Are you ready to take the leap into hiring a personal trainer to reach your fitness goals? Hiring a personal trainer is one of the most effective ways to get fit. Though it costs more than a gym membership, personal trainers provide you with accountability, regular workouts, a regimented fitness plan, and motivation to keep pushing yourself to the limits. However, believe it or not, finding your perfect personal trainer is not as easy as going to the gym and picking someone from a picture on the wall. There are many things to consider when you decide to make that big investment in your health and fitness. Here are four tips to help you find your perfect trainer:
![Karen Mirlenbrink - Trainer]()
Education. Ask about credentials, education, and experience. The reality is that fitness is not a licensed profession. There is no standard of education that one needs to become a personal trainer. State governments do not mandate licensure to fitness professionals. This turns the fitness industry into a kind of free-for-all that anyone can participate in. The best way to ensure that a person is qualified to work with you and knows how to help you safely reach your goals is to be a certified trainer. There are plenty of certifications out in the industry, and most gyms will not hire a trainer unless they are certified. Certification means that they are trained to do their job and that they can purchase liability insurance – two very important things that will keep you healthy, happy, and safe. So, before you run into the gym and hire that hot guy trainer, ask him: “Are you certified?” Beyond certifications, some trainers hold degrees in exercise or related, so it’s always a good idea to ask.- Specialization and Style. Set specific goals and find a trainer who has found results working with people with the same goals as yours. When shopping for your perfect trainer, it’s smart to ask what the trainer’s specialty is, and see if they have success with it. For example, if you go to a trainer looking to lose a little weight and tone up, and your trainer specializes in geriatric fitness, they may not lead you to the goals you want to see. That ends up being a very big and unhappy investment. Trainers will advertise what they specialize in, knowing what the outcome will be if they work with someone outside their scope. Take the time to do a little research and find someone that can give you exactly what you want and need from your workouts.
- Personality. Look for a trainer who’s personality is motivating to you. Do you prefer a Jillian Michaels or a Richard Simmons? Do you prefer an intense boot camp or a cheerful aerobics class? Do you want someone who is extremely detail oriented, or do you prefer a lighthearted approach? Do you need to be yelled at to work hard? You will find all of these styles at any gym or training studio. The trick is learning and knowing what personality works the best with yours. Observing the trainers in action before you make the plunge will help you decide what you like and what you don’t. A nice phone conversation will also help you learn a trainer’s personality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, spark conversations, or watch a potential new trainer. You are worth the research!
- Price. Collaborate to create a training plan that falls within your budget. With a good trainer, you should be able to brainstorm to see what will work out the best for you. Knowing your weekly or monthly budget for training will help you make a plan and place limits on your spending. A potential trainer should be helpful in setting you up a plan to keep you working out and headed towards your goals.
Education. Ask about credentials, education, and experience. The reality is that fitness is not a licensed profession. There is no standard of education that one needs to become a personal trainer. State governments do not mandate licensure to fitness professionals. This turns the fitness industry into a kind of free-for-all that anyone can participate in. The best way to ensure that a person is qualified to work with you and knows how to help you safely reach your goals is to be a certified trainer. There are plenty of certifications out in the industry, and most gyms will not hire a trainer unless they are certified. Certification means that they are trained to do their job and that they can purchase liability insurance – two very important things that will keep you healthy, happy, and safe. So, before you run into the gym and hire that hot guy trainer, ask him: “Are you certified?” Beyond certifications, some trainers hold degrees in exercise or related, so it’s always a good idea to ask.Who thought that shopping for a personal trainer was so involved? Well, we can safely say that when you are shopping for a potential service that can provide significant and life-changing results, the time spent to pick your perfect trainer is well worth it.
KAREN MIRLENBRINK has always described herself as a total beach bunny who can’t keep her toes out of the sand. Growing up on the beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast, her idea of the perfect day involves being in or on the water learning… more »
