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Finding a personal trainer who makes you feel comfortable is priority number one. In order to achieve your goals, whether that’s getting fitter, stronger, or losing weight, you need to be comfortable enough to expose your biggest flaws. It is only this that can ensure future success. The clue is in the title, and they’re called ‘personal’ trainers for a reason. You are investing in the privilege of one to one contact, to have someone there to customise your personal goals and tailor your workouts.
Don’t be fooled by the influence of a trainer’s persuasive personality, bulging biceps, and extensive use of jargon! As an average gym-goer, fitness and training is not your field of education or occupation, so seek advice and help if you need to. With the growth of the PT industry, you are now spoilt for choice, so have a think about your priorities and never forget these when choosing your trainer.
Here are our top qualities that we believe you should look for in a personal trainer:
1. Check for certification
Don’t risk assuming that because a PT is working at a gym that they are certified and check their certification is from a legitimate body. Beyond this, you want to check that the PT is keeping their certification current. The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead of the pack, a trainer should be attending classes, seminars, and continuing their learning. A trainer should also be certified in first-aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator for medical emergencies.
2. They should ask you questions, LOTS of questions
3. They don’t promise results too fast
We’re inundated with fitness ‘success’ stories that condition us to believe that results can be achieved at a much faster rate than is actually possible. Losing 70 pounds in a 10-week programme going by the name of something like ‘AbSculpt’ sounds too good to be true – and it probably is, especially if it’s promoted as part of an advertisement for a new product on the market! Similarly, in the ‘reality’ of a gym environment, any drastic weight loss in a short time can likely be attributed to an elixir of supplements and an unsustainable dietary plan. While this may seem great at the time, the rebound effect is just around the corner…
4. They can explain exactly why you’re doing an exercise
You can quickly tell the PTs with genuine know-how apart from those who don’t really know what they’re doing. At any stage during a workout, your PT should be able to tell you about that exercise, in more detail than ‘it works the….’. A dedicated PT will welcome your questions as it gives them a chance to educate you and show how much thought they have put into your programme.
5. They know, love, and use the simple basics
‘Innovative’ new equipment such as wobble boards, Bosu balls, slosh pipes, valslides certainly look good, and do a great job of bringing attention to a PT session. However, trainers using unorthodox, ‘flashier’ methods won’t be on track to achieving faster results, and a lot can be said for simple methods. This signals a sound knowledge base, without trying to disguise any knowledge gaps or trainer deficiencies with ‘cool’ equipment. Particularly if you are in your beginning stages, less is more, and performing complex movements using ‘new’ equipment can be risky.
6. They know when to progress you
You should always leave a PT session having been pushed and challenged…but not injured! To make progress towards your goals, it is important not to stagnate, and a good trainer will know how and when to change up your program. As you get stronger, your workouts need to get harder, and if your trainer does not keep challenging you, your investment is wasted.
7. Are you achieving your goals?
Though aesthetic results may take more time, you should notice changes fairly quickly when training with a PT. You should feel fitter, have more energy, be sleeping better, and generally be feeling good about yourself. A good PT will take responsibility for your goals – it is their job – and if they are unable to meet your goals, they are not doing their job properly and may not be the trainer for you.
Being insured is another important factor to consider when trying to attract clients. Get a quick quote and instant cover today by visiting our Personal Trainer Insurance page.
*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.
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