As a society, we’re spoilt for choice in almost every walk of life. This is particularly evident in the fitness industry. But too many options can lead to either indecision, or making the wrong choice.
You have different needs to everybody else and should pick the right personal trainer for these. Some things are a given, such as not dreading your sessions with them. But you should also look out for other, less obvious, signs.
How can you identify these? Start by asking the below questions.
Do they understand you?
It’s vital that your personal trainer makes an effort to meet your needs. Their training programmes and advice must be specific to you. That involves understanding your current fitness levels, sleeping patterns and so on.
This remains important when you’re working together, too. When they introduce a new workout, it should be explained how this will help you reach your goals. And when it comes to tracking progress, they should know what tweaks are necessary to keep you moving forward.
The easiest way to identify whether or not a trainer understands you is to see how they listen. If they’re offering advice which is irrelevant to what you’re trying to achieve, then the answer is no. When your trainer knows you as a person, you’ll make more progress because everything will be better-tailored for you.
Are they maximising their time with you?
Above all else, a personal trainer should be used to help you in areas that you wouldn’t have been able to do by yourself. It’s pointless paying for a 45-minute session if they have you running on the treadmill for most of that. You could’ve done that on your own and saved a couple of quid.
You’re paying them to provide a service that is unique for you. This includes tips that are centred around you, a tailored regimen and everything else related. Save the stuff you can do alone for your solo sessions during the week.
Are they knowledgeable outside of exercise?
Exercise only takes up around an hour of your day. That means that there are still 23 hours to mess things up, if you aren’t given the correct guidance.
Of course, it’s important that your personal trainer can teach you about the fundamentals of exercise. But they should help with lifestyle changes too. Part of this includes diet, but also extends to your mental wellbeing.
Ultimately, you’re never going to feel great about yourself if other areas of your house aren’t in order. Yes, exercise will help you with that. But it’s only one component. By choosing a personal trainer who advises you on how to make changes in other areas of your life, your relationship will get better. Combined with the reduction of stress and motivation to push harder in your sessions, this will lead to you achieving better results.
Final thoughts
Not all personal trainers are cut from the same cloth. Some specialise in areas that are of no interest to you, whereas others are a good match in this sense. But just as you’ll find individuals that get the best out of you, there are others whose very presence will drain you.
Picking the right personal trainer can be a lengthy process, but is important for maximising your results. You want to pick one that will push you to develop as a person, but also understands when change is needed.
Most of all, you want to choose a personal trainer that will assist you with improving your lifestyle – not just getting stronger. By taking these points into consideration, you’ll stand a better chance of picking the right partner and falling in love with fitness.