Are You Looking For A Personal Trainer?
Trying to find the right personal trainer can feel overwhelming. As a certified personal trainer, I have chosen to dedicate the focus of my business to nontraditional clients, so I work with special needs, kids, and senior citizens.
That being said, from my personal experience with hiring trainers and professional experience being a trainer, I want to share some tips for hiring a personal trainer in hopes that these will help you feel confident in the process of finding the best trainer to help you with your fitness goals!
So when you start looking for a personal trainer, make sure you ask these 9 questions:
1. What Motivates You as a Personal Trainer?
Ask them, "Why are you a personal trainer?" This is the most personalized question of them all, and the answer here will tell you a lot about the trainer’s values, backstory, and goals. If the answer resonates with you, they are likely a good fit for you.
2. What Equipment Do I Need Before We Start?
Make sure to ask what special equipment you need to have before getting started. Tools like a heart rate monitor, tracking app, bodyweight scale and measuring tape are common materials that trainers may ask you to have on hand when you work together.
3. How Soon Will I See Results?
If anyone promises specific results in a set timeframe, or results that sound too good to be true, they probably are overselling their services. So many factors go into getting results – including variables that a personal trainer cannot control like sleep and stress – so to promise specific results is a slippery slope. A trainer could talk about their experience and their averages, for example sharing that most of their clients lose 10-12 pounds per month if they follow the fitness and nutrition plan provided.
4. How Will We Measure Progress?
What you are looking for here is a baseline or starting assessment of things like body weight, body fat percentage, and measurements, plus photos. You will want to make sure the trainer also takes into account some subjective goals like how you are feeling, how your clothes are fitting, and confidence levels to make sure you are seeing a well-rounded progress report. Be sure to ask how often progress will be measured too!
5. Do You Have Client Photos, Videos, And References I Can Review and Call?
Photos and videos will show you the types of bodies that this trainer has worked with and the results they have achieved. And like anybody in a hiring position should do, calling at least 2-3 references is always a great way to learn a little bit more about the trainer’s style, process and abilities from someone other than the person you are looking to hire.
6. What Does Your Fee Include?
Some trainers also consult on nutrition, some include consultations outside of training sessions, and some will include fitness assessments. You will want to know if you are paying for 30 or 60 minute sessions, if they will include training plans outside of their sessions with you, and if there are discounts included for multiple sessions purchased up front.
7. What Certification(s) Do You Have?
A trainer who has gone through proper channels of testing and certification will be happy to share their qualifications with you. They worked hard to earn those certificates! Make sure they are also CPR-certified!
8. How Long Have You Been A Trainer?
Newer trainers may be more available and enthusiastic but lacking in field experience; more experienced trainers might be a little jaded and rigid but a wealth of knowledge and experience. You want to find the balance that will work best for your style!
9. Do You Also Consult On Nutrition?
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and for best results and maximum value you will want to make sure that your nutrition is aligned with your fitness. If your trainer isn’t able to consult on nutrition, they should be able to refer you to a source who can.
Looking To Kickstart Your Fitness Journey And Find The Right Personal Trainer Who Understands Your Needs?
I'm here to help! Reach out to me directly to discover how I can assist you in achieving your goals. Ask me these 9 essential questions and let's embark on your fitness transformation together!
Is there something else you are looking for in a personal trainer? Comment down below and let me know.
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