We really want people to understand the difference between bad trainers, good trainers and GREAT trainers. You don’t want to waste valuable time and money on a bad (or even a good) trainer. So, how do you identify a GREAT TRAINER?
We’ve compiled a list of what to look for and questions to ask when you interview a personal trainer or meet with them during your initial session:
Attitude
Trainers are coaches that should inspire. Is the trainer high-energy, upbeat and ‘on their game.” Do people seem to genuinely like this person? Are they positive and do they make their clients feel good? How does the trainer motivate their clients to do more than they would on their own? The majority of people hire a personal trainer because they won’t exercise or work hard enough on their own. Is the trainer consistently encouraging and educating them? If the trainer is texting or talking to other trainers about their weekend while the clients huff and puff, then move on.
Education
Don’t be afraid to ask the specifics of your trainer’s education. There are almost as many paths to becoming a trainer as there are trainers. The trainer should readily offer a resume that includes the name of the school or program they’ve completed, degrees and credentials they’ve earned, school accreditation and years of study.
- Is their background in kinesiology and biology or is it more sports-oriented?
- Are they familiar with how the body works, how injury happens and heals, muscle interaction and psychology?
- Are they certified in CPR?
Experience
Education is a vital component that will help to ensure safety and results, but so is experience. Ask how long they have been training. Ask where they have worked as a personal trainer. Many professional and successful amateur athletes become personal trainers with a great wealth of knowledge and been mentored by great coaches. This counts too. Ask if they themselves work out with a trainer. Ask them how and why they became a personal trainer.
Method and Variety
- Is the workout innovative?
- Is the workout proposed by the trainer the same for every client or is it highly personalized for an individual’s goals and ability?
- Do the workouts progress and are they challenging from week to week?
- Is it the same for men, women and people of all ages?
If it is, buy a DVD and move on!
Communication
- Does this trainer clearly communicate what they want their clients to do and why?
- Do they communicate their expectations clearly?
- Do they interact with each client?
- Do they seem comfortable communicating with people whose age, race, language or culture varies from their own?
- Do they demonstrate proper technique or just sit around and tell people what to do.
Professionalism and Accountability
- Is the trainer on time and expecting you when you arrive?
- Is the trainer dressed in an appropriate manner?
- Does the trainer do what they say they will do?
Because this industry lacks consistent regulation and licensing is not required, personal trainers have earned a bad reputation for being “flaky.” Not every trainer is, of course. One way to find out is to ask the gym manager and other clients. Or you can learn the hard way. If your trainer does not show up or consistently starts late- move on!
On the contrary, to find a personal trainer, ask yourself if the trainer is a role model.
- Do they look like they work out?
- Do they stick to a healthful diet and live a healthy and inspirational lifestyle?
- Do they put out positive energy?
- Do they have a personal success story that led them to this career choice? Are they intimidating or welcoming?
- Do they seem genuinely interested in their client’s well-being?
- Do they respect others? Do they smile — or only when they look in the mirror?
- Are they inspiring people to come back through their consistency, goals, performance or results?
- Are they helping others in positive ways outside of the gym by volunteering, working with charities or coaching children’s sports?
Don’t be afraid to ask trainers what they do when they are not in the gym – if they can’t answer, or say “I’m always in the gym,” don’t be impressed, move on.
Physical Environment
Do you want to work out in a gym, outdoors, indoors or in your home? These questions will determine who you hire to train you, but won’t really affect whether or not your trainer is a great trainer. Great trainers can train on the moon. They don’t need a fancy gym. Regardless, if you are considering a gym workout ask yourself if the gym environment is safe and supportive; is it clean; are the machines working; is the equipment in good condition; is the lighting good? If the gym is more like a social club then you might want to move on. One more important point: complaining is toxic and detrimental to your goals—if the trainer or the other people in the gym are complainers – move on.
Intangibles
When you’ve determined that you have found a good trainer, you must now ask yourself if this trainer is a good match for you. People hire trainers to help them reach a goal and get results, but not everyone is motivated the same way. A trainer-client relationship is a very personal one and even the best trainer might not necessarily be the best trainer for YOU.
- Do you complement one another?
- Do you think you could spend an hour a day with this person and give them your all?
- Can you be honest with them?
- Will they be honest with you?
- Do they know how to get YOU to your goals?
- Does the trainer seem to have insight into what makes you tick?
A good coach will modify their style to fit the individual and maximize results.
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Innovative Results has been voted #1 in Personal Trainers in Orange County by Fox LA News. We can help you reach your fitness goals with exercise, mindset and nutrition. Call today for a free trial 1-866-243-4472