How To Choose A Personal Trainer
in Fit on the Side Healthy Living

How To Choose A Personal Trainer

how to choose a personal trainer

How to choose a personal trainer.  Having worked in the fitness industry, in one way or another, for around 20 years I’ve had the opportunity to work with lots of people. In this time, I’ve also seen many people start workout routines and hire trainers. Working at gyms and Pilates studios, I’ve seen some classes be extremely popular and other instructors struggling to fill theirs. As a client, it can be tough to choose  a personal trainer or class instructor that you want to work with. Of course, it’s not mandatory to work with a trainer but sometimes the extra accountability and push will help you get to that next level. A trainer can help you reach fitness levels that would be very difficult to reach otherwise. I’ve put together a list of tipsto consider when choosing your personal trainer.
blogger

how to choose a personal trainer

HOW TO CHOOSE A PERSONAL TRAINER

Their credentials. This is really important. I like to say that in Vancouver, everyone and their mother is a personal trainer or a yoga instructor. It’s unbelievable as to how many people are in the industry. The fact is, however, that there’s a huge disparity when it comes to their knowledge and experience. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of fantastic instructors and I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of them, but just because someone works as an instructor does not mean that they are a good instructor. Every country will have their own certifying bodies and it’s okay to ask your instructor what courses they have completed. A good trainer will be more than happy to discuss this with you. Just to give everyone an overview, when I was studying to become a Pilates instructor, I went through hours and hours and hours of training. I completed at least 8 courses to get my certification and on top of that, I took courses for specialty workouts and had to keep up with a number of continuing education courses every year. The basic courses took over a year to complete, but the learning never stopped.  I also had to hold a first aid and CPR certification.

Your history matters. This should be your instructor’s primary interest and the first meeting should always include you filling out a health questionnaire. If you are working with a personal trainer, the two of you should sit down and go over it point by point. They need to know if you’ve had any serious illnesses or injuries, as this could significantly affect your success. They should not only consider your end goals, but also create a program that fits your current needs. For example, if you are very sedentary, as in you sit at a desk all day, they can include lots of upper body stretches and cardio. The point of hiring a personal trainer is to get a personalized routine.

Their philosophy. Every trainer is human (gasp! I know) and each comes with their own training philosophies. Some are into body building and others are amazing with ageing populations. It’s okay to ask your trainer what their plan for you is. When I was working with a trainer, it was a fantastic relationship because I got to do kickboxing and a lot of stretching, which is exactly what I love doing. Remember, this is about the two of you, working together to safely achieve your goals.
While a trainer should also be available to answer any nutritional questions, you should beware the trainer who suggests you take any pills or potions. Some will say they are nutrition professionals, but unless they are certified Dieticians they are not certified or insured to put you on an eating plan that doesn’t follow the food guide pyramid (note: this applies to Canada and the USA and might differ in other countries). The average person, for example, doesn’t need to be taking in extra protein if they are sticking to healthy diet.

Cost. This really depends on whether your trainer is being subsidized by the gym or running their own business. Many offer packages if you buy classes in bulk. Some will even allow semi-private sessions so you can split the cost with a friend. As with most things in life both, surprisingly cheap and exorbitantly expensive when compared to the average in your area should be carefully examined.

how to choose a personal trainer

If you are looking at working with a personal trainer, take the time to find someone who fits your goals. It’s okay to ask lots of questions and to expect honest answers, because this becomes a fairly intimate relationship. In a way, this is a journey that you are embarking on together and a good trainer wants to see you succeed as much as you do.

Have you ever worked with a personal trainer and if not, would you consider it?

*For more on how to choose a personal trainer follow me on instagram and pinterest*
blogger
*personal training image courtesy of Dollar Photo Club

You Might Also Like

Best Exercises If You Hate Exercise

How To Boost Your Metabolism

How Creativity Can Improve Your Health

Thyroid And Focus

Talk Fitness With An Expert

Cold Weather And Muscle Pain

Best Headphones For Working Out

Your Summer Fitness Guide

Do I Really Need To Workout

Why Is Sitting Too Much So Bad

Killer Abs Ball Workout

5 Stretches To Do Before Bed

Best Low Impact Workouts

Best Arm Exercises For Summer 2015

How To Become A Runner

How To Be A Better Athlete

Why Your Workout Suddenly Feels Hard

What Is The Deal With All These Diets

How Important Is A Warmup

How To Maintain Weight Loss

7 Healthy Morning Habits for Looking And Feeling Your Best

Ballet Inspired Leg Workout

What Is Your Perfect Workout

How To Incorporate Exercise Into Everyday

6 Tips To Stop Bloating

How To Buy The Best Running Shoes

How To Ease Sciatic Pain

Exercise Tips For Beginners

The Importance Of Stretching In Style

Why You Are Doing Your Ab Workout All Wrong

Home Gym Must Haves

Toning VS Bulking Up

How To Actually Lose Weight

How To Workout When It’s Hot

How To Wear Athleisure

How To Have Energy After Lunch

Your Must Do Morning Workout

Do Carbs Make You Fat

Best Exercises If You Are On Your Feet All Day

Best Complimentary Activity For Your Workout.

