Sifting through the masses can be hard when you want to know how to choose a personal trainer, so allow us to help you out and find the top traits to keep in mind from our team including what you should ask, what to avoid and prices to expect.
What to Look for in a Personal Trainer
When selecting a personal trainer, there are several key traits to consider, firstly, expertise and qualifications are paramount.
#1 Look for Qualified and Experienced Personal Trainers
Maybe you’re considering somebody, then you think, is my personal trainer certified? It is a sensible question to ask.
While you may want to take their word for it and assume all those that advertise as personal trainers are indeed qualified, this isn’t alway the case.
It is imperative that you’re able to get hold of the educational background when finding a good personal trainer and that the trainer is confident in their skill level.
This includes not just fitness in terms of personal training, but also the nutrition side of health and fitness. A good personal trainer will be able to not just train you physically, but with diet being a staple part of a good fitness regime, it is even better to have a trainer that has an educational background in nutrition and experience in nutrition coaching.
#2 Look for Personal Trainers that Have Driven Results
Consider trainers who have a proven track record in working with clients who have similar goals or challenges to yours.
The best way to approach it is by looking for trainers that have a range of clients. This effectively means that even if you have particular goals, your trainer will be able to tailor their expertise to meet your aspirations when it comes to fitness.
The best way to find this is simply by asking, or looking for their past clients on their website. For instance, at Infinity Performance, we cater to a range of goals - yet we specify it.
For example, we offer PCOS coaching, in-house personal training in Liverpool and online coaching. As well as that we have powerlifting coaching, and more. The point is, you can find all of this information by simply looking at our website.
This is to make it accessible and easy to find out what it is that we offer, no matter your specific goal.
#3 Look for a Personal Trainer with Good Communication Skills
A personal trainer is somebody that has exceedingly good communication skills; they have what it takes to be motivational, fair, comforting and yet can still hold you accountable.
To choose a good personal trainer, the best way to get to know them from a first impression is by talking to them via consultation.
A consultation is essentially an informal chat about your goals and allows the time for your personal trainer to understand you some more and for you to understand them. Since this is a one-on-one interaction, it is the best time to get to know their communication style and how they approach your needs and desires as the client.
A good personal trainer should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should be able to listen attentively, understand your unique needs, and adapt their training methods accordingly.
Questions to Ask Potential Personal Trainers
Another way how to find a PT that is going to suit your needs is by asking questions.
There are a couple of questions that you can consider inquiring about, some of these might include things like:
What is their training philosophy?
What are their typical training methods?
How do they go about tailoring programs to individual clients?
Do they provide nutritional guidance?
How do they track progress and set realistic goals?
It's also crucial to inquire about their availability and scheduling flexibility. Ensure that their availability aligns with your preferred workout times to establish a consistent training routine, or, you may find that online personal training fits more seamlessly into your schedule.
How to choose a Personal Trainer: Prices
So, the next question is where to find a good personal trainer that is fair with their prices and ultimately, charges what they’re worth. This works hand-in-hand with the kind of qualifications and experience the trainer holds since this ultimately determines the price bracket.
But what does this have to do with actually choosing a personal trainer?
Budget is an important consideration when choosing a personal trainer. Personal trainer prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as:
Their expertise
Location
Duration and frequency of sessions
Online or in-house
Think about what the trainer is charging and compare it to their level of expertise, does it match up?
While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, remember that quality and expertise come at a price. Investing in a well-qualified and experienced trainer can yield better results in the long run; consider your budget and weigh it against the trainer's qualifications and reputation to make an informed decision.
What to Avoid in a Personal Trainer
While there are numerous excellent personal trainers out there, it's crucial to be aware of red flags and traits to avoid.
Steer clear of trainers who promise unrealistic results within a short timeframe or adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. A reputable personal trainer will understand that each client is unique and will design a tailored program based on individual goals and capabilities.
Moreover, avoid trainers who lack proper certifications or qualifications. A trainer's credentials are indicative of their knowledge and commitment to professional standards.
Finally, if a trainer exhibits poor communication skills or fails to listen to your concerns, it may hinder your progress and overall experience so it may not be the best fit for you.
Where to Find a Good Personal Trainer
The best way to find a personal trainer is by doing your own research, only you can decide who the best fit is for you. That being said, looking into personal trainers that specialise in a particular area of fitness that you want help in, or those who show their clientele results.
Plus, there is no better press than word of mouth! Recommendations from friends, family, or acquaintances who have had positive experiences with personal trainers can also be invaluable.
Take a look on social media, websites, Youtube, there are tons of resources out there and only by looking and searching will you find your fit!
Online Personal Trainers Vs In-House Personal Trainers?
With the advancement of technology, the fitness industry has witnessed the rise of online personal trainers, yet both online and in-house trainers have their advantages and considerations. That being said there isn't one better than the other approach, it is more down to what works for you and your schedule and needs.
In-house personal trainers offer the advantage of in-person guidance and immediate feedback. They can closely monitor your form and technique, ensuring safety and maximising the effectiveness of your workouts, in-house trainers also provide accountability and motivation through face-to-face interaction.
On the other hand, online personal trainers offer flexibility and convenience. They can provide customised training programs and nutrition guidance remotely, allowing you to work out on your schedule.
Online trainers often leverage technology to track your progress and offer ongoing support through virtual communication channels. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-house personal trainers depends on your preferences, availability, and specific fitness goals. Consider factors such as your need for hands-on instruction, your location, and your comfort level with technology when making this decision.
Before you Go…
Choosing a personal trainer is a critical step in your fitness journey. By considering the traits discussed in this article and asking relevant questions, you can find a personal trainer who aligns with your goals and provides the guidance you need.
Infinity Performance and our team of experienced trainers understand the importance of finding the right personal trainer. With our knowledge, expertise, and commitment to individualised training programs, we strive to help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you prefer in-house training or the flexibility of online coaching, our team is dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need.
Ready to Make a Decision?
Get in touch with Infinity Performance today here to begin your fitness journey, no matter where you are or your goals.
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