Choosing a personal trainer can be a little confusing, so we have put together a list of some great tips and tricks for you to consider selecting the right personal trainer for you. There are many types of personal trainers out there who are very good at what they do, but finding one who is an expert in the area you need can be a challenge.

While this is an amazing idea shared by some of our favourite experts, it is all the time a good idea to consult your doctor about any major lifestyle changes you are planning as well.

With that said, here are the top tips for selecting the right personal trainer!

Outline Your Goals

Outlining your goals before attempting to find a personal trainer helps you identify the type of trainer you need to find. Whether your focus is strengthening and conditioning, losing weight, or learning how to exercise effectively, you will want to find a trainer who can meet your needs.

“Often, people get discouraged in a personal trainer relationship because their trainer is inexperienced in the area they want to focus on,” says Umer Usman, Head of Growth of AvantStay. “Going to a weight loss coach to learn how to bodybuild is like asking a dermatologist to patch cavities – it just doesn’t work. Make sure you know what goals you want to achieve before you start looking around so you can narrow down your choices.”

Meet them

Meet with your coach before doing officially is something you should ask for. If they do not want to do the initial meeting, there is a good chance they’re more interested in the salary than their client. You should be capable to sit down and outline your goals and expectations and receive honest feedback from the coach before signing up for a session.

“Unfortunately, we live in a world with people who are not concerned about your well-being,” said Jae Pak, Founder Jae Pak MD Medical. “If a trainer can’t make the time to meet and consult before arranging a training then it makes sense that they are either too busy with their current client load or simply not interested in your goals.”

Explore Your Options

Examining your options for private trainers is among the first steps you should take when you’re attempting to find a personal trainer. Even if you live in a small town, you most likely have a larger pool of personal trainers than you realize. There are many personal trainers who do virtual appointments and workouts. While this option may not be for everybody, it can be an amazing option for people who haven’t got access to a gym or trainer in their area or simply feel more comfy receiving training at home.

“Don’t feel like you have to go with the first coach you meet,” says Dr. Michael Green, Chief Medical Officer of Winona. “You have to stay a bit objective when looking for a coach who can help you achieve your goals. While it’s important to hang out with a trainer, you’re not looking for a new best friend. Make sure you choose a trainer because they are certified or have trained in the right field – even if that means using a non-traditional virtual trainer.”

Learn Their Background

Asking for trainer qualifications such as licenses, certifications and titles is something you should all the time do. If you will allow them to help you improve your health and fitness, they must be properly inspected and licensed. However, it’s also important to look for reviews or ask around to find out about the success or failure of the training from others.

“You should always ask to see your trainer’s qualifications,” says Max Schwartzapfel, CMO of Fight For You. “Personal trainers must have a certification or degree that allows them to train. However, don’t get preoccupied with selecting an uber-qualified coach with multiple doctorates unless you’ve also looked at the reviews. Depending on what you are looking for in a trainer, you may find a very capable trainer at a lower price as they are only pursuing a college degree but have glowing reviews of their methods.”

Price Check

While prices will vary dramatically based on location, qualifications, and other factors, you should also check prices when you meet your potential coach. You’ll want to ask for detailed pricing information to ensure it is something you can fairly afford for the length of time you need to use a personal trainer.

Hiring a personal trainer is not a brief term thing in most cases. Depending on your goals, you may need to meet with them several times per week for months or years to attain those goals. You must make sure that you’re able to fairly afford the services you require to fulfill the purposes you have outlined.

Ask About Results

While researching reviews can help, it is also a good idea to ask your trainer about their history of success in the area you are asking for help. Knowing that they’ve successfully coached others in the area you have asked for help can help you move forward with more confidence.

Often, coaches will save recommendations from previous clients for this very reason. Make sure you ask to see these for extra information on how they’ve succeeded in the past.

Conclusion

Hiring a personal trainer can be a confusing and lengthy process for people who aren’t familiar with the fitness and health field. However, you are now armed with lots of ideas and questions to ask before selecting the right personal trainer.

Doing research beforehand and outlining your goals is the first step in selecting a personal trainer. You want to be sure that you do not choose someone who is not trained in the area you are asking for help simply because it costs less or looks good. There is immeasurable value in choosing a personal trainer who can help you reach your goals and that requires considering all the recommendations above. It also does not hurt to talk to your doctor about your goals too.