Three Rules To Help You Choose A Personal Trainer
Looking for a personal trainer but don’t know where to start? Good thing you are reading this blog, because I probably just saved you a lot of wasted time and money. Personal training can be expensive or sometimes you’ve had a bad experience in the past. These 3 rules should help you find someone who is professional and that fits your needs.
RULE #1
Ask your friends about their trainer
You probably have a friend that has had personal training in the past. If so, ask them about their experience and what the personal trainer was like. What type of personality did they have? Did they feel good about the exercise program that was given to them? Why did they stop going to said trainer? All valid questions and should give you some insight about the trainer. I find it’s always better to ask friends for referrals first, as friends usually know your personality and if the trainer they have makes sense for you. I’d say get at-least 3 referrals to different trainers if possible, as this set’s you up for rule number 2.
RULE #2
Interview your prospective trainers
After getting a list of different trainers, call them to set up an appointment. This is where you get to see if it’s worth your time to train with this person. Here are some important questions to ask:
Why did you choose this profession?
How long have you been a personal trainer for?
Have you worked with someone with my goals in mind before?
What is your training philosophy?
There are obviously more questions you can think of that are important to you, but I find these give you some good insight to see if a trainer is passionate about their job or just going through the motions to make a paycheck. Also, asking how long they have been a trainer for may indicate why they can justify their asking price. For example, a trainer with 1 year of experience usually doesn’t charge as much as someone with 10 years of experience. The more relevant questions you ask, the better decision you can make.
RULE #3
Don’t make a purchase based on emotions
All too often we buy things that make us feel good but a couple weeks later regretting the decision. Usually in the form of fitness products that end up collecting dust. Some tactics include making you feel bad about your body in various ways such as commenting on your weight or how “unfit” you are. Another tactic will be using the infomercial tactic - making promises that are bullshit. We all like to hear what sounds good, but deep down inside we know that’s probably not going to happen. Here are some key things you do want to hear from your trainer:
A plan of action with realistic goal setting
Encouragement and understanding that life is not about being in the gym 24/7
The trainer encourages you to ask questions about the exercises and the program
A trainer that says “I don’t know, I’ll research that for you” because we don’t have all the answers
Updates on how you are doing
A trainer who has a genuine interest in your goals and not his ego
Looking for a trainer with these qualities. If the trainer is telling you things to feed your insecurities, promising quick fixes, or sounds like a car salesman, move on.
There you have it, 3 simple rules to get you with the right trainer. Obviously I want my profession to have better standards, in the hopes of consumers having more power in choosing quality service. If you still have more questions, I’m in the Mission Valley area of San Diego, give me a call or email me! I'm a personal trainer, and I'd love to answer any question you have about fitness and dieting.