Shoulder Stretches

How To Pick The Best Running Shoes

How To Feel Good About Your Body

How To Make Exercise A Habit

The Truth About Protein Shakes

What To Do Post Workout

Exercise And Your Skin

Best Gifts For The Fitness Lover

Dealing With Knee Pain

How To Deal With Gaining Weight

Which Activities Count As Exercise

How To Increase Your Endurance

How To Speed Up Weight Loss

At Home Quickstart Workout

20 Minute Workout From FitWise

The Truth About Abs

How To Treat Sore Muscles

How To Maintain Your Weight

October Fashion Beauty And Fitness Picks

FitWise A Sneak Peek

How To Get A Shapely Butt

Diet Foods To Avoid

Are you Over Exercising

How To Deal With Bloating

How To Be Healthy While Traveling

How To Stay Healthy For The Holidays

5 Cardio Myths Debunked

How To Make A Short Workout Count

Best Exercises To Tone Your Glutes

Easy At Home Workout

When To Listen To Your Body

How To Increase Flexibility

Your Ultimate Running Guide

Running Outdoors in Winter

11 Most Common Workout Mistakes

Easy Stretches For Stress Relief

The Importance Of Cross Training

Tips For Getting Back To The Gym

Losing Weight In Your 40s

Run Better With These Easy Tips

How To Strengthen Your Bones

Learn To Run For 30 Minutes

Your Workout Motivation

The Truth About Weight Loss

How To Love Your Body

Best Travel Workout

Fitness Myths Debunked

September Ab Challenge Week Three

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling

What If I Hate The Gym

How To Stay Healthy In Winter

How To Eat Healthy Without Trying

Hit The Gym In Style

Working Out Diet And Your Period

FitWise Straight Talk About Getting Fit And Healthy

How Much Weight Can You Lose In A Month

How To Deal With A Bad Workout

Diet And Fitness Tips You Need To Ignore

Post Workout Beauty Hacks

Which Style Of Yoga Is Best For You

Why Do I Need To Stretch My Calves

Foot And Ankle Exercises

Morning Stretches True North Fitness Guide

The Basics Of Hip Stretches

Why Should You Meditate

Stretching Mistakes You Might Be Making

Why Do We Focus On Weight

How Breathing Can Improve Your Workout

Why You Should Take A Dance Class Now

Is Running Bad For Your Knees

Best Stretches For Relaxation

Get Fit The Easy Way

How To Get Your Diet Back On Track

Why Not Drinking Enough Water Can Make You Fat

September Ab Challenge Recap

Should I Use A Heart Rate Monitor

What To Look For In A Smoothie

How To Stop Exercise Procrastination

European Travel Italy

Working Out After 40

Ballet For Fitness: Is Back In Style

Is being thin enough

How To Detox Your Body Naturally

How To Workout In The Morning

How To Feel Like You Are On Vacation Everyday

Why You Shouldn’t Weigh Yourself

Muscle Imbalances And Upper Body Pain

How To Curb Emotional Eating

Best Stretches Pre And Post Swim

All About Pilates

High Impact VS Low Impact

Easy Ways To Be A Healthier You

Eat Carbs And Lose Weight

Why Exercise Makes You Happy

Best Exercises For a Toned Back

What To Eat Before A Party

Staying Fit When You Have No Time

Pocket Fitness Guides

Diet And Exercise After 40

Best Stretches For Runners

No Gym Arm Workout

Why Should Women Lift Weights

Everything You Need To Be A Runner

Eat Healthy Without Changing Your Entire Diet

Theraband Workout

5 Day Workout Plan Part 2

Just Go To The Gym

Sports Drinks VS Water

Why What You Wear To The Gym Matters

Top 10 Songs For The Gym

Why You Have To Focus While Exercising

Tips On Working Out In Summer Months

Should You Exercise When You Are Sick

Foods That Reduce Stress

4 Ways To Turn Your Walk Into A Workout

Traveling With A Sensitive Stomach

Benefits Of Walking

Best Foods To Give You Energy

Summer Health And Beauty

The Only Diet You Need Is Balance

How To Feel Confident When Working Out

What To Do When You Plateau

What You Should Know About Fitness

Health Fitness And My Thyroid

Best Recipes For Food Sensitivities

7 Times It Is Okay To Skip A Workout

How To Be Healthy Without Trying

How To Feel Confident About Your Diet

A Beginners Guide To Gym Equipment Part 2

How To Know If You Are Exercising Too Much

Must Do Morning Stretches

Best Exercises For A Desk Job

Cute Workout Gear For Every Body Shape

Losing Weight In 2017

Is CrossFit Right For You

Wrist Exercises For Bloggers

How To Alleviate Back Pain

Top 5 Fitness Posts of 2015

