How to Choose a Personal Trainer

There are many reasons to hire a professional fitness coach or trainer. Making the commitment to yourself to start an exercise program for better health is one. Training for a specific sport or event like a marathon can be another. It might also be as simple as wanting to fit into those jeans you wore 2 years ago. Whatever the reason is--the fact remains that you have to set a goal for yourself and you inherently know that you can achieve this goal more efficiently, with greater effectiveness--by hiring a professional to give you a helping hand.

But, once the decision is made to hire a trainer--how do you go about finding the right one for you? Here are a few steps that might make it easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone directory
• Internet

1. Figure out your goal!
   
   Once again this is the first step. It is important to know exactly where you would like to go, otherwise how can you make plans to get there?
2. Ask about the backgrounds of the trainers at your local gym and see which ones you gravitate toward. The ones that have a background in working with people whose goals are similar to yours should go on the list of trainers to meet with. Also look at credentials. National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise and American Academy of Sports Medicine are all good.
3. Ask a friend who has a trainer and is getting results. Trainers who are good at what they do get referrals.
4. Set up meetings and ask questions about their approach, availability and cost. For most of us cost will be a big factor--but remember--you get what you pay for. Also bear in mind that this is normally a one-person show and for a trainer to be effective they can only work 5 to 7 hours a day. This means they have to make as much as they can per hour. However, most people in this industry who truly do care are willing to work a deal if they feel you are willing to do the work. If the cost is too much, ask about the possibility of pairing up with a partner to split the cost or any other options that might be available.
5. Once the list is narrowed down and all criteria has been met--it boils down to one thing--connection.
   Only choose someone who you feel you'll trust and enjoy being around. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Trust your instincts.
• Be completely honest with yourself and your potential trainer.
• Google your potential trainer to verify credentials and see if they are published, as well as any other factors that may be important to you.
• Enjoy the journey!
• There are a lot of unqualified trainers out there, so do your research.
• Don't get locked into long-term contracts. A GOOD fitness coach should help you achieve significantly noticeable results in 6 to 8 weeks.