Hiring a Personal Trainer?

As a Certified Personal Trainer, it is (of course) my aim to have clients employ me in order to make a living. In an industry which is always growing, there are an enormous amount of trainers to choose from, so how do you make a decision?

Firstly, check that the person you are thinking about hiring is qualified, and that their qualifications are from a reliable and recognized institution. Secondly, make sure that their qualifications, skills and specialities are appropriate for your goals.

A good trainer should listen to you. Often times, people have a vague idea of what their goals are but aren’t sure how to achieve those goals. Your trainer should follow the SMART principle when setting goals with you (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound). If you are not achieving your goals, your trainer should be able to honestly reevaluate their program and see where there may be any shortcomings. Your trainer is your ally in your fitness journey and you should always feel comfortable with them.

Not all trainers will be a good fit. As human beings, our personalities are varied and unique, choose a trainer who you like. You will be sharing goals and possibly feel vulnerable or nervous when you begin training, so go with your instinct and choose a trainer that you feel secure with.

If you are training in-person with your P.T. that time they spend with you is yours. I am often surprised to watch trainers checking their phones and chatting with others, not paying attention to their clients while they are performing their exercises. One of a trainer’s top priorities should be the safety of their clients and they should be watching your form and checking you to make sure you are performing your repetitions correctly and safely. In my experience, injury occurs when the ego takes over and when a person is not being present and mindful during the movement.

Speaking of ego, a good trainer should “play well with others” and be able to work as part of a team. If you are being treated by any healthcare professional, a trainer with ethics will always make sure that their program is synergistic with whatever care you are receiving so that you – the client – are being taken care of holistically and that your health and wellness are always priority.

Never forget that you are the person who is on this journey, and you get to choose who travels along with you. So choose someone you can trust, who has the relevant skills to be effective and who is invested in your success.