a great trainer that encourages you to reach your peak, and beyond.
First of all, congratulations on making the decision to get fit and/or stay fit. It is a big step towards a healthier life and stronger body. If you are new to a gym or fitness centre, you may be unsure of what to do next. This can be very intimidating, similar to your first day at a new job. Many people in this situation hire a personal trainer to help them get started. A trainer can help you learn how to use the equipment properly, give you an orientation of the facilities and classes, and of course, they can take you through your workout. A personal trainer can help you get results, show you how to do exercises safely and effectively, and motivate and encourage you to stick with your goals. However, personal trainers aren’t just for beginners. Trainers are great for clients of all levels of fitness and experience, they can help you train for an upcoming event or race, and help you progress through your plateaus and to your next personal goals.
Hiring a personal trainer can be a big expense so you want to make sure your expectations are being met (and hopefully exceeded). If you’re going to invest your time, money, and trust in a trainer, then you need to make the right choice.
Personal training is just that. It’s personal.
No matter how great a trainer’s profile might look, you need to also have that personal connection. You’ll be getting up close and personal the more you work with each other, so its important that you feel comfortable and safe with their training and guidance.
But how do you know which trainer is the best for you? And what should you look for when choosing a trainer?
Follow these tips to find the best trainer for you.
Trial or complimentary first session
Most PT’s will offer the first session for free, which is a great opportunity for the prospective client to have a chat, discuss their goals, get a feel for the trainers style, and hopefully feel more comfortable about the financial commitment they are embarking on. Not all trainers will offer a free trial session, however they should offer some sort of incentive for new clients.
Ask staff at the gym
Staff at your gym should be able to help you select a trainer that is best suited to your goals and needs. Especially if you are new to the gym or the fitness scene in general. You don’t have to divulge all your personal information to the staff, but do let them know what you are looking for, what your previous experience in a gym is, what personality you work best with, as well as the best days and times for your training. The staff should be helpful and friendly. After all, it is in everyone’s best interest for the prospective client to have a great experience.
Education/Qualifications/Up-skilling/Passion
When choosing a trainer, it is important that the trainer shows a general passion for the fitness industry. This will show in their training style and their overall attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. It will also show in their level of commitment to their education and qualifications. While some PTs might be fairly new to the industry, they should still be up-skilling and investing into their fitness careers. The fitness industry is ever evolving and all fitness professionals should be evolving with it.
Personality
A trainer can be the smartest of smart trainers, but if they are b-o-r-i-n-g and lacking in interpersonal skills, the sessions can be unmotivating and leave you mentally drained (not in a good way). You have to get along, trust, and enjoy the company of your personal trainer. You don’t have to become BFF’s, but you do have to enjoy your time together. If you find the sessions awkward and uncomfortable, then your chances of continuing on with training are slim. But if you enjoy the sessions and look forward to training, you will have a greater chance of success. This is another great reason for PTs to offer a complimentary session or trial period prior to committing to a training schedule.
Professionalism
A personal should always present themselves in a professional manner. They should be punctual, use professional language, have a good demeanour, be professional in appearance, they should focus solely on you during your paid session, and each session should be prepared. Some trainers may have a session plan already written up, but no matter what, your trainer should be organized. If they are just making it up on the spot, or are a bit frazzled during the session, they are most likely not catering to your personal training needs. A personal trainer should also address your concerns and goals during the session, showing you that they have listened and are taking your comments on board. They should also follow-up with you after your first session, and ask for feedback to see how you enjoyed the session. This is a good opportunity to communicate the intensity and your comfort level for the following sessions. Let them know how they have met or exceeded your expectations.
Results
A PT should structure the sessions towards your goals; each session should feel like it is planned for you – not something generic that every other client has received. HOWEVER, you as the client need to hold up your end of the bargain. If you train with a PT once a week, and then make poor food choices and don’t do any other exercise all week long… then it wouldn’t be fair to say your trainer isn’t getting you the results. Your PT may suggest some “homework”for you to help you achieve your goals, so it is up to you to honour their advice. They want what is best for you… and this brings me to my next article “how to be a good personal training client”
Referrals and Testimonials
You may be referred by a friend to a certain personal trainer which is a great way to get some insight into the trainer’s style and expertise. First hand knowledge is so valuable. Keep in mind that your friend may have different goals, different motivators, and different injuries and concerns than you. What works for them may not necessarily work for you, so keep an open mind. Most gyms have a profile board with client testimonials for the trainers either in-club or on-line, so have a look for yourself for the type of results and experiences other clients have had with each trainer.
Payment
You should feel comfortable with the payment method and policies. If your trainer demands upfront cash payments and this makes you uncomfortable, then ask them for another option. While discounts may apply for upfront payments, this may not sit well with new clients who haven’t built up a history with that trainer. The trainer should have payment options that appeal to everyone, whether this is weekly debits/payments, monthly rates, or other packages to suit your training frequency. You should never feel uncomfortable about a payment. If a trainer seems desperate to collect a large amount of money upfront, I wouldn’t trust them. Most trainers will be under contract to a gym for a certain length of time, which can help put your mind at ease. They will also have their own waiver for their clients to sign. Be sure to read the waiver and discuss it in person with the trainer before you commence any paid sessions. This will help open the lines of communication and build trust. Also be sure to ask about their cancellation policy, and be respectful of this. Mutual trust and respect from both parties will ensure a smooth and happy relationship.
If you have any hesitations or other concerns about starting personal training, please feel free to ask us! Send us an email and we will gladly help you out.
Are you in the Perth, WA area? Check out Peak Body Health and Fitness for the ultimate Personal Training experience.
