There are many people that could use the skills and knowledge of a good personal trainer but frequently go about it the wrong way. When you are hiring someone that you are entrusting with your health and well being a little background check and vetting is a good idea, don’t you think?
So where to start? First of all, look for testimonials/references. If the trainer doesn’t have clients that have experienced the same results you’re seeking then it probably isn’t a good fit.
2nd, ask for experience. This is a little more tricky as someone could have awesome credentials and educational background but really hasn’t worked with many people for whatever reason. On the other hand, lots of experience but no results for clients isn’t good, either. Also, is there experience in working with clients that have the same goals as you whether it is weight loss, feeling better or improved athletic performance.
3rd, ask for credentials/educational resume. This is third on the list by design as someone can have a ton of fitness credentials but hasn’t worked with anyone nor gotten results for anyone.
Conversely, you could have someone whose educational credentials look weak on paper but has a list of satisfied clients as long as your arm. Just ask the clients/people that train at Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio about Louie Simmons, for example. He certainly gets results and gets people stronger.
4th, ask about their training philosophy and how they go about setting up programs. I would suggest strongly that if the personal trainer doesn't have a thorough initial evaluation/assessment process to look elsewhere. How can they know what your limitations/issues are if they don’t first screen/assess in some fashion? It’s pure guesswork, otherwise, or simply a cookie cutter program design – i.e. one size fits all.
If all of the above meets your standards then you can get down to brass tacks about things like training packages (e.g. 5 session vs. 10 session packs), pricing, etc. Too many people ask this question first when you have no idea what you’re even investing in.
As with many professional services there frequently is a correlation between the price charged and the quality of the service. It’s not always the case, obviously, but more times than not it is. Otherwise the trainer wouldn’t have been around long enough to charge those fees if he/she didn’t have satisfied clients for whom they got the results the client was seeking.
If price is somewhat of an issue, you might ask about tandem, semi-private or small group personal training. It is likely the wave of the future in personal training as clients can spread the cost of a trainer over more people. Many people like the small group spirit/spirit de corp, and you have a commitment not only to the trainer but to your group.
Some will say this is like group fitness but nothing could be further from the truth if small group personal training is done well/properly. It is like night and day from an instructional/support viewpoint as compared to group fitness.
Author. Bruce Kelly is a personal trainer and owner of Fitness Together in Media Pa. Visit Fitness Together Media Pa for info on Bruce and his services
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