Tips For Hiring a Personal Trainer to Meet Your Fitness Goals

More and more people are turning to the experts to help them get in shape and lose weight. Personal trainers are able to guide you to the right fitness program for your personal needs and goals. It’s a great way to get motivated, eliminate fitness mistakes that can stall your success, and focus on your long term goals.

Personal trainer with client. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

However, it's important that you hire the right personal trainer. They’re human just like you which means that they have personality quirks, fitness philosophies, and their own style. Additionally, like any industry there are some great trainers and some not so good trainers. A little screening and knowledge will help you hire the right personal trainer for your needs. Here are some things to look for when hiring a personal trainer:

Education
When hiring a personal trainer make sure they’re certified with a reputable training organization. For example, the ACSM, American College of Sports Medicine, and the ACE, American Council on Exercise are both good programs.

You also want to make sure that they have CPR and first aid certification just in case something should happen while you are working out.

Experience
In addition to education, personal training experience is helpful. Yes, everyone has to start somewhere and if you get a really good feeling with a new trainer that’s fine. However, a more experienced trainer who specializes in your goals and fitness needs may be a better way to spend your time and money.

Also, if you have any specific medical problems or needs then it’s helpful to have someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in that area.

Personality and Style
Ideally, your trainer will listen to your needs and goals and create a program just for you. Some trainers have programs that they’ve created already and they are looking for clients to fit to their mold. That’s okay, just be aware of what you need and make sure it’s a good fit.

Personal trainer assessing a client's goals and needs as they write a fitness program. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s also important for your trainer to be focused on you during your sessions and to be involved. You don’t want a trainer who puts you on the weight machine and then walks away. Ask your trainer if they’ll be tracking your progress and assessing the program as you go. Hopefully they answer with a quick yes. Ask them how they assess and what their policy is. 

Pay attention to their personality and style. Does it seem motivating? Will you enjoy working with this person? Do you trust them? If not, then they’re not the right trainer for you.

Finally, it’s important to compare the price of your potential trainers. Personal training can be expensive but it’s also a great way to ‘cut to the chase’ and start reaching your fitness goals right away. If price is an issue you may be able to find a better rate if you participate in group training sessions.