Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to get motivated to hit your fitness goals. The right person will motivate you to be your absolute best, whether it’s in the gym, the health club, or right at home. How can you be sure you’ve chosen the right person for the job? We have a list of five questions you need to ask before your first session.
- Can I have a list of references? A good trainer will be able to hand over a list of previous clients or employers who can speak to their skills and expertise. This gives you a good idea of their capabilities and what kind of results previous clients saw while working with them. If your new potential trainer refuses to provide references? That’s a big red flag that they may not have had positive experiences in former workplaces.
- Do you have any certifications? First off, if your trainer isn’t certified to perform CPR or Basic First Aid, don’t hire them. While it’s not likely either skill will be needed, you want to know that if anything should happen, your trainer is able to help you out until paramedics arrive. Second, ask about organizations they may be certified through. This isn’t a must, but certifications from organizations like the National Strength & Conditioning Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Council on Exercise all show that your personal trainer is pursuing all the fields of knowledge they can to really excel at what they do.
- What kind of experience do you have? Has your trainer always been hired through various gyms, or have they worked within private residences or with professional athletes? How long have they been working as a personal trainer? These are all important things to know. While someone who is new at the job might be great at it, it’s always reassuring to know what sorts of environments your trainer has previously worked within.
- What’s your coaching style or philosophy? Even a great personal trainer may just not be the right one for you. If you respond well to high-pressure environments, you’ll want your trainer to be right there pushing you forward with constant changes and the pressure to succeed. If you find that idea de-motivating or distressing and prefer a positive environment, you’ll need to search for a trainer who fits the bill. It’s nobody’s fault if there’s a personality mismatch between the two of you! Don’t hesitate to speak up if your trainer’s coaching style isn’t working for you.
- How much will each session cost and what kinds of payment do you accept? Many people are uncomfortable discussing money outright, but it’s one of the most important questions you can ask. Your trainer wants to know the two of you are in this together for the long-haul just like you do, so getting these details nailed down before you ever start working together is the best thing you can do. Make sure their rates are affordable, and ask around at local fitness clubs or with friends to compare the rate you’re being given with what others have paid for the same service.
Whether you’re hiring a personal trainer to help with an already established fitness program or you’re just getting started on the road to greater wellness, the right person can be the difference between great success and just getting by. Ask these five questions before you agree to work with your trainer and you’ll be in a much better place to make those fitness goals happen.
Just as important as the right personal trainer is picking out the right fitness equipment. Balance Fitness provides the best strength and cardio equipment available, as well as design and installation of both fitness facilities and home gyms. Whatever you need for your fitness journey, Balance Fitness is here to help. Looking for more information? Contact us by phone at (650) 348-1259 or contact us online today!
