Did you know that fewer than 5% of adults get a minimum of half an hour of physical activity per day? And only one in three adults achieves the recommended amount of weekly physical activity.
Unless you’re in the minority and are getting the exercise you should, you likely ought to be raising your level of physical activity. Whether you run, walk, jump, skip, swim, or do something else, you should get moving to improve your quality of life.
Ultimately, it’s a life and death matter. But what if you don’t know where to start? One option is to hire a personal trainer.
Read onward for a look at 10 essentials to look for in a personal trainer if you want one who can help you meet your weight loss and fitness goals.
1. Certification
It’s a fact that quite a few adequate personal trainers have no industry certification, but that doesn’t mean certification isn’t worthwhile, even crucial. Certification is a professional designation that suggests the recipient definitely possesses a specific skill set.
One way you can whittle down to a short list of suitable candidates is to focus on personal trainers who’ve obtained industry certification. You wouldn’t want to be a guinea pig, so try to identify a professional who can best help you achieve your wellness objectives.
2. Appropriate Motivational Style
You’ll also want to locate a personal trainer who has a motivational style that suits you. The best way to find out how a trainer will treat you is to investigate how they’ve treated previous clients.
Study online reviews to learn about other people’s experiences. You can also call up personal trainers and ask them about their motivational styles. Some trainers use negativity to motivate clients. Chances are you’ll prefer to engage someone who offers a more positive approach.
3. Go with Experience
It’s also vital to choose a personal trainer who has considerable experience and a proven track record of success working with people who have undergone the regimen you seek. If you hire someone who’s been in business for just a short time, you’re less likely to be able to assess whether the personal trainer is legit.
Don’t roll the dice when it comes to your health goals. For the best results, find a personal trainer who has years of experience.
4. Scheduling and Flexibility
Before signing a contract, make sure the personal trainer you intend to hire fits into your schedule. Do you want to train once a week, multiple times a week, or only on the weekend?
Do you do shift work and therefore need to find someone who can accommodate that kind of schedule? Would you prefer to engage a personal trainer who can train you virtually?
When you research candidates for the job, look for someone who will meet all your needs. You shouldn’t assume one personal trainer will be as good as another. Perform the appropriate due diligence.
5. Find Out About Rates
When checking out personal trainers you might hire, you’ll want to know how much they charge. Do they charge on a per-hour or per-session basis?
Ask if the person offers any discounts and if so, on what basis. Don’t simply go with the lowest-cost candidate unless the provider clearly offers everything you’re seeking.
Odds are that you will indeed get what you pay for. If you focus only on cost, you’re more likely to receive service that reflects a bargain-basement price.
6. Ask About Cancellation Policies
It’s also a good idea to ask prospective candidates about their cancellation policies. If you miss an appointment without giving enough advance notice, will you be charged? Some personal trainers will require you to pay for the session in certain circumstances, while others may offer flexibility. Just ensure you enquire about policies.
You’ll want to know up front and get everything in writing before signing on the dotted line.
7. Education Background
When vetting the credentials of personal trainers you’re considering, check out their educational background. Certification in personal training is excellent. But it’s also a good idea to hire someone who has a proven background in exercise science or a related subject. Someone with relevant educational experience will be uniquely suited to help.
8. Communication Skills
You’ll want to find a personal trainer who’s easy to communicate with. The professional relationship between a personal trainer and a client should be collaborative. While the personal trainer will lead the effort, the client should feel comfortable asking questions, making recommendations, and sharing concerns.
When talking to personal trainers, take note of their communication styles. Are they easy to talk to? Do they appear to be open to suggestions? Do they answer questions clearly and to your satisfaction? Do they possess the type of personality that resonates with your own? You can learn a lot through a phone or Zoom call.
9. CPR and First Aid Training
It’s also essential to find a personal trainer with up-to-date CPR and first aid training. Even with the most stringent efforts and attention to safety, accidents can happen. You’ll want your personal trainer to know what to do if you’re injured during a training session.
10. Liability Insurance
If your training sessions will take place in your own home, ensure your personal trainer has liability insurance. This will ensure that you’re not held liable if your personal trainer is injured on your property. Professional service providers should have liability insurance. So, don’t take a risk by hiring someone who lacks coverage. It’s not worth the risk.
If you’re looking for a personal trainer, the tips above will help you find the right one for your needs. Take your time and do the homework.
Finding the right service provider will help you lose weight, stay in shape, and improve your overall health. Enjoying a longer and happier life is entirely within reach, and a big part of that involves adopting a rigorous fitness regime.
The right personal trainer will help you live a more abundant, rewarding, and enjoyable life.
Nathan DeMetz holds degrees in Exercise Science, Business Administration, and Information Technology as well as certifications in strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, run coaching, and other areas. His credentials come from organizations such as Indiana Wesleyan University, Ivy Tech College, Utah State University, and the ISSA College of Exercise Science.
Nathan has 20 years of personal and professional experience in the health and fitness world. He works with people from across the globe, including locations such as Kuwait, Australia, and the USA.
To work with Nathan directly on your personal training goals, contact him today!