Finding personal trainers who are qualified to do their job is an easy feat. Finding one who is the perfect fit for you? That takes a bit more effort. Considering that there are 350,000 personal trainers in the U.S. alone, you should be picky in choosing one that understands your needs and can guide you toward your goals.
What to Look for When Finding Personal Trainer
A personal trainer should help guide you toward your fitness goals in a healthy and safe manner. Use the following considerations to make sure you choose a trainer who can deliver results and make the journey a positive one.
1. Qualifications
First and foremost, find personal trainers who are certified. That means they may have a 4-year degree in physiology or be certified by NASM, ISSA, ACE, AFAA, ASCM, or another nationally accredited program. Keep in mind, there are many certification programs around the globe, so you may need to do some research.
2. Price
The next thing most people look at is price. Personal training can be an investment, but there is a wide range of price options out there to fit any budget. Generally speaking, personal trainers with higher rates have more experience or more specialized experience. Like with most things, you get what you pay for.
3. Your Goals
You’re ultimately hiring a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals. You should find personal trainers who have experience with your area of interest. For example, if you want to become a bodybuilder, you’re probably not going to go to a personal trainer who specializes in weight loss. Ask for testimonials to make sure that the personal trainer you’re interested in has a history of delivering the type of results you want.
4. Communication
Any personal trainer worth their keep should be able to communicate. They need to be able to explain workouts and techniques, as well as the reasons behind them. Communication is a two-way street; they need to listen to you as well. Your personal trainer should want to hear about your history, goals, and fitness experience. If you don’t feel heard, or they can’t properly explain your fitness plan, you won’t get very far. Again, testimonials are a great place to look for evidence of communication skills.
5. Passion
Have you ever done a workout, in person or virtually, with an instructor who seems disinterested or even bored? Your personal trainer should have a passion for fitness which translates into a passion for helping you reach your goals. This positive energy should shine through and show that your trainer really cares about your fitness. Plus, it will help fuel your workouts.
6. Professionalism
The gym should be a fun place, but the relationship between yourself and your trainer should retain a certain level of professionalism. Whether you joke around or take the workout seriously, your personal trainer needs to show that they know that you’re paying them for a service. Additionally, they should be able to follow a schedule and display disciplined work ethic, so that you know they’re dependable.
7. Personalities
Ultimately, your personal trainer should be someone with whom you feel comfortable and who matches your energy. If you prefer a trainer like Jillian Michaels, who pushes you by being a bit sassy - great! If you need someone who is more patient and makes working out fun and lighthearted - also great! Whatever you need for motivation, you should find personal trainers who can match that energy. You - and your trainer - will struggle to reach your fitness goals if you choose someone who is uber-serious while you’re more of a jokester.
Find Personal Trainer Abroad
Finding personal trainers who fit your specific needs can take a little bit of extra effort, but that can make all the difference in getting the results you desire. If you need to find personal trainers while traveling abroad, be sure to check out OneWorkout to connect with talented, certified personal trainers and stay fit no matter where you are.