You have decided you want to make some healthy changes in your life and heard that personal training is a reliable way to do that. When you do a quick google search you find tons of different personal training options available to you. So how do you pick a personal trainer? How do you know that the one you choose will check all of the boxes, and help you achieve your goals? In this article, we outline the steps that we recommend people take to help them pick a personal trainer.
Steps:
- Step #1: Figure Out Your Goals
- Step #2: How Much Time Do You Need/Do You Have?
- Step #3: Where Would You Like To Train?
- Step #4: What Do You Want Your Trainer To Teach You?
- Step #5: What Can You Afford?
Step #1
Figure Out Your Goals
Before you decide what type of personal trainer you are looking for you need to figure out what your goals are. Every personal trainer will come with a basic understanding of the human body, exercise technique, and nutrition. It is up to you to decide how specialized you’ll need your trainer to be.
Be very clear about the “why” of your goals as well. A lot of people have weight loss goals and energy goals, but why do you have your goal. Is it because you have an event you’d like to look and feel a certain way at? Are you trying to feel more energetic so you can get through the workday a little easier? Maybe you’ve just recently had kids, and you want to lose weight so you can create healthy habits for the whole family.
Figure out your goals, and then figure out why you’ve set those goals. Once that is complete, you can start looking at personal trainers.
Step #2
How Much Time Do You Need/Do You Have?
The two biggest barriers to change for people are time and convenience. People are short on time these days and so finding a personal trainer who can work with your schedule is key. You’ll also want to figure out how long the trainer will be training you for. Are they the standard hour-long sessions, or are they efficient 30-minute sessions?
When looking for a personal trainer, be honest with yourself about how much time you can give to that trainer per day and then per week as well. This will be helpful information to give to your trainer once you have chosen them.
Your time is valuable, but so is the trainer’s time. So make sure the times that you commit to are time’s that actually work for you. If you’re going to be paying for someone’s time, make the absolute most of it. Make it part of your schedule, and if something comes up, be sure to give your trainer enough of a heads-up so the two of you can find a new time to work together.
Step #3
Where Would You Like To Train?
There are personal trainers everywhere. Big gyms, small gyms, online, and some will even come to your home. As mentioned in the previous step, convenience is key for people. There are apps and services popping up everywhere that are aimed at making your life easier and more convenient.
The plethora of choices of personal trainers means that you can actually pick a personal trainer who trains somewhere that is convenient for you. Here are some things to consider when picking a place to train:
- Do you prefer a more private experience?
- Will you be working out during the day? Should the gym be close to your place of work?
- Should your personal trainer be at a facility that offers additional services like physio, chiro, or massage therapy?
- Do you need a dedicated space to workout, or are you disciplined enough to workout wherever? (In this case, virtual would be a great option.)
Step #4
What Do You Want Your Trainer To Teach You?
As we mentioned before, every trainer will have a basic understanding of training principles. But now that you understand your goals, you know how long your sessions will be, and where you’ll be training, it is time to look at the added value of a personal trainer. After all – a personal trainer is your personal health and fitness resource.
Some trainers are really into the technique of training. Some even specialize in training with specific pieces of equipment. Some trainers are also nutritionists, while some are athletes and can provide insights into the level of training required by athletes.
If you’re just looking for a great workout and a few homework tasks, every trainer can provide you with that type of information. Use step 4 as your opportunity to figure out how you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Related Article: What Are The Most Important Detail To Share With Your Trainer?
Step #5
What Can You Afford?
The final step to pick a personal trainer that is right for you is to evaluate the cost of the trainer. You can find trainers offering their services anywhere from $30/hr to upwards of $200/hr.
Paying for the private help of a personal trainer will always be more expensive than getting a gym membership at a city gym, or even working out at home. But when you look at all of the value that a personal trainer brings to your life – the convenience of having an expert create the programs, and answer your questions right away – then the value per dollar starts to make more sense.
In a gym or studio, the cost of personal training is provided after you’ve spoken with a personal trainer. This allows them to figure out what type of training plan will match your needs. It also gives them a chance to look at all of the price options, and figure out what works with your budget.
Virtual training may have the prices of personal training listed on the trainer’s website, while an in-home trainer may offer a price for a package of sessions. The cost of personal training will always vary but expect it to be more expensive than a gym membership as you are now paying for the use of equipment, as well as a qualified person’s time.
Understand your budget and look at steps 1-4 to figure out what you’re able to afford. If now is not a time that you can realistically afford a personal trainer, then look for trial offers. These are discounted personal training services aimed to provide people with a sample of what personal training can achieve.
When the trial is over, you may realize there are affordable ways to continue training. If it is still out of your budget you at least have a relationship with a trainer and can reach out to them when you do feel like you can afford training.
Related Article: Is Personal Training the Best Option?
Should You Pick Your Personal Trainer Based On Their Gender?
Personal training is a male-dominated field, but that does not mean that female personal trainers are not out there as well. Both male and female trainers have the same basic foundation of information. Both male and female trainers have the capacity to motivate and push their clients. Both male and female trainers have the opportunity to specialize and therefore understand things like pre-and-post-pregnancy training, body-building, and exercise for health conditions.
With that said, some individuals may have experienced trauma related to men or women. In this case, a client has every right to choose a trainer based on their gender. The trainer-client relationship is based on trust and respect, so if someone cannot trust their trainer due to past experiences, then choosing a trainer based on their gender is perfectly okay.
The key to picking the best personal trainer for you is to know exactly what you want out of the experience. Why are you seeking professional help with your health goals? How much time can you devote to the process, and what training space would help facilitate those goals? Lastly are you prepared to pay for the professional time of a personal trainer? If you follow these steps, you’ll find a personal trainer that is right for you.
Author: Riley Pearce
riley.pearce.fff@gmail.com
Director of Social Media & Marketing
