Did you know that only 23% of American adults meet the physical activity guidelines set by the CDC? Getting enough exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy weight, preventing chronic diseases, and improving mental health.
If getting exercise is so important, why do so many people struggle to meet the guidelines? Between work, family responsibilities, and perceived lack of time, people have a difficult time committing to exercise.
If you are ready to commit to an exercise routine, hiring a personal trainer is your best option.
When picking a personal trainer, there are some considerations you need to make to find the right one. If you want to learn more about choosing a personal trainer, keep reading!
1. Location
One of the first considerations to make when choosing a personal trainer is the location. Because you will be working out with the trainer many times a week, you won’t want to drive far to go to your workout.
Try to find a personal trainer and gym that is close to your house or your job. If you can find one that is within walking distance, that is even better.
Also, be sure to consider the environment you will be working out in. While some personal trainers provide lessons in a gym, others use a private fitness studio. If you aren’t comfortable in the gym, try virtual personal trainers.
2. Qualifications
Before choosing a personal trainer, be sure to check their qualifications. While some states don’t require personal trainers to have certifications, it’s still a good idea to find someone that does.
Some of the qualifications that a personal trainer should have include exercise science, nutrition, fitness assessments, and exercise program design.
If you have any old injuries or specific exercise goals, it can be helpful to find trainers with certifications that fit your needs. Having certifications shows that a personal trainer is professional and cares about their job.
3. Experience
When weighing your options for trainers, be sure to consider their personal training experience. The more experience a personal trainer has, the more confident they will feel when helping you.
When the trainer has coached many people before you, they will know all the right tips to give you and how to get results. While working with a new trainer is fine, it may take them longer to find the right routine for you.
4. Cost
Before you look for the right personal trainer, you need to determine how much money you are willing to spend. While some trainers are expensive, trainers with less experience can allow you to save money.
Comparing trainer costs and experience levels is essential to finding the best fit for you. Keep in mind that some trainers offer group sessions to help lower the cost.
5. Reputation
When choosing a personal trainer, you should try to choose one with a good reputation, such as https://www.trainftf.com/. You can start by looking up the trainer’s online reviews.
Were their past clients satisfied with their results? Would they recommend using them as a personal trainer? If there are a ton of negative reviews, you may want to look for a different trainer.
In addition to checking online reviews, you can ask for references. Ask the trainer if they have current or past clients that you can talk to. This can give you a good idea of what it is like to work with that trainer.
6. Personality
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a trainer is personality. If the trainer’s personality doesn’t mesh with your personality, you won’t be as motivated to exercise.
While some people prefer to have tough love while working out, others prefer a more gentle approach. Whether you prefer to be yelled at or encouraged, be sure to find a trainer with the right coaching style.
7. Ideology
Every personal trainer has a unique ideology when it comes to creating a workout program. While some personal trainers believe the best place to work out is in the gym, others think it’s best to exercise outside.
Some personal trainers will focus on yoga, some on strength training, and others on cardio. That is why it is important to learn the personal trainer’s ideology before choosing them as your trainer.
If you are someone that wants to run a 10k, choosing a personal trainer that focuses on lifting weights wouldn’t be the best option for you.
8. Progress Tracking
One of the best things about committing to a new workout plan is seeing the progress. If you want to measure your gains, you should choose a personal trainer that will help you take measurements, set goals, and measure progress.
Some key ways to track your progress as you train are monitoring weight loss, body mass index, and weight lifted. Monitoring your results is essential to alter your workout plan if needed.
9. Availability
Before you pick a personal trainer, ask them about their availability. Your main goal is to get in shape and make working out a habit, so make sure the trainer can work with your schedule.
If you want to work out three times a week after work, ask your trainer if they are available at that time. If they are not, you will need to find a different trainer.
Get in Shape by Picking a Personal Trainer
Working out with a personal trainer is a great way to get in shape, create a routine, learn about exercising, and be held accountable. When picking a personal trainer, keep these considerations in mind.
Did you enjoy learning how to choose a personal trainer? If so, check out the fitness category for more tips that can help you on your fitness journey.