7 tips to find a personal trainer
Whether you have a specific fitness goal, recovering from an injury or looking for ways to be more active, working with a personal trainer is a great way to reach your goals.
However, finding the right personal trainer is essential. It’s like finding a good gym.
I have been with my trainer for 5 years and she has helped me achieve personal and physical goals. She’s definitely pushed me on days when I didn’t think I had any more to give.
She’s not my first trainer. I started with someone else who started me on my path but there were a number of things I was unhappy about which overall was frustrating.
It doesn’t have to be that way for you.
Here are 7 tips to find a personal trainer that’s right for you:
What are your goals?
Before you begin looking for a trainer, it’s important to think about your why. What are your goals?
Trainers are pros and it’s their job to listen, collaborate and create actionable goals with you that you both feel are achievable.
What do you enjoy?
Is biking your favorite activity? Do you prefer to walk? Regardless of what you’re into, it’s important to know what activities you enjoy so you can continue to do the things you love.
There’s also nothing wrong with not knowing or admitting you haven’t found exactly what you like. A personal trainer will partner with you to design a routine that’s right for you and works for you.
What motivates you?
Every trainer has a unique style and approach to working with clients. Personalities definitely come into play when you’re challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.
Think about who you want to work with and what type of motivator is the best fit for you.
Are you looking for a cheerleader? Do you want someone in physical shape? How about a cardio king or queen?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It comes down to who you think will encourage you to reach your goals. Make sure it’s someone who makes you feel confident and helps you continuously improve.
Ask questions
You wouldn’t go to a hairstylist or a massage therapist who isn’t certified—the same holds true for a personal trainer. Before booking a trainer, ask about their credentials and ensure they have a personal training certification as well as real-world fitness experience.
Learn about their approach in designing a workout that’s unique to your needs. Ask them how they’ll help you meet your goals and conquer challenges.
Where will you train?
Which gym will you train at? If you’re not a fan of training in the gym, then you might want to consider meeting in the park, scheduling sessions via Zoom calls, or inquiring whether or not the trainer is able to come to your home.
Be mindful that meeting in areas outside of the gym will impact the amount of equipment available for use. When exercising in the gym, the trainer can help spot you when lifting heavy weights or instruct you on how to use the machinery.
Help with accountability
Accountability is probably one of the main reasons why most people hire a personal trainer. If you’ve invested your money and there’s a trainer waiting at the gym for you to turn up, you’re much less likely to slack off than if you were left to your own devices.
Having an accountability partner will keep you focused. A personal trainer is the ultimate accountability partner.
Ask around to find a personal trainer
When it comes to finding a personal trainer you would love to work with, the best method is through word of mouth. Try asking friends, family or colleagues for recommendations. If you’re already a member of a gym, there are probably personal trainers based there for you to choose from.
A lot goes into selecting who and how to reach your fitness goals. With the right personal trainer, you can achieve what you set out to and see results that you never thought were possible.
While you are asking questions trying to find a personal trainer that’s right for you, you are probably thinking how much it will cost, how much time it will take and if it is even worth it. Like most things, it’s a personal choice but could be a worthwhile investment depending on your goals.
How much does a personal trainer cost?
The price range is mostly dependent on the personal trainer’s education, experience and ability to get results. The average cost of hiring a personal trainer varies from $30 to $125 per hour (or more).
Another factor impacting how much you will play is location according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You might expect to pay more in some metropolitan cities across the United States.
How long do you need a personal trainer?
You should plan on working with a personal trainer for three to six months when you first get started. There are no quick fixes to losing weight or increasing muscle mass. If you are consistent, your results will compound over time.
If you can train twice a week, that will help with your consistency to reach your goals. However, if you can afford to go three times per week, that could be better depending on what your goals are and how else your plan is structured.
Is personal training right for me?
Every person’s fitness journey is specific to them. Ultimately, what works for someone else might not work for you. Therefore, the benefit of having tailored advice, motivational training and the chance to gain specific knowledge, both in the gym and with your eating, can make all the difference through the guidance of a personal trainer.
Do you have a personal trainer?
