Things to look for in a Personal trainer while shortlisting

MassarDv

How to select a Personal trainer ? What are the basic responsibilities of a Personal trainer?

acfisher88

Great question! A personal trainer is primarily responsible for structuring your workout routine, but some will also give dietary advice.

I chose a personal trainer because I needed a more structured approach to weight loss that included some accountability ie. if I had a session booked in with my trainer then I would be less likely to skip it than if I was just working out by myself at the gym. I've lost 35kgs in just under a year, so it really was a great decision for me!

A few things that I thought about during the search/have come to realise in my time since having a trainer:

• Location - my trainer is based just around the corner from my office, so there's really no excuse for me skipping a session. I feel like it's less of a drain on my time, and I only have to leave 10 mins before my session starts. Other options are trainers based in gyms close to your house, or some will come to your home/a park near you to use the equipment and space there. Think about what would work best for you
• Timings/availability - I prefer to work out some time before lunch. My boss is super flexible and allows me to move my lunch hour to accommodate my training, be that 10am or 3pm. Some trainers will have a more flexible schedule while others will book you in at the same time on the same days, so think about when you want to work out. Other choices are before or after work, or on the weekend (I'd rather leave my weekends free, which is why I chose a trainer near work rather than home). Similarly, think about how often you want to go. Some trainers will charge per session, others may charge for a certain time period.
• Cost - Some gyms require you pay monthly fees on top of the price of your training sessions, so be sure to factor that in if necessary. Sessions can be cheaper if you block-book a number of them in advance, or you can consider group training which is also cheaper.
• Group/individual - As mentioned above, group training is often cheaper than one-on-one training, and a good opportunity to meet new people to go on your fitness journey with. One-on-one sessions are completely focused on you, so the trainer can focus specifically on what you need, rather than what's best for the group overall.
• Goals - Weight loss? Building muscle? Toning up? Maintaining current body? Some trainers will have different specialisms depending on their background. My trainer used to be a body builder, while another in the same gym was a pro boxer...make sure these guys are working to your goals rather than fitting your programme into what they know. If a trainer tells you to do something, make sure they can explain why you're doing it and how it relates to your goal.
• Diet - This is something that not all trainers do. I was lucky to find a trainer that monitors my diet daily, adding to that accountability that I needed to kickstart building healthy habits. Other trainers will give you some guidance on eating, and some gyms run seminars on healthy eating. Again, it all depends on your main goal. If a trainer ever gives you a complete meal plan make sure they're a registered dietician, otherwise it's illegal (at least in the UK)

Good luck on your search! I hope these ideas help - it's not an exhaustive list, but just a few things that were very important to me.

andreaen

I love this question! And the answer above is great.
I am an online trainer, so for me the most important thing when a new client approaches is that we have good communication. That we "speak the same language" so to speak. Also it is important that you feel like the trainer understands your goals and how important they are to you. If the trainer has different goals for you than you have it will only be frustrating for the both of you.

If you want a specific goal I would also find a trainer who works mainly with that goal. This goes for performance, weight loss and every other goal. Also a trainer who works with people like you is better. If you are a woman, try to find someone working with women, if you are a senior find someone who works with seniors, if you have some prior injuries find someone who works with that.
Also make sure you have a similar diet and training philosophy as your trainer.

When it comes to education I would not put too much weight on that, as most PT education programs are actually very easy to pass. I would much rather go by how you feel the coach understands your goals and CARES about you! That is definitely the most important thing.

Good luck on finding a great trainer

rianneonamission

The gym I'm a member of 'houses' PTs who, in return for a few shifts and classes, get to use the premises as their PT base.

I knew I didn't want anyone's nutritional advise because I am perfectly capable of that myself, not to mention that an awful lot of PTs seem to be the 'chicken breast and broccoli' types.

I did various classes and whittled it down to "who makes me ache the most". Then I looked at what they have listed at their qualifications and their primary focus as PTs (e.g.: Fat reduction and muscle tone / general fitness / body transformation or hypertrophy / contest prep; the latter two don't apply to me). Once I was down to about 3 or 4 options I started paying attention to what they were doing while PTing clients. Some used a lot of boxing type exercises, which is something I loathe, so they dropped off the list.

Eventually I was down to one, contacted him, discussed goal/price/timings. It suited, and here I am. More than 20lbs lighter and a fair bit more muscle tone.

I still don't use him for nutritional advice. We do discuss food (because we both like food cake), but not on an advice level. Wouldn't change him. He pushes me, and recognises when he can't.

meme2gether

How often should someone meet with a PT?

30kgin2017

meme2gether wrote: »

How often should someone meet with a PT?

That is really individual and a lot is up to your budget and time. If you need training on form etc you probably want more regular sessions or if you have a specific event/goals you are training for. If you just need a personalised program you might only meet up once every 6 weeks. Some people need someone to push them each session, some need the appointment to make sure they turn up.

WRLemmon

PT's like anything come in many flavors, it is important when you are looking for one to talk about what you are trying to archive and what your goals are. I went through three different PT's before I found one that would listen and work with me to get me on track. I wanted to build muscle but not bulk up, I wanted to gain more mobility but not be so sore afterwards that I would not go back. The one that worked for me understood what I was trying to do and worked out a program that concentrated on lower weights and more reps, and worked with me on form. After a couple of weeks I had it down and now four years on I do increase my weights a little every few months if I feel something is getting too easy, but for the most part I'm on my own still following the advice I was given and it is still working. Keep in mind in the end it is up to you, you have to set your goal , you have to show up at the gym on a regular schedule, your trainer should only be a guide to getting it right,

GrumpyHeadmistress

I’d add that it needs to be someone who you can be totally honest with about pretty much most body issues. Ask yourself if you could ask your PT if your bum could be perter? Or are your pecs looking saggy?