Whether you’re new to fitness and want to learn correct form, or you’re a seasoned athlete looking for advanced strategies to reach your goals, a personal trainer can help. That is, if they’re the right personal trainer for you. 

The question is, how do you choose the right personal trainer? There are many things to consider, so we’ve laid it all out here to eliminate the guesswork. Check out these important tips and use what you learn to hire the perfect personal trainer—someone who will help you achieve your goals while having a great time doing it!

First, It’s All About You

As you start your search for the ideal personal trainer, it’s essential to assess your goals first. What are you aiming to achieve? Why do you need a trainer? How much time do you plan to spend with them, and what does your budget look like?

Next, refine your fitness goals. Are you looking to lose body fat? Do you want to start weight training, enter a bodybuilding competition, or simply tone up? Perhaps you’re interested in competing in a sport like gymnastics or wrestling or are looking to participate in the CrossFit Games. Maybe a marathon is in your sights. Whatever your goals are, ensure that the coach you choose has a proven track record of success in that area. It’s important to be sport-specific when selecting a trainer.

Do They Walk Their Talk?

If you look at your personal trainer candidates and they don’t possess the look or skills you’re ultimately going for, are they truly the right person for you? Just because they may not appear fit doesn’t mean they lack a wealth of book knowledge that can assist you in achieving your goals, but you could potentially acquire that knowledge on your own. On the other hand, just because they look a certain way doesn’t mean they have the depth of knowledge  (as evidenced by some online “influencers”).

Try to pick a personal trainer who trains the way you’ll need to train. Choose someone who has blazed a trail for you in the direction you want to go and has acquired the necessary knowledge.

Check Their Certifications and Training

While it’s not necessarily a must that they be “certified” as a personal trainer, you’ll want to see where they gained their knowledge and expertise. If they don’t have a college degree in some kind of physical training, there are mainstream reputable schools that offer personal training certifications as well, such as:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)

There are other programs available, so don’t completely rule someone out just because they didn’t attend one of these schools. Depending on your goals, selecting someone with extensive experience in your desired area may outweigh academic qualifications. 

For example, if you’re preparing for a fitness show, choosing someone who has turned Pro in that division could be a great choice. Alternatively, working with someone who has competed in triathlons for 30 years could be an excellent choice if that’s your aspiration. Real-life experience often surpasses formal education. If you can find someone who possesses both, that’s typically the best option.

Don’t forget to check other certifications as well, such as updated CPR and AED training. Additionally, find out what they are doing to actively stay current with new techniques and scientific discoveries in the fields of science, health, and fitness.

Look at Their Success Stories

When you look at their other clients, have they been successful? Or does the potential trainer have a portfolio with very few winners? If the coach has a multitude of happy champions, that’s a great sign. 

Are they also training people who share your goals or perhaps suffer from the same injuries or restrictions that you need to work around? If you can work with someone who has had success with others in similar situations to yours, you’re more likely to have the same positive outcome.

Coach Compatibility

All coaches have different personalities and different styles of coaching. The trick is to find someone you get along with but also can take direction from. It’s going to be a mix of friendship, encouragement, respect, authority, and maybe a little trepidation (i.e., someone who will really push you). Decide which training style works best for you. Do you want to feel like you’re in boot camp, or do you want to work with the encouraging camp counselor? 

Check Pricing and Package Options

Take a look at the packages they offer. Is one-on-one coaching available, and is it affordable? Or do you think you might do better with some group coaching to start? Group coaching can be great if your budget is tight or if you’re just learning the ropes. Once you’ve advanced to the point where you need more specialized and individualized assistance, you can switch to individual sessions.

You can also ask about doing a trial session with them. Many coaches will do an initial consultation, often with a free coaching session, to make sure you’re both on the same page and can work well with each other. This will also give you a better idea as to whether or not it’s a good fit and if you like their style and approach to coaching.

Find out what the coaching includes. Is it just meet-ups at the gym to go through workouts together, or will they also help you with your nutrition? 

Training Location and Scheduling

You may also want to consider where you’ll be training. Is it a private studio or a public fitness facility? Would they be willing to come to your home? What types of equipment do they plan on using? 

Are they available at times that are convenient for you? For example, if you work a Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 type of job, will they be open to training very early in the morning, late at night, and/or on weekends?

Will you see your personal trainer in person, or do they only operate online? Working one-on-one with a coach in person can be extremely important, especially in the beginning or when you’re just starting out. However, many people enjoy the convenience of working with an online coach who provides personalized workouts and support.

Extra Considerations

After talking with personal trainers and narrowing it down, decide if you feel they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on recent technology, fitness trends, and science. 

Is this a person you can trust? Trust is very important since you’re likely going to get into some deep territory with this person as you dig into your lifestyle, motivations, struggles, dreams, and hopes. Make sure your new personal trainer isn’t going to post your pictures on their social media accounts without your permission or blab about your struggles to their other clients or other trainers. Professionalism goes a long way, and trust is essential. 

Above all, don’t feel like you’re stuck with the coach you choose. If you’re not making progress or you don’t like their style, move on. After all, they work for you. If you’re not making progress, that’s not a good look for you or them.