Exercise is such an integral part of every person’s regime who wishes to stay fit that it cannot be ignored. But the reality is that it is not created equal and varies based on factors like age, body type, health issues, and fitness goals. To figure out what works best for you, hiring a personal trainer can be considered the best decision if you can afford one. But do you know what to look for in a personal trainer?
To achieve your fitness goal in an acceptable timeline you can search for the best personal trainers in Dubai, Miami, London or wherever you live. However, not all trainers are perfect. Unfortunately, we have heard personal experiences where a medical injury of someone got worse because of the negligence of the trainer.
Trainers tend to push their clients to achieve their goals quicker than usual. We need to understand that they work under pressure to bring results to their clients, which will promote their business. But this should not be at the cost of the client’s health. A good trainer will know how much to push you and when to stop.
Hence, to make the selection of trainers easier for you, here are a few things you should look for.
Photo, Jonathan Borba.
1. Look for Certification
Using terms such as ‘expert’ loosely has become a regular habit nowadays. People call themselves an expert just because they feel that they have mastered a subject. A person may know how to train people, but we cannot call them a certified trainer unless they actually have done a valid certification. You do not wish to learn from a self-proclaimed expert.
Instead, ask for their certification before you take any decision. Usually, reputed gyms hire certified trainers. Hence you should not worry about that if you are hiring one through one.
2. Set Clear Expectations
Before you even start the session, speak clearly about what do you expect from them. Your fitness goals and timeline should be shared. A reputed trainer will agree with your points only if it seems valid. If someone is promising you quicker results, then you have to take a step back there. On the other hand, a practical trainer may suggest a better timeline, which is realistic.
Also, confirm the timings, how often can you contact them if you have any queries, and the best way you feel motivated. Talking about these beforehand is beneficial for both of you.
3. Keep Your Medical History Transparent
If you suffer from any medical condition that affects your workout routine, be transparent about it. Your injuries should be clearly mentioned, along with what doctors have approved is allowed in such conditions. If you feel the trainer is pushing certain workouts which are not suitable for your condition, just because they feel they can get quicker results from you, then the trainer should be dropped immediately.
It only means they are trying to achieve a goal without really caring about your long-term health.
Photo, Meghan Holmes.
4. Get a Trial Session
Hiring a personal trainer is an expensive affair. You should not do it unless you have tested the trainer. Ask for a few trial sessions where you can pay just for those sessions instead of paying for the entire month. In these sessions, you will understand if you are enjoying your sessions with the trainer. Compatibility between you and the trainer is essential. Some people like trainers who push really hard, whereas others prefer the ones who deal with them delicately.
Hence, understand if this arrangement would benefit you in the long run.
5. Check for Red Flags
There are a few pointers that might indicate a red flag. Closely observe a few things during the session to know if this is good for you. Especially if this is your first time experiencing a workout session with a personal trainer. You need to watch these points closely.
Firstly, the work of the trainer is to push you and motivate you. But is your trainer pushing you so hard that they completely ignore your pain or injuries? If your personal trainer is too busy sticking to the regimen than being concerned about your injury, it is a big sign that they are not the right fit for you.
Secondly, if you are asked to do one workout after another without them really telling you how that exercise will help you, then you should not hire that trainer. You need to understand which muscle should feel the burn so that you can consciously work out.
There are a few trainers who are more interested in their phones than your session. You are paying a hefty amount for the personal trainer, hence do not continue with those sessions.
The Bottom Line
Hiring the right trainer will give you the best results. You both will fit like a glove fits the hand. The trainer should understand your goals clearly and focus on achieving those rather than increasing their client base by just making you another success story without worrying about how it can affect your health negatively.
