What To Look Out For When Finding Your Next Personal Trainer
Looking for a new personal trainer? You’re not alone – 10% of active people in the UK currently use a personal trainer, with further 23% hoping to utilise one in the future.
Personal training has become an integral part of many people’s fitness journeys, offering tailored guidance, motivation, and expertise to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.
Whether conducted online or in-person, the effectiveness of a personal trainer significantly depends on a variety of factors. Here we explore the essential qualities that make a good personal trainer and how these attributes can translate into hitting your health and fitness goals.
Expertise and Knowledge
First things first, a good personal trainer needs to be able to back up their programming with strong knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This knowledge allows trainers to design effective and safe workout programs, that are tailored to hitting your individual goals. As a bare minimum personal trainers should hold relevant certifications as a qualified practitioner.
Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person personal training depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and fitness goals. Some might even find a hybrid approach, combining both methods, to be the most effective way to achieve their fitness aspirations. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to stay committed and consistent with your training regimen.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital when looking for a new personal trainer. Trainers must be able to get instructions over clearly, offer feedback in a meaningful manner, and motivate clients through connection.
When it comes to online personal training, how is your personal trainer going to keep in touch, via WhatsApp, Instagram, Email? How are they going to provide you technique feedback? How often are they going to check in with you?
The right personal trainer you will be communicating with lots (hopefully) so let’s make sure they have the relevant skills to back this up.
Motivational Skills
One of the key roles of a personal trainer is to keep clients motivated and committed to their health and fitness goals. A big part of this involves setting realistic and attainable goals for the client, and making sure that each small milestone is celebrated. A good personal trainer will know when to push you past your pain limit, and when to hold back.
Adaptability
Being able to adapt is a crucial trait for personal trainers, particularly when working in large open gyms. Workouts may need to change based on the equipment available in busy periods, client’s progress, preferences, and any unforeseen circumstances such as injuries or schedule changes. Remember the personal trainer is working for you and not the other way round.
Professionalism
Professionalism means doing the no talent things well – reliability, punctuality, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Clients rely on their trainers to be consistent and dependable. This includes showing up on time for sessions, being prepared, and conducting themselves with integrity. For online trainers, this could mean timely responses to emails and messages, maintaining a professional online presence, and making sure programming is delivered on time.
Positive Attitude and Energy
A personal trainer’s attitude can significantly influence your workout experience. A 6AM gym session or rocking up after 10 hours of work is never the easiest task, and won’t be improved if you are paying a personal trainer who is an energy sapper rather than an energy giver. Look for a positive, energetic trainer that you look forward to the sessions with, that can make even the toughest workouts enjoyable and drive you to push through your limits.
Results-Oriented
Ultimately, clients seek personal trainers to achieve specific goals. Before you start searching for a new personal trainer, have a good think about what you would like to achieve. Do you want to prepare for a marathon next year? Do you want to be in better shape for the next rugby season? Or do you just need to make a commitment to someone that will make you turn up every week for your gym session. A good personal trainer will help to support you in hitting whatever your goals are, whilst tracking and supporting you the whole way.
Vibe Check
Before proceeding with a personal trainer, speak to them on a 1 to 1 basis – ask yourself if you could work with this person? Do you think that this person is going to be able to understand your wants and needs, and help you to achieve your health and fitness goals? Do you think you will like this person enough to spend multiple hours with on a weekly basis? If the answer is yes, go for it – start your new fitness journey!
Find your next personal trainer here.
