Shopping for a Personal Trainer

As I prepare to move across the country I have had to tie up loose ends with my personal training business. In the process I have been advising my clients on how to find a new personal trainer and thought I would share this info with those looking for a trainer and don’t know where to start.

Word of Mouth – This is probably one of the best ways to find a great trainer. The majority of my clients found me this way. If a trainer is highly recommended (or not) by someone you know and trust you can count that as a reference. If you know someone who has had successful fitness outcomes whether training for a sporting event or just improving their overall health, you can ask them about their trainer too. Another great source for trainers are recommendations by other healthcare professionals like physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.

Your Gym – If you’re already a member of a gym, check out the trainers. You can watch their training style and how they interact with clients. If the trainer has the same program for every client; seems distracted or disengaged; or just doesn’t seem professional then you’ll want to steer clear of these ones. Many gyms will try to sell you training packages and you can “try out” trainers for free or a nominal price to see if it would be a good match. Some gyms will allow outside trainers to come into their space and train their members but this is rare.

Fitness Instructor – If you like the instructor of a fitness class, you could approach the person to see if he/she is a personal trainer and would be interested in training you. Be careful though – not all fitness instructors are certified to personal train and there IS a difference.

Reputable Fitness Websites – If you’re starting from scratch and don’t belong to a gym try looking at some accredited fitness websites that provide directories of their certified members. Try IDEA FIT.

In-home Training vs On Site – You will want to pick a trainer that meets your needs and requirements. If you prefer to, or need to train in your home, you’ll want a trainer that can come to you at a time that works for you. Along with this is the matter of fitness equipment. If you don’t have cardio machine(s) and other equipment your trainer will need to supply this. If you choose to train on-site, does your trainer have his/her own space or does he/she work out of a gym? If so, do you need to have a membership or pay extra above the trainer fees?

Gender & Age: – This is purely a matter of personal preference and comfort level. Female trainers can very effectively train men and vice versa. One thing that I have noticed in the industry is age (and life experience) can be more of a factor than gender. Issues like pre and post pregnancy, having young kids and a busy schedule with work and family may be difficult for younger trainers to relate to and empathize with.

Certification – A great trainer must be certified from an accredited organization. Be forewarned that there is a multitude of certs out there and many only require the person to be 18, have current CPR and pass a multiple choice test on the computer. It’s possible for someone who has never stepped foot in a gym or exercised much to get some kind of certification. Unfortunate but true. Ask your trainer where they studied, where they are certified and what kind of continuing education they are required to do to maintain that certification.

Experience – The best education and certifications still do not guarantee a good trainer. But brand new trainers can be very ambitious and willing to go above and beyond to prove themselves.

Pricing – The average Personal Trainer fee is $50/hour but can range from $20 -$150 an hour depending on location, experience and service provided. Expect to pay more for an in – home trainer because you are going to be paying for the convenience of it. These trainers may add on travel or mileage fees, or may just charge their training rate for the extra time it takes to travel to and from your home.

Philosophy – Ask your trainer about this. Does his/her philosophy on fitness, health and nutrition mesh with yours? If a trainer seems too rigid or too lax for your goals, you may want to shop around some more. You might also want to know what your trainer’s long-term goals are for his/her clients. Why does this person train people? What is his/her M.O. as a personal trainer?

Rapport Rapport Rapport – The bottom line here is YOU need to feel that the trainer you choose is 100% invested in your well-being; understands you and your goals and most importantly, can motivate you; recognize and draw out your potential (even if you don’t see it) and be your biggest cheerleader.