So you want to go to a gym for the first time; you make a decision to get a personal trainer. How are you sure to make the correct decision? How do you know the trainer you are going to choose will help you achieve the goals you set out for you? 

Know what you want – This might be a weird comparison but hear (read) me out. Finding a personal trainer is no different than any other type of shopping. Most of us go to the grocery store with a list of things that we want, that’s the same way we should look at hiring a personal trainer. You should know what you want, what your goals are and that should filter the crowd. If I want to lose weight, I am not likely to work with a powerlifting coach. If you are an athlete training for a specific sport then getting a strength and conditioning coach would likely be what you are looking for.

Think where and how – In person or remote coaching? These days,  we have the option of doing almost everything remotely, coaching is no different. There are personal trainers who only offer remote coaching, some only offer in person and most  offer both. Which one is best for you? If you are a relatively advanced lifter who knows the proper forms and  techniques for lifting then remote coaching is probably best for you. If you are a novice to intermediate lifter, in-person coaching might be the best for you. You will have someone there with you in-person giving you all the proper keys to lift safely and effectively.   

Interview potential personal trainers – Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know it may be intimidating at times to question people but this person is offering a service and you need to be sure it’s right for you. Everything from what their strengths are to how they build and put together a workout. Asking a question also allows you to decipher if this person is knowledgeable on their topic.

Beware of Big words  – The fitness industry just like any other industry has a few buzzwords that anyone can memorize to try to fake expertise. Anyone who  is an expert and masters their subject can explain a complex subject in layperson terms. If you ask this potential trainer about how long they think it’ll take you to be able to run a 5k and they pull out mitochondrial adaptation and VO2 max calculations; they are probably trying to get your head spinning with big words. 

Beware of the overpromising – Before choosing a trainer,  you need to be careful of the  over promising personal trainer. I am sure we have all seen them on social media; the” lose 20 pounds in 20 days” is not to be trusted. More and more we want the quick fix but unfortunately transforming your body and lifestyle isn’t microwavable. Losing weight, transforming your body and life is a journey, if you try to speed track it you are likely to either crash diet in an unhealthy manner or lose the weight for a bit and then gain it back since the changes were not sustainable. The personal trainer promising the moon is probably being dishonest  with you, themselves or both. 

Story time : I have known this person who signed up with a very popular fitness coach. She was following a program where she was eating less calories than her basal metabolic rate. This is extremely dangerous. This friend ended up paying a bunch of money to a bad but Instagram famous coach and getting no results.

When shopping for a personal trainer, don’t forget you are the shopper. They are offering you a service and it is up to you to determine if what they are offering is what you want. You should know what you want, ask all your questions, beware of big words and overpromises. Don’t be pressured into signing up with anyone. Take your time and make the best decision for you. If you have any questions, comment below and I will be sure to respond.

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