What Is Pilates

How To Always Start Your Day Off Right

My Gym Bag Essentials

How To Start Running

Best Stretches To Relieve Shoulder Tension

How To Lose Weight For Good

Can I Lose Weight And Still Eat Sweets

How To Improve Your Posture

September Ab Challenge Week Two

Lean Greens Review

Why Exercise Is Good For Your Skin

Best Warmup For Your Workout

Ultimate Weight Loss Guide

September Ab Challenge Week One

September Ab Challenge Week Four

Pros And Cons Of The Elliptical

Muscle Imbalance And Back Pain

Succeed At Working Out

How To Keep Your Diet On Track

Live Like You Are On Vacation

How To Choose The Best Running Shoes

Staying Creative In Isolation

Yoga VS Pilates Which One Is For You

Your At Home Workout Routine

Eat Carbs And Sweets And Still Lose Weight

Urban Hiking The New Workout

How To Easily Get Fit And Healthy

6 Best Exercises For Runners

Why You Need Fitness Goals

Stay Fit And Healthy For The Holidays

When You Don’t Have Time To Workout

Free Weights VS Machines

Hip Strengthening Exercises

Why You Should Try Meditation

Ultimate Foot Guide And How To Relieve Foot Pain

How To Keep Gym Clothes Fresh

How To Work With A Personal Trainer

The BS Around Diets

What To Eat Pre And Post Workout

How To Come Back After An Injury

Get Fit While Watching TV

Frequently Asked Fitness Questions

How To Counteract Sitting All Day

Best Post Flight Stretches

How To Relieve Joint Pain

Is Training Harder Better

5 Day Workout Plan Part 1

Treadmill Running Charts

How To Feel Beautiful On The Inside and Outside

Best Stretches If You Sit At A Desk All Day

Muscle Imbalance And Knee Pain

Fitness Fanatics Shopping Guide

Great Metabolism Myths

How to Stick With Your Diet When No One Wants You To

How To Deal With Muscle Cramps

Your Guide To Killer Abs

5 Best Abdominal Exercises

How To Incorporate Pilates Into Everyday

Never Have Motion Sickness Again

How To Buy Workout Clothes

How To Increase Your Bust Size

20 Minute Workout By FitWise

Caffeine And Working Out

Underactive Thyroid And Weight Loss

How To Prevent Common Running Injuries

All About Your Knees

Tips On Getting And Staying Fit In 2016

How To Workout And Not Hurt

How To Cut 500 Calories A Day Without Exercise

Natural Energy Drinks

Muscle Pain VS Injury

Can Food Really Burn Fat

Staying fit when it is cold outside

Killer Foam Roller Ab Workout

10 Easy Ways To Get More Fit

Why Is Exercise So Important

Best Wrist Exercises For Writers

How To Maximize Your Gym Time

8 Ways To Learn To Love Running

Everyone Can Learn To Love Exercise

A Fool Proof Easy Way To Lose Weight

Why You Need To Cool Down Post Workout

How To Workout In The Heat

Fitness Terms You Should Know

Best Exercises If You Do Manual Labour

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Exercising

Why Your Gym Clothes Matter

5 Daily Habits That Hurt Your Health

Health Resolutions You Can Keep Without Trying

Beginners Guide To Gym Equipment Part 1

Why You Are Not Losing Weight

11 Comments

  1. I wish I could afford a personal trainer! 😛 But the internet will do for now 😉 xx

    xbeccabe.blogspot.co.uk

  2. Great content. I’ve just joined a new fitness club back in December and I get a free personal training session that I haven’t yet utilised so I’ll be using your post to help me choose who to go with and stay with! Must admit, I did find the post quite hard to read with all of the pop ups and adverts but very good nonetheless.

    Laura xxxx

    1. Thanks so much for the feedback! I will absolutely look into your concerns but I’m glad you liked the content.
      xo

  3. gorgeous tips, these excercises very healty
    fashion blogger Pamela Soluri
    kiss my darling

    1. Thanks so much!
      xo

  4. Such a great post Caroline! Thanks for all the tips and recomendations. I take note
    Have a nice week darling ♥

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
      xo

  5. I’ve used personal trainers before, and I really love the one-on-one experience that you get. Thanks for sharing this! I might be looking for another one soon so this will be super helpful 🙂

    1. Oh I’m so glad! I think that using a personal trainer can be very helpful even if it’s just to check in every once in a while.
      xo

Comments are closed.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close