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Originally Posted On: https://fitnesscfgyms.com/exercise/how-to-pick-a-personal-trainer-everything-you-need-to-know/

 

Studies show that personal training increases the success rate of meeting fitness goals. Personal trainers are an integral part of the fitness industry.

A personal trainer works with clients to create a personal fitness plan that includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. They can provide motivation during difficult times, keep you on track with your goals, and teach you to be mindful of your body.

Personal training is for people who want to lose weight or get in shape and those who live sedentary lifestyles or have injuries that need rehabilitation.

This article will explore the benefits of personal training and how to pick a personal trainer who is suitable for you.

Look for Previous Experience

It’s important to pick someone who has personal training experience working with people of your age and fitness level. They should also have experience in the specific type of training you’re interested in (e.g., weight loss, muscle gain, sport-specific training, etc.).

A trainer with experience in your specific needs means they understand what you’re aiming for and can help develop a strategy that will work for you.

Check Their Credentials

Make sure a reputable organization certifies your trainer. The government does not regulate personal training certification, but national organizations set their own standards.

For instance, look for an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certified personal trainer. These organizations have strict training standards that personal trainers must adhere to for certification.

Consider the Trainer’s Education

Personal trainers should strive for continuous education. They should attend seminars and take courses to expand their knowledge and experience. When you’re interviewing a potential trainer, ask them about the education courses they’ve taken.

Someone who is always learning more about personal training will better understand new fitness trends, the latest equipment, and the best ways to keep clients motivated.

See if Their Personality Complements Yours

It’s critical to pick someone with whom you feel comfortable working. The best personal trainer for you is professional and easy to get along with.

You should be able to communicate well with your trainer and feel comfortable asking them questions about anything. Your trainer should be supportive and positive and tailor their coaching style to fit your needs.

Make Sure They Have Integrity

Select someone with an excellent reputation and who is honest. You should never feel forced or pushed by your trainer. Instead, they should have a solid understanding of their client’s needs and use their knowledge to stay within those boundaries.

Look for reviews from past clients to see how satisfied they were with the personal trainer, someone who has an established presence in the community, and someone you feel comfortable with.

Consider Their Training Schedule

If you have a busy schedule, look for a personal trainer with flexible availability. They should be able to meet at a time that works best for you, whether it’s during the day or in the evening.

It would help to consider how often you want to work with your trainer. Some people like to work with their trainer once or twice a week, whereas others prefer more frequent check-ins.

You should feel comfortable with the length of your sessions. If you want to push yourself but feel like your current session is too long or too short, your trainer should work with you and find an ideal session length.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Picking a personal trainer can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. But there are some easy ways to find the right person for you and your fitness goals.

These are some questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow down the choices:

• What weight loss, strength training, or functional fitness goals do you want to achieve?
• Is your goal to lose weight, increase strength and tone in the weight room, or improve cardiovascular endurance?
• Do you want one-to-one gym training, or are group classes be more of your style?
• How much time do you have available to devote to workouts each week?

Once you have narrowed down your goals, you can quickly eliminate trainers who don’t fit the bill.

For example, if your goal is to lose weight and tone up, you don’t want to work with someone who specializes in athletics and weightlifting.

On the flip side, if you are looking for one-on-one training but have a tight schedule, a trainer who mainly offers group classes might not be your best fit.

10 Questions to Ask Your Personal Trainer

Before you choose a personal trainer, ask them questions that will help you determine if they are the right fit for you.

Here are 10 example questions:

1. How long have you been training people?
2. What is your approach when creating fitness plans with your clients?
3. What types of physical training and dietary advice do you offer clients?
4. How often do you update your fitness plans with clients?
5. What are some common goals you help people achieve through training?
6. Can you give me a few examples of what a training session with you would look like?
7. How do you keep clients motivated to meet their health and fitness goals?
8. Do you have any special certifications or training that are not listed on your website?
9. What types of professional memberships/associations do you belong to?
10. 1Can you provide references from previous clients?

You can ask many other questions, but this list will give a general understanding of whether they’re the right fit for your individual needs.

Get Started With Your Personal Training Program Today

A personal trainer can help you achieve your fitness goals faster than you ever thought possible. They will create a program tailored for you and help keep you accountable.

With a personal trainer, you will have someone invested in your success who wants to see you reach your goals. You’ll be able to see results sooner than if you were working out on your own—and that’s an incredibly satisfying feeling.

Contact our fitness center today to pick a personal trainer and get started.