A personal trainer is a fitness professional whose job it is to help you reach your goals. Finding a personal trainer and selecting the right one for you requires some planning and research. Simply choosing whoever happens to be available may be a costly mistake. The extra time it takes to find the right trainer is well worth it. Every trainer is different and their personalities and training styles run the gamut. Not all trainers are like super star Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser.
Step 1
Ask your friends, family and co-workers and check the internet for names of trainers in your area. The best referrals may come from people you know, but successful trainers can also be found via the internet. Check out their web sites, if they have one.
Step 2
Visit your local gyms. They can provide you with names of their trainers and help guide you to the proper one for you. Some trainers work only at certain gyms and most likely you would need to be a gym member to train with them. Other trainers have private studios, so you would not have access to a gym, but also wouldn’t have the gym membership expense.
Step 3
Call your list of candidates. Ask a few basic questions, such as their education, experience, rates and availability. It’s a waste of time to meet with them if you need an evening or weekend appointment and they don’t work evenings or weekends. Discuss your unique concerns with them and narrow down your list.
Step 4
Schedule interviews. A good trainer will understand your desire for compatibility and won’t mind that you are shopping around for a trainer. They should offer a free consultation to discuss your goals and how the trainer can help you reach them. Find out what kind of program they recommend for you and what packages they offer. Ask a lot of questions. Decide if you’re ready for a long-term commitment or if a shorter program is better for you.
Step 5
Make your decision. Choose the best trainer based on the answers provided to your questions. Also listen to your instincts and what your gut is telling you when you make your selection. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them and you'll be trusting them with your goals and safety. If you don’t feel comfortable, keep shopping.
Tips and Warnings
- Get going. The sooner you make a commitment, the sooner you will see results.
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