How to Choose a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers are a well of knowledge that can help new exercisers and consistent gym-goers. They know things about machines, periodization, and stretching that will help you meet your goals or build a physique that is marveled at by your peers. So how do you choose a personal trainer?
The worst thing about the fitness industry is that it can be misleading. Talking heads and Instagram, stars tout programs that benefit their bottom line and could be devoid of scientific basis. But don’t let the fear of failure keep you from getting the desired results! Read on and learn all you need to know about choosing a personal trainer.
Choosing a Personal Trainer
Knowing how to choose a trainer is essential because that interaction could color your opinion of exercise and personal trainers going forward. If a trainer is too aggressive or lax with exercise form, you could be hurt and never attempt to get fit again. On the other hand, if you have a trainer who supports you and knows their stuff, you can reach some fantastic personal bests.
Accreditation is Key for a Personal Trainer
When looking for a trainer, you should ensure they have an accredited certification with a trusted certifying body. In addition, they must maintain a current training certification if they work as a trainer for a big box gym like Planet Fitness. You should consider looking for another trainer if they don’t have one.
A few reasons that an accredited trainer is better than one without are as follows:
- Training – Accreditation means that the trainer has undergone advanced training that allows them to create exercise plans in several different disciplines. Anyone can get a certification from an online test, but an accredited source could have practical elements that prove the trainer can train before hitting the gym.
- Education – Another reason that accreditation is good is that they are often part of a Bachelor’s Degree program. Some schools use NASM and ISSA protocols to train their students pursuing degrees in Exercise Science.
- Knowledge – Being technically proficient is essential for a trainer, and if they have accreditation, they have been tested in weight training, anatomy, and kinesiology. Having accreditation is vital for trainers who are serious about their clients. By going through the practicals and studying, they show their will to thrive in the industry while helping people.
Training Philosophy and Personality are Linked Qualities
The type of trainer you need depends on your personality and motivation type. In some situations, a trainer can be too easy on a client, just like they can be too harsh. The critical thing to look for is someone you see as an authority figure, not just hired help.
Here are a few things to think about when comparing trainer personalities:
- Support – You want a trainer who is going to support you. It is OK to have the Drill Sergeant mentality if they remember that a good DS ensures that all his troops return to CTA for formation. A trainer builds a rapport that could last years by being challenging but supportive.
- Coaching Style – How will the trainer get you where you want to go? Their coaching style could be opposite from your goals. Remember that a trainer that doesn’t want to push you hard is just as bad as one who drives you relentlessly. Finding a happy medium between motivation and strenuous exercise is paramount for success. How a trainer trains and treats their clients is one of the most essential qualities a trainer can have. If they have no people skills or empathy, they can direct clients while sabotaging their efforts with a negative attitude. A trainer needs to be positive and a source of information and motivation.
- Pricing Personal Trainers is a Sticky Situation. Personal training can cost different amounts depending on your location. A good rule of thumb is that a certified, experienced personal training session could cost around $30. However, if your trainer has their gym, it could be cheaper, and if they are packaged into a high-end gym membership, an hour of your trainer’s time could cost over $75. A few ways trainers could charge for sessions are as follows:
- Groups – Trainers can help their clients and get a group atmosphere by allowing small groups or couples. By giving each person a cut-rate of your ordinary, they can get in the same workout and share their time with a friend.
- One-on-One – The most well-known way trainers schedule their clients is with one-on-one sessions. It allows the client to feel secure in their efforts while being safe and coached.
- Plans – Online Coaching is one of the newest ways that trainers connect. By offering a program complete with daily check-ins and customized training, they can charge a flat fee to their clients. These fees can range from $100 to $3000. Knowing what your trainer charges can be the most vital piece of the puzzle. If you are training for a marathon or need help cutting weight for a bodybuilding competition, you could pay lots of extra money. Always talk with your trainer about their pricing, and you can get a deal.
Conclusion
Picking a trainer can be a minefield of failure and wasted money. However, if you have a few facts about the trainer and the sessions before they start, you will likely continue using them and seeing the results you desire.
Pick a trainer with an accredited certification who knows the foundations of safe exercise. They should use a science-based method of training as well as have a location that is convenient for the clients.