The road to fitness can be a bumpy one.
Uncertainty about how to use gym equipment, a lack of motivation, and even a lack of clarity about your fitness needs can all hinder your progress. That’s why so many people rely on the services of a personal fitness instructor. So, how can you know which is the right one for you? Keep reading to discover seven tips for choosing the best personal trainer for your wellbeing.
1. Ensure You Choose the Right Type
There are different personal trainer types, each with unique areas of focus, for example, weight loss, strength training, or even sports-specific exercises.
For tailored workout plans that adapt to your specific needs, you might consider exploring exercise fitness coaching options. Personalized programs can be especially helpful for those unsure of how to start or progress in their fitness journey, providing the guidance and accountability required to meet distinct wellness goals.
Ask yourself what your fitness needs and goals are. This will help you to determine which type of fitness instructor you need.
A personal trainer is a great help when starting on your path to fitness, and can help you meet specific goals and challenges. But it all starts with some honesty about your fitness level and an assessment of your needs.
Another thing to consider here is that different trainers have different motivational styles. Would you thrive with a tough, no-nonsense approach? Or would you prefer a more supportive and encouraging style? Feel free to ask about their approach if this concerns you.
Be honest about what you really need, and you’ll find making a choice much easier.
2. Match Your Trainer to Your Fitness Level
This is where so many people go wrong when choosing a personal trainer.
Exercise is a popular way to beat stress, get in shape, and improve your health. But a person starting on their fitness journey will have a very different fitness level, and thus less demanding needs, than an experienced athlete.
Some personal trainers concentrate on helping beginners get fit. Others work exclusively with professional athletes. That does not mean that they can never help people outside their usual area of focus. But it does give you an idea of what they may be best suited to.
Matching your trainer to your fitness level means you’ll both know what to expect, so ask the trainer what type of clients they typically work with.
Also, if you have any specific health concerns or conditions, inquire about the trainer's experience working with individuals with similar issues. This could include issues like injuries, medical conditions, or age-related considerations.
3. Calculate Your Fitness Budget
Even a few sessions with a personal trainer can become quite expensive. That’s why you should calculate your fitness budget before hiring a personal trainer. Like any other service, personal training sessions can vary in price.
Personal trainers who are new to the business may offer slightly cheaper rates to drum up business. More experienced fitness instructors might charge more because they have more expertise to offer. But the rate is not necessarily an indication of their skill.
Getting fit needn’t break the bank. You just need to strike a balance between affordability and value.
4. Ask for Referrals
Have you seen a fellow gym enthusiast who’s in great shape? Ask if they use a personal trainer, and who it is. Or perhaps someone in your friend or family circle can recommend one.
Indeed, personal trainers often rely on client referrals. Of course, everyone has their unique fitness challenges, though, and this will colour clients’ perceptions of a particular personal trainer’s skills and style.
However, referrals can still provide valuable info about the trainer’s personality and coaching style.
5. Examine Their Credentials
If you go to a doctor, you want to know that they’re qualified to diagnose and treat illness and injury. If you go to a mechanic, you want to know they can diagnose and repair your car problems. It’s the same with a personal trainer.
Check that they have the credentials you look for in a fitness instructor. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of certification as a personal fitness trainer. ACE, ISSA, and NASM are some of the reputable associations' certificates to look out for.
If they provide certification that you’re unsure about, research it online before making a final decision.
6. Speak to Some of Their Other Clients
Unless they’re newly qualified, most personal trainers will have a portfolio of clients to speak of. Ask if you can speak to some of their other clients. Only they can tell you exactly what working with a specific personal trainer is truly like.
But, although hearing about the trainer’s personality will be helpful, you can’t rely solely on that information. Ask about their communication skills, and how good they are at motivating clients. These are important clues to their people skills. This will tell you what your own experience with them might be like.
7. It’s Never Too Late To Switch
If you’ve chosen a personal trainer and for whatever reason, you don’t feel comfortable with them, don’t worry. It’s quite common to feel uneasy around a personal trainer if you’ve never used one before. Exercising in close quarters with a stranger can make us feel shy or even vulnerable.
It can take a bit more time for some people than others, but you’ll eventually relax and start to enjoy your personal training sessions. However, if after a few sessions you still feel unsure about your choice, they might not be a good fit for you.
Just like you should ditch a therapist who isn’t a good fit, shop around until you find a personal trainer that you feel comfortable around.
Summary
Hiring a personal trainer can be a beneficial investment in your health and fitness journey, providing guidance, expertise, and support to help you achieve your unique goals. When choosing a personal trainer, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Think about the type of personal trainer you need
- Ask the trainer about the type of clients they work with
- Decide on your budget
- Ask for referrals
- Check their credentials
- Speak to their clients
- Don’t be afraid to swap if it doesn’t feel like a good fit
We hope these tips help you be proactive in finding a personal trainer who aligns with your needs, preferences, and goals. Remember, communication is key. Be sure to discuss your expectations and concerns with a potential trainer before committing to a program. You’ve got this!
Self-Guided Support for Anxiety and Low Mood
Research shows that self-help materials are often enough for people to overcome mild to moderate mental health difficulties without professional support.
If you’re interested in a self-guided program that includes tools from CBT, DBT, ACT and more, be sure to check out The Mental Wellbeing Toolkit. It's "like 10 therapy sessions in one."
