What should I look for in a personal trainer or coach?
Hiring a personal trainer or coach can feel a little overwhelming and even scary. It costs money and it’s often a vulnerable experience with a lot of emotions and hopes attached to it.
When looking for a personal trainer, I suggest taking these three steps:
Take a minute to write down what you’re hoping to achieve and what kind of person you feel can help you. Are you needing lots of direct support? Just a little nudge here and there? You know yourself best.
Decide if you would like to work with someone in person or virtually, then start your search with that in mind.
Reach out to multiple people (I suggest 3-5) and have a conversation with them. Ask questions, pay attention to how you feel. The right option for you will feel comfortable and safe, but will help you feel ready to take action.
BONUS: Make sure that you are ready to make a financial commitment. While price isn’t a great indicator of who the best trainer is, you also don’t necessarily want to go with the cheapest option just because of price.
And what should you look for in a trainer?
Good communication skills. A personal trainer that doesn’t communicate well before you hire them may also struggle to communicate after. Look for someone who explains things in a way that feels honest, straightforward, and aligns with you.
Certifications, Training, and Continued Education or Specializations. A certificate doesn’t guarantee a great experience with a trainer, but seeking one out that holds a current certification can mean they have up to date knowledge and commitment to their field. Don’t be afraid to ask about their certifications if they don’t publicly list them. Also, if you’re a woman, pregnant, postpartum, etc. look for someone with further training in those areas.
Someone who aligns with your goals and values. If you are hoping to have a strong and healthy pregnancy, but you hire someone whose primary focus is coaching male athletes, it may be a less ideal fit for you. If someone pushes you to lose weight and diet when you’re just looking for workouts for general fitness and you don’t want to lose weight, they’re not a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you really align with someone’s values and style, but you aren’t their typical client, reach out! They might be just right for you anyway!
