The top 5 things to consider when choosing a PT

20 Mar The top 5 things to consider when choosing a PT

Working with a personal trainer is one of the most important investments you make – after all, you are investing in your health and body.

However it seems every second person is a personal trainer so it is important you find the right one for you. But how do you know which trainer is the best one?

Here are my top 5 personal and practical ways to select a personal trainer to help you succeed in your fitness goals:

1. Decide what you want to achieve and what motivates you

First work out whether you want to lose weight, increase your strength, get fitter or just feel better about yourself. Are you training for a special event, a marathon, to get back on the dating scene or were you told by your doctor to make changes to your lifestyle or else. This should be one of the first questions a potential PT asks you so be prepared.

Secondly work out what is going to motivate you to achieve your goals. Do you want to be shouted at, pushed to the limit or do you need gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement? Do you want someone energetic, aggressive, relaxed or laid back? Every personal trainer has a different style so make sure their style matches your personality and will motivate you to actually move and lift.

2. Make sure they are fully qualified

At the very least, every personal trainer must have a Certificate IV in personal training. But a good one should have a current CPR (which is renewed every 12 months) plus a First Aid certificate (updated every three years). They must have insurance and be ideally registered with Fitness Australia. Also if you want to train in boxing, kettlebells or other specialised training, make sure they have qualifications in these areas too.

If you have any injuries or special conditions, best to get someone who is well trained and experienced in this area so you achieve your fitness goals safely and with confidence the person is an expert in their area.

3. Shop around

Just as you would shop around if you wanted to join a gym, you should also take your time and look around for the right PT. You will be spending a lot of time and money with this person so you want to make sure you are 100% sure you are making the right decision.

They should offer a free consultation to sit down and discuss what you want to achieve, your diet, any medical issues, special needs, assessments and so on.

Also like a gym offers a free trial, a PT should offer a free session – that way you can see for yourself what their coaching style is and whether you can see yourself working together as a team.

4. Ask questions

When you meet a PT for the first time, treat it like a  job interview – this is your chance to ask any questions such as:

• What is your fitness philosophy?
• How do you stay in shape?
• What experience and qualifications do you have?
• How do you keep up to date with fitness trends and techniques?
• What days and times are you available?
• What are your rates and do you offer special deals if purchasing multiple sessions or prepaying sessions?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• What have you achieved for your clients?

5. Do they really care about you?

When I see PTs spending more time on the phone than watching their client or when a PT session sounds more like a therapy session than a workout, I wonder why they got into personal training in the first place.

Personally, I believe you become a PT because you are passionate about fitness and health and you want your clients to succeed. If you are truly committed to making a change, then you need a PT who matches your expectations. So ask them, why did you become a personal trainer in the first place – ultimately the answer should be along the lines of helping others achieve what they couldn’t do on their own. That is one thing a PT can’t fake – passion, energy and love for their job.

Always remember, the right PT can change and transform your health, fitness and life – so ask yourself, will you reach your fitness goals with this person or would you be better training on your own? You need to have a healthy, strong and beneficial relationship with your PT – after all, we are talking about the most important person in your life – you.