how to choose a trainer.
There are thousands of personal trainers out there, so how do you know which one to work with? Obviously there are logistical considerations, such as where they work out of or pricing structure. But just because someone comes highly recommended or has an impressive collection of certifications doesn’t mean they are right for you. I look at choosing a personal trainer the same way as choosing a therapist - and it may even be more important since you see a therapist once a week but a trainer 3x or more!
1. Do they practice what they preach? I find it staggering to me that so many professionals in the fitness & wellness space preach healthy lifestyles, rapid weight loss for their clients, and rigid prescribed plans, but go out partying every night, vape, don’t sleep, eat exclusively processed foods, and are out of shape. It’s really important to pay attention to the way the trainer lives their life and decide if that’s something you want too. Even if they produce good results for their clients, is that really something you want to subscribe to?
2. Is their coaching style compatible with you? Some people love the hard ass David Goggins style coaching. Some people need gentle and encouraging motivation from their trainer. There’s no right or wrong, but it’s important to know what works best for you AND have a coach that can provide for you what you need.
3. Is their experience/expertise right for you? If you are looking to build muscle and get into powerlifting, you don’t want a trainer who specializes in HIIT. It sounds very straightforward, but people get caught either going for a coach because they have a good reputation/come recommended, or the coach thinks that they can just change their style to accomodate that client. With every client there is an element of adjusting the program
Finding the right trainer can really make or break your experience getting to your goals. It’s necessary to really find someone you click with, someone that is compatible and someone that you trust. Don’t be afraid to change it up! We as trainers understand how vital this is.
