I’m a huge fan of working with a personal trainer, even for just one session. A new exerciser can get guidance on how to exercise safely and effectively, and a seasoned pro can get new ideas to jump-start a tired workout routine. If you’ve gone through the task of choosing a personal trainer, hopefully you’ve got a good one. Here are 10 ways to tell you’ve got a good personal trainer.
She’s certified.
Now, a certification does not automatically mean a good trainer, but it’s a step in the right direction. A good trainer likely has multiple certifications from organizations like NASM, NSCA, ACE, and ACSM. She should also have her CPR certification and maybe a variety of specialty certifications in areas like senior fitness or exercise nutrition, or in disciplines like indoor cycling and pilates.
He’s got a plan.
During his first session with you, he’ll ask you about your goals; then, he will design a program to help you reach them. This should include some guidance about your eating habits. You shape your body in the gym, but you size it in the kitchen: a good trainer knows you won’t accomplish your goals with nothing but the gym.
Her plan includes the rest of your workouts.
You’ve got maybe two or three workouts with your trainer during the week. What are you doing the rest of the time? The plan she designs should include an idea of what you need to be doing on the days you’re not with her.
He’s teaching you to work out on your own.
As I’ve said before, you stay with a good trainer because you want to, not because you need to. He should not be manipulating you into being dependent on him. Instead, he should be empowering you. After a few weeks with him, you should feel more confident about going into a gym and putting together an effective workout on your own.
She’s watching you.
You’re paying for your time with her, and she’s giving you her full attention. She is not on her phone. She is not talking to other trainers. She is not distracting you with irrelevant stories.
She is guiding you through the movements, correcting your form and encouraging you as you go. She’s getting you back on track if you’re telling too many irrelevant stories.
He measures–and celebrates.
If you have 100% attendance at your sessions with him, he notices and commends you, even if you didn’t lose 10 pounds yet. He is also continually measuring your progress by keeping track of how much weight you’re lifting and how fast you’re finishing your walks or runs, as well as by how many inches you’re losing (or gaining, depending on your goals) on various parts of your body. While you work out, he’s taking notes.
She pushes you.
Getting fit isn’t comfortable, and if she’s not encouraging you to get uncomfortable you’re never going to progress. That doesn’t mean she’s trying to make sure you’re sore the next day; in fact, a “no pain no gain” mentality is not one you want in your trainer.
He keeps you safe.
You should never have to do an exercise that feels unsafe or beyond your capabilities. He helps you work up to the more challenging exercises.
She has a list of happy, fit clients.
Unless she’s a brand new trainer, she should have quite a list of people who have experienced success after working with her. Granted, a person’s fitness success is not all dependent on the trainer–what the clients do during the 23 hours they’re not in the gym is their choice, and it will have an impact on how they lose weight and get fit.
But still. Most of the people who work with a trainer will see some progress. If they’re not, you might want to think twice about your trainer.
He works out.
You don’t need a fitness model as your trainer, but you do need someone who puts in the time and takes good care of himself. The tips he gives you are tips he applies to his own life. If he’s not doing that, why is he a trainer at all? If he’s not doing that, he certainly shouldn’t be your trainer.
Do you have a story about an especially awesome (or terrible) personal trainer?
