Good personal training can be a great way to reach your health and fitness goals. They will also exceed your expectations. Bad trainers can be costly and a waste of time. In the past few years, personal trainers have seen a steady rise in demand.
It can seem overwhelming to choose the right trainer for you when there are so many choices. There are many incompetent and phony trainers who profit from their clients ignorance. However, there are ways to guard yourself against these type of trainers.
Before you hire a personal coach, make sure you know the following 10 important things:
1. Are you mentally and physically ready to begin an exercise program with your personal trainer?
When hiring a personal coach, it can be easy to overlook the key factor-YOU. Do you have the commitment and willingness to devote yourself to training? You will be expected to give your full commitment.
If you want to be successful, it is important that you are open-minded and willing to change. These are some simple questions you can ask before moving forward:
• On a scale of 1-10 how much are you committed to change?
• Why do you feel you need a personal trainer?
• Why do you feel a personal trainer will help you be successful?
In the end, it is your attitude as well as the effort you put into the program that matters most. It doesn’t matter how skilled the trainer is or what their program looks like. If you don’t bring your best, the result will likely be disappointing. Do not waste time or money on things you don’t want.
The take-home message: First, commit to changing and then find a coach.
2) Do your expectations and goals align with reality?
All of us want to make our bodies better. However, you’ll frustrate both yourself and your trainer if you think you can change in a matter of hours. The process of changing the body takes effort and time. Your trainer will be able help you set realistic goals.
Do not believe any trainer who promises huge results, like a rapid weight loss and increased strength in just a few short weeks. You will find that they have a deep understanding of the physical adaptation process.
Point to remember: Good trainers will tell you exactly what you need, not what you want.
3. Does the personal coach have a degree from a recognized college in an related field such as exercise science, sport science or kinesiology?
It is preferable that the trainer holds a college degree because it shows their knowledge of fitness, human anatomy, physiology, and how exercise adapts to the body.
It is important to understand that certifications do not always mean the same thing. Certain certifications are easy to obtain in just a few hours. Others require months of training before they can take the certification exam.
These days, trainers can be found for as little as $5 per hour. Anyone with half an brain and a weekend could become a certified personal trainer. But the title is not proof of ability. Do not trust someone who claims they are certified or have a degree. They should not be mandatory and should only serve as minimum requirements. However, the process of selecting the right candidate should never stop there. They don’t have to know everything in order to apply it. Find out about their educational and certification credentials. How many years did it take them to get these certifications? They took how long to acquire them.
Keep in mind: Look for trainers who are able to give real scientific information and not just hype.
4) Is the trainer actually able to work with you in real life?
There are two main types of bad trainers. First, they have little training and are haphazard in their workout combinations. The second, on the other hand, has extensive knowledge and experience but little in terms of applying it. It is important to find a trainer who has the look and both the intelligence. It’s not the looks, it is the knowledge and experience. When we refer to experience, we are referring to people just like you. Each client is unique. Each client has different goals and requirements, so their exercise programs must reflect this.
Many people know someone who has years of experience in the real world but is still terrible at their job. Please ask your trainer questions about the success of his clients. You can ask for testimonials or any other evidence that he/she is able to deal with people like you.
The main point is: Have you ever been to that trainer before? If not, what are your reasons for trusting them?
5) Will the trainer review your past training and health history, as well as perform an evaluation to evaluate your fitness level before beginning your training program?
Assessing is more than guessing. To assess and evaluate your health, a coach should conduct a thorough health assessment and perform some type of physical evaluation before you begin to exercise with them. It is crucial to understand the limitations and abilities of a client before designing training programs that will be most effective and beneficial for them.
Personal trainers should never do any harm. The risk of doing more harm is reduced by conducting assessments. Before you start an exercise program, ask the trainer if they have done assessments. If so, ask the trainer what assessment type they are going to conduct. Ask them why they don’t think an assessment is necessary.
The take-home point is that if you’re not being evaluated, the trainer may be guessing. You should make sure that this is part of your training.
6) What’s the trainer’s teaching philosophy?
You should make sure you are aware that your trainer has a specific plan for you. The plan should contain a method for progressing from one week to the next and a detailed approach to training. When designing workouts, a trainer shouldn’t just take the lead. A unprepared coach can result in an impatient client or athlete.
• How do they track progress?
• How do they decide what is important to track?
• How do they organize their client’s training programs?
• Are the programs individualized for every client?
• What are they all about, in other words what is their philosophy on training in general and specifically with you?
Point to remember: It is important that you understand your trainers’ goals for you, and the steps they are taking to take you there.
7) What should a trainer expect of their clients?
Be sure to understand the expectations of the trainer before giving any money. While some trainers just expect clients to turn up, others require them to arrive prepared and on time.
• How many days per week does the trainer expect you to be able to work with them?
• Are the trainer’s expectations of what you need to be eating on par with what you deem as realistic and reasonable?
• How hard does the trainer push their clients and is it the type of intensity you are looking for?
Remember: It is important to ensure that the expectations of your trainer are reasonable and realistic.
8) Do you find the training environment motivating and comfortable?
Training facilities should feel just like home. They need to be welcoming and comfortable, but also inspiring and motivating. There are many fitness centres out there, and not all facilities are the same. Although there are not always any options, it can still make a big difference to what you take away from your sessions. It is important to ask about the location of most workouts and see if you can thrive there.
Powerlifters, for instance, might be very upset if they find out that the gym they signed up at doesn’t have barbells or any machines.
Point to remember: Before you sign the contract, make sure that you are fully integrated.
9) Do you feel the trainer’s attitude and personality are right for your needs?
There are many trainers. There are many trainers out there. You can choose one that you like and work well with. You shouldn’t have to choose between someone you don’t like, but who is great at their job. Or one you enjoy working with.
Your trainer will be spending lots of time with you. This will be your personal time. Your trainer may force you to do something that isn’t fun. We learn more from those we trust and can get along well with.
Remember this: Your trainer is a friend as well as a coach. You need to respect their opinions and be willing to listen.
10) Does your trainer allow you to try the product before buying?
What number of people purchase a vehicle off the street without ever driving it? Why would someone expect them to buy personal training worth hundreds of dollars before they let you get behind the wheel?
Ask the trainer about free or reduced-cost trials. It is important that they have a way for you to trial their services before you sign up for longer term commitments.
The take-home point is to ask about a test drive for free or at a low price before buying. This should always be available.
These are the 10 key questions that you need to ask when you’re looking for a personal trainer, or any other type of fitness professional. Do your research if you are looking for the best personal trainers in your region.
Jeff Weber, MS, CSCS, Pn1