Working out isn’t always an easy process. For many, getting started — either by finding a gym or selecting an exercise routine — proves so overwhelming that nothing ever comes to fruition. Employing a personal trainer can eliminate this limbo-like effect; by trusting a professional to design their workout and both push and support their commitment to it, many people are able to make real progress.
However, finding the right trainer for your specific needs is essential — after all, they’re called personal trainers for a reason. Approximately 64% of consumers are inclined to ignore cost if the experience is positive enough, and personal trainers don’t come cheap. In order to guarantee you’re getting the most bang for your buck, be sure to follow these five steps.
- Know Your Goals: Everyone is different, so their fitness goals should be different as well; if you’re a mom trying to lose belly weight, you’re not necessarily going to have the same workout as a professional powerlifter. Take the time to really think about what you want to focus on, whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, or simply improving your overall health.
Expectations play a major role here: while it may be possible for you to lose 40 lbs, you need to be realistic about your timeline. At the same time, expect big changes to occur in your diet — plant-based diets have been proven to reduce the chance of angina attacks by 90% in just a few weeks, so most personal trainers will have you eating differently than you’re used to. By focusing on what you want to see transformed by routine exercise, you can narrow your search down right off the bat. - Do Your Research: It’s vital that you not rush into this crucial decision. Aside from the financial cost, the time you may lose working with someone you don’t feel comfortable with can be immense. Most fitness center and gyms offer in-depth bios and histories for their personal trainers; once you know what you’re looking for, start shopping around. This includes checking for various certifications that prove their skill and experience, as well as any reviews.
- Test The Waters: Now that you’ve narrowed the pool down, don’t be afraid to ask for a consultation. Chemistry is extremely important when finding someone who is going to push you to your limits and support you when times get tough; by requesting a consultation, you can get a feel for how your relationship may play out. It doesn’t even need to be based around a workout — simply arrange for a face-to-face discussion and see how it goes.
- Pay Attention To Communication: Beyond knowledge, one of the most important skills your personal trainer must possess is the ability to communicate. They should be actively listening to your experience; if they seem distant, or don’t seem to be listening to your complaints or concerns, you’ve got a major problem on your hands.
Personal trainers are supposed to be a source of motivation and support. If they refuse to change a workout that causes you pain (such as the 30-minute-long high-intensity interval training workouts) they’re not doing their jobs. You should never settle when it comes to your health and fitness, so don’t be afraid to move along if the situation doesn’t suit your needs. - Know When It’s Not Working Out: As with all things in life, knowing when to walk away is important. If you aren’t getting the results you hoped for — and you’ve frequently communicated this to your trainer to no avail — it might be time to move on. The caveat here is that it takes two to tango: you need to hold up your end of the bargain and follow their recommended instructions, too. If you’ve been fully committed to the routine and are unsatisfied, you have the right to step away and find an alternative solution.
When it comes to personal training, finding the right fit is the best way to ensure success. If you hire a trainer who listens attentively, possesses the knowledge required to achieve your goals, and genuinely supports your journey, you are significantly more likely to stick with it until those dreams become reality.
