what qualities do you want in a personal trainer?
prideofthelion
Posts: 27 Member
Open question, just curious as to what you look for when you pick a PT.
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Has to be in better shape than me0
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- asks what my goals are and plans workouts that move me toward them
That's pretty much it because I think that knowing what s/he is doing in the gym, is current on research and fitness, etc . all falls under that.0 -
Someone who has trained people to a point *farther* (more advanced/better) than I want to go.
I, personally, do well with a take-no-prisoners attitude that matches my own, but I think a good PT can adapt their motivational strategy/demeanor according to the needs of the client.
(Especially if you're contracted at a gym and so get whatever clients are handed to you.) 0 -
Number one they have to ask me about my goals and devise a custom plan. There are a lot of "trainers" who give cookie cutter workouts to everyone and don't customize the plan to you.0
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I second the better shape. And listen to my injuries. I'm not being a wimp. Some things are messed up and will never be okay again. Let's not work to aggravate injuries that will sideline me for months.0
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Someone who has a track record of taking multiple trainees on to achieve the goals I'm looking to achieve.
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Someone that is really knowledgable on correct form from years of doing it themselves.
Someone that is really knowledgable on different muscles and why and how to strengthem then.
Also, custom workout. Perhaps even weekly variations that will still help reach a goal.
No yelling, but good at motivating.0 -
So how do you set about judging worthy candidates? would I be shallow if I was to go a little bit on looks and personality?0
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Someone who listens to me, can help me build a knowledge base about fitness rather than watching me do 50 burpees, someone who knows how to lift heavy weight properly, and someone who won't talk to me about nutrition/calories if they don't understand cico.0
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Soft hands, a warm smile, eyes I could stare into forever, and a gentle touch0
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Has to be in better shape than me
So you wouldn't train with Mark Rippetoe, who has a nice big ol' gut?
A pretty looking trainer isn't necessarily a good one. Many trainers are genetically gifted and look good regardless of which workout they do.. even poorly designed ones.
I actually prefer trainers who don't have a particularly hot body, because that tells me they've been able to stay in business using their brain, not their body. Some of the best trainers & coaches out there look like ordinary people.prideofthelion wrote: »So how do you set about judging worthy candidates?
I'd look for a good credentials like NASM-CES certification, a degree in kinesiology, etc. Here are some perspectives on choosing a good trainer -
body-improvements.com/articles/industry-articles/how-to-select-a-personal-trainer/
stumptuous.com/how-to-choose-a-personal-trainer
dailyburn.com/life/fitness/personal-trainer-break-up-signs/
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I need to be relatively intimidated by them. Otherwise I won't work my hardest. If I didn't need a push then I really wouldn't need an instructor or trainer anyway.0
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Listens. And responds.0
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@ Davpul that's some list!
I am surprised that no one has mentioned the I want to be like you factor, ie good looking or excellent at whatever physical discipline0 -
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Soft hands, a warm smile, eyes I could stare into forever, and a gentle touch
This appears to be soemthing you have given great thought to, tell us more....
Btw the PT has to have something worth teaching and have a compatible style thats worth listening to.
A lot of PTs are clueless or put differently they do not inspire confidence that its worth paying for their service.0 -
my trainer has to be able to motivate and push me without fear of how much I'm going to hate him/her at that time, as it will pass, lol
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Someone who has experience building muscle & strength since that's my goal. When I got mine, I told them "give me your most jacked trainer!" haha And he turned out to be great
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I've never had a PT, but here's a list of what I'm thinking I'll want to know about them:
- Proven education (not this online course *kitten*, but say a degree in Kinesiology or a diploma - something formalized, verifiable and reputable) or equivalent proof in form of previous clients/referrals
- Scientific, methodical approach - someone who can explain to me what my muscles are doing, what's affecting what and how my body moves as a whole rather than someone who insists I just "curl" or some *kitten*.
- Approachable and honest
- Blunt - if I'm weak, I'm weak. Don't tell me I'm a goddamn snowflake
- Can show me what I'm supposed to do as opposed to someone who just tells me
- Isn't afraid to correct me
- Focus on form, technique and precision with a good progression into strength and power. Fundamentals first.
- Can take into account my current activities and help me design a program that will help me excel at what I'm doing
- Has a good, dry, sarcastic sense of humour
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- asks what my goals are and plans workouts that move me toward them
That's pretty much it because I think that knowing what s/he is doing in the gym, is current on research and fitness, etc . all falls under that.
I agree with this. My trainer and I have been setting and planning ways to reach new goals constantly. My goals have changed a lot and we have set many new goals.
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I've never had a PT, but here's a list of what I'm thinking I'll want to know about them:
- Proven education (not this online course *kitten*, but say a degree in Kinesiology or a diploma - something formalized, verifiable and reputable) or equivalent proof in form of previous clients/referrals
- Scientific, methodical approach - someone who can explain to me what my muscles are doing, what's affecting what and how my body moves as a whole rather than someone who insists I just "curl" or some *kitten*.
- Approachable and honest
- Blunt - if I'm weak, I'm weak. Don't tell me I'm a goddamn snowflake
- Can show me what I'm supposed to do as opposed to someone who just tells me
- Isn't afraid to correct me
- Focus on form, technique and precision with a good progression into strength and power. Fundamentals first.
- Can take into account my current activities and help me design a program that will help me excel at what I'm doing
- Has a good, dry, sarcastic sense of humour
This. And yes, sense of humor is super important.0 -
I've had 4 and they were all pretty good in the weight room, intervals etc. but only one would push the food issue. she weighed me every week and went over my food logs thoroughly and would tweak my macros if I plateaued.0
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Of course i'd like a trainer to be more knowledgeable than myself, however, i won't be a stickler about their education/certification and it's perceived "prestige". I value someone who has years of experience training and has a proven track record of helping people acheive their goal.
I would prefer a male trainer, just because.
I want someone who has experience training people for the specific look i'm going for.
I want someone who is always learning, becoming better, evolving, and bases their practice off of science and facts; not fads and nonsense.
I want a trainer who will be stern with me on finishing my reps, but friendly and treat me as an equal. I do not like trainers that cop an attitude or act like they're better than you. I refuse to work with someone who tries to be all "drill sargeant" on me. Being humble and happy is a must.
I want someone who is a CAREER trainer. Not someone who is a college freshman working to make a few bucks. I want someone who has a genuine passion for fitness, and despite the salary, CHOOSES to do this job.
I want someone who will correct my form, encourage, and push my limits (without being dangerous). Someone who will praise me when i've done an awesome job, and focus positively on what i've accomplished.0 -
Someone who won't let me hurt myself. I never got the memo about when to stop or figured out which pain is bad, and means stop. (And this may be why I have a stress fracture in my tibia/knee right now).0
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It took me over two years to find my coach...it was very difficult to find someone who actually knew what they were doing on an Oly Platform and not only that, used Oly lifts as a primary training modality for his clients.0
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I think it depends on your goals- I chose my trainer because my goals were to start lifting and start lifting properly. I also had a trainer when I was younger and actually had no real 'goal' and ended up seeing no benefit after 3 months. I've been with the new guy for a month and half, I feel stronger, I've been able to increase weight on my squat and bench, have learned form and technique, all good!0
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