Do you want to start exercising and suspect that you can't do it without a trainer? You should present your dream of a healthy body to the right person, and be careful, it doesn't always have to be the most expensive one in your city. How to make a successful choice that truly meets all expectations? That's what we'll talk about today.
Choosing the right trainer may seem like a simple matter. Especially in smaller towns or villages where there is only one or at best two. But if you expand the possible scope, you will probably find dozens of personal trainers. So how do you deal with it then, and what are the main criteria for selection?
For this purpose, we have compiled a simple list of ten things you must consider before shaking hands with a new trainer. If you are choosing one for the first time, we recommend spending at least 10 minutes on each item and organizing your thoughts and ideas for cooperation.
- Confirmation of the possibility to work as a trainer: First, you should find out how each trainer got into training. Specifically, primarily ensure that they are certified and can legally perform training. We certainly agree that a piece of paper does not make a good trainer, but for your personal safety, certification is a rather relieving circumstance. A well-trained trainer will know your body's limits and thus prevent unwanted injuries.
- Experience: Hand in hand with certification also goes experience. You probably won't be the first client of the given trainer, but it's still good to find out how long they have been doing this activity. In many sports, experience can play a big role, allowing you faster growth and better results.
- Personality: A trainer should either be your arch-enemy, whom you want to beat with full motivation as much as possible, or your best friend. In both cases, the choice of personality matters a lot. Choose according to your requirements, or according to who you find sympathetic.
- Philosophy: Once you narrow down your choice of trainers with the previous steps, inquire about their philosophy and teaching style. You might find some closer and others unpleasant. Again, choose according to your preference.
- Specialization: If you are really looking for someone to help you achieve a clearly defined goal, then look for specializations. In this regard, we do not mean the goal of losing weight, but for example, lifting a new PR or running a marathon. In short, clear goals that a person experienced in this regard can best lead you to.
- Price: Keep in mind that everything costs something. We already announced at the beginning that the most expensive one may not be the best for you. But the price is usually based on long experience, many certificates, and excellent specialization. Therefore, think carefully about how much you can afford and continue with the selection.
- Availability: If you go for a lower price, you may encounter trainers who have many clients and are not very often available or flexible in terms of time. Therefore, also check the trainer's availability. How often and when do they dedicate themselves to each client? If I can't make it, will they suggest another date or will the training be canceled?
- Location: The location of the gym where the trainer works also plays a role, of course. It may not always be the happiest choice if you choose a place far from your home. Then, motivation for exercise will probably decrease. This is really substantiated…
- Method of tracking results: Don't forget to also find out how the trainer will track your progress through training. How will they measure any successes along the way?
- Reputation: The last criterion is reputation. It is intentionally placed at the end, because not every client may get along with every trainer. Your choice should therefore be primarily based on the previous advice and not entirely on online reviews. Even so, it's still better to conclude your selection with a brief look into the trainer's history.
Finally, we wish you good luck with your selection. You can also turn to the fitness advisor project, where you will find the best trainers from your area clearly and in one place.
Do you exercise under the supervision of a trainer or by yourself?