Five questions to hire a personal trainer
You want a personal trainer! The point has come where you are ready to find the knowledge, intensity, and accountability you need to reach your goals, but how do you know which one to choose? In most cities the options are endless, and it can be daunting to figure out how to hire a personal trainer for yourself, your son or daughter who’s an athlete, or even another family member. The easiest way is to ask questions. Start with these five.
- What are your credentials?
At a minimum, a trainer should have a bachelor’s in kinesiology or exercise science, and/or be a certified personal trainer from one of the leading personal training programs (ACE, NASM, NSCA, or ACSM). Educational backgrounds with a strong emphasis on biomechanics and kinesiology lead to trainers that know how to develop intentional, safe, and effective exercise programs.
- How do you track the progress/results of my program?
A high-quality trainer has a system for tracking a client’s progress, relative to their goals, that is consistent and clear. For example, if your goal is weight loss, you want the trainer to check your weight regularly and take measurements. If your goal is to gain strength, you want data that shows a progression of weight-load for a specific movement. Like all health and wellness providers, you should expect your trainer to take notes during each session with you.
- What experience do you have relative to my goals?
While a strength training program will, in general, lead to changes in how you feel, move, and look, it’s important to have a trainer that has experience progressing other clients that have goals similar to yours. For example, if you have back pain and want to move better, you will need a trainer with a proven track record helping clients find solutions to their back pain.
- How will you hold me accountable?
Consistency and effort are the keys to reaching any goal, and fitness goals are no different. How does this personal trainer hold you accountable for the choice you made to care for your body?
- Try before you buy?
Ultimately the best way to know if a trainer is a good fit is to have them coach you. Most personal training studios offer a free consultation and assessment workout. During the session, you will get a feel for how the trainer coaches and corrects. Are they acknowledging when your form is good and are they correcting you when needed? Do you enjoy the coaching style? Success in personal training starts with a knowledgeable, experienced personal trainer, and it also requires a good chemistry between the client and trainer. One or two sessions can quickly confirm if this coach’s encouragement, correction, and personality are the best for motivating you to pursue your goals.
Learn more about Body Outfitters’ personal trainers and contact us to make that first interview appointment!