How to choose your Personal Trainer
Choosing Your Personal Trainer
Firstly, you must ask yourself why you feel that you need the services of a Personal Trainer and what are your goals. Most trainers cover Fat Loss, Toning and Muscle Gain, but some specialise in other areas too. For example: Olympic Weight Lifting, Injury Rehabilitation or Physic Prep. Many people undertake the services of a personal trainer simply because they need the motivation that a personal trainer can give. If you lack confidence, don’t despair. Consider teaming up with friend(s) and take part in joint sessions. This will help with motivation and confidence levels, in a comfortable setting.
Determine whether you want an all-round trainer, a specialist in a certain area, and decide if you would like to train as an individual or as part of a group.
Level of Qualifications and Accreditations
Because we seek to connect you with appropriate coaches, a Personal Trainer must hold a relevant Foundation Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification (LPT Level 3) or above to be listed on LeadingPersonalTrainers.com.
If a trainer has been verified by LPT they will have a blue badge with a white tick on their profile. This means they have provided us with proof of their qualifications. Additionally, your Personal Trainer should be able to provide you with proof of their qualifications with their certificates.
Continued Personal Development
The fitness industry is a fast-moving discipline with regular scientific research papers being published daily. As a minimum, every Personal Trainer should be actively studying and aiming to complete at least one new qualification each year. Attendance at regular seminars is also a very good way for Personal Trainers to keep their knowledge up to date. Keep in mind that some qualifications like a Degree can take several years to complete.
Expertise
All Personal Trainers should be qualified to cover a basic level of general exercises but if you are training for a particular sport, event or competition you will want to choose a trainer that specialises in those areas.
Motivation
Your Personal Trainer should have a positive attitude and show a keen interest in working with you but more importantly, they must be able to motivate you. They should set you targets to achieve, understand your aims and goals, and encourage you to surpass previous Personal Best’s.
Reputation
Providing you are not the trainers first client, ask him or her for testimonials and success stories. Any reputable trainer will be happy to provide you with past client examples and references.
If your trainer works from a gym, speak to previous or current clients to find out a little more about their style of training.
Price Isn’t Everything
We strongly recommend not choosing a personal trainer purely based on their price. This is not a guarantee of their skill or qualifications.
You are Paying, So You’re in Charge.
Don’t forget this! It’s important to remember that you are paying for a service so you are justified to challenge if you don’t feel you are getting the level of service that was agreed.
Location
Where would you like to train with your personal trainer? Personal Trainers tend to work from a private studio or a gym but many also work from parks, or can train you in the comfort of your own home. Whatever you choose it needs to be convenient for you, so make sure you check the locations that your Personal Trainer is willing to serve.
How to Contact a Personal Trainer
Most trainers have a busy schedule and may be hard to get hold of by phone, especially if they are in the gym with a client, so don’t be surprised to reach voice mail on unscheduled calls. Alternatively, you can contact your chosen trainer via email and they will be able to get back to you between clients. You can also message a PT via their profile on our site.
Key Questions to Ask a Potential Trainer?
- What is your availability?
- What is your training style?
- What qualifications do you have?
LeadingPersonalTrainers.com offers a useful Educational Timeline on each PT Profile, but it may be worthwhile asking if their qualifications are up to date.
What Might a Personal Trainer Ask You?
- What are your goals? (be clear)
- Any injuries/medical conditions you may have suffered now or in the past?
- How many times a week are you looking to train with the trainer?
- Will you also be training on your own between sessions?
- Have you used a Personal Trainer before?
- What training/exercise do you currently do, if any?
- What is your current diet like?
- You may be asked to start filling out a food diary
Meeting your chosen trainer
Consultation
Your Personal Trainer will likely give you a consultation where they will ask questions and listen to your answers. They will talk you through any recommendations, and explain a bit more about what your sessions should entail. Some Personal Trainers charge for a consultation but many don’t. You should confirm their hourly rates and where you will be training at this stage if you haven’t already done so.
View this consultation as you interviewing the trainer to see if they are right for you. You are paying money and must be sure that you are getting the best trainer for you.
Your trainer may talk you through a food diary and give necessary advice based on your nutritional needs.
Remember: don’t be afraid to ask questions about any aspect of your trainers work or studies.
Health Questionnaire
Very importantly, the Personal Trainer must go through a full health questionnaire with you. This questionnaire is designed to give you the best possible care, and should cover your medical history including and injuries, recent pregnancies or illnesses.
Blood Pressure
Checking your blood pressure is a vital procedure and should be done before participating in exercise with your trainer.
Testing
Typical tests for fat loss are body fat measurements and regular photos. Muscle building can be tracked using a tape measure. For injuries, you may undergo postural assessment and movement assessments. Check what tests and measurements your Personal Trainer will be tracking you with. Regular testing is one of the most important things a Personal Trainer should do, as the results should illustrate that the training and advice that they are giving you is actually working. Be aware that body fat testing can involve callipers where they pinch areas of the skin, so consider bringing shorts and a vest to wear.
Clothing
People tend to ask their Personal Trainer what they should wear for sessions. You should wear something that is comfortable for you and allows freedom of movement. Remember it can get quite hot in a training session and comfy trainers are a must. Sometimes your trainer may ask you to wear certain footwear for specific activities e.g. Olympic Lifting Shoes.
Your First Session
The first session will likely be looking at your moving patterns and any postural issues. This will help your trainer to plan your future training programme based on fitness levels, muscle imbalances and mobility limitations.
Your first session is where you really start to get to know your trainer. The personality and approach of individual Personal Trainer’s may differ. Some trainers will work in a strict or more formal way, with direct instructions and limited discussion. Others will work in a friendlier and more flexible way involving more engagement. Make sure to let them know which approach you prefer as many will be more than happy to adapt their style to their client’s preferences.
Program Design and Planning
Every trainer should plan their sessions with you based on your goals and needs. Recording your session is vital to track your progress and to ensure you are constantly improving.
Reach Your Fitness Goals
Get on the road to a fitter and healthier you by finding a Leading Personal Trainer today.
