How to Find the Right Personal Trainer For You
In my last post, we discussed the incredible physical and mental benefits that working with a personal trainer can provide. From customized programming to accountability and motivation, a knowledgeable trainer truly optimizes your results.
But not all personal trainers are created equal. Finding the right fit for YOUR needs and personality is crucial for getting the most out of the experience.
In this post, we’ll explore how to find a qualified, experienced trainer who aligns with your goals and preferences. Let’s walk through the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Determine Your Goals
Step 2: Set Your Budget
The cost of personal training can vary greatly depending on where you live, experience level of the trainer, and what’s included in sessions.
Expect to invest $30 - $100+ per hour-long session on average. Packages of multiple sessions bought upfront tend to cost less per session.
Set a comfortable budget for yourself keeping location, trainer qualifications, and your financial situation in mind. While not cheap, a good trainer provides immense value.
Step 3: Research Trainer Qualifications
Any fitness enthusiast can claim to be a personal trainer, but you want someone thoroughly tested and certified. Reputable certifications include:
Ideally, look for 5+ years of professional experience training everyday clients like you post-certification. Mentorships and continued education are also good signs. Mastery takes time!
Step 4: Read Reviews and Talk to Past Clients
Once you find potentially qualified trainers, dig into reviews and testimonials from past clients. Look beyond just Google and Facebook reviews - check industry sites like Yelp or Healthgrades too.
If possible, chat or email with former clients. Ask if they achieved the goals you’re aiming for. Inquire how the trainer tailored programs to fit their needs and personality.
Make sure they have a proven track record of getting real people long-lasting results similar to your own goals.
Step 5: Schedule Intro Calls or Consultations
By this point, you should have narrowed down your options to 2-3 promising candidates. Schedule intro calls before committing. Make sure:
They listen attentively to your history, goals, concerns without interrupting.
They communicate clearly and personably without using complex jargon.
They express genuine interest in you as a client, not just a paycheck.
Pay attention to how comfortable you feel with them. You want someone supportive and motivating whose personality meshes well with yours.
Step 6: Inquire About Customization
A major benefit of personal training is custom-designed programs. Ask pointed questions to learn how tailored their process is:
How exactly do you assess new clients and their needs?
Tell me how you’d design a nutrition plan for me.
How often do you modify programming based on client feedback and changing goals?
Look for in-depth client consultations, goal-specific nutrition guidance, and flexibility to make adjustments over time.
Step 7: Consider Convenience and Comfort
Logistics matter too for the training experience. See if the trainer:
Works near your home or office if you prefer minimal travel.
Offers virtual training if you sometimes travel or prefer home workouts.
Trains at high-end gyms or barebone facilities; choose your comfort zone.
Has morning or evening availability that works with your schedule.
Optimize for whatever allows you to be most consistent and focused during sessions.
Step 8: Trust Your Gut
Lastly, reflect on how potential trainers made you feel during the search process—beyond just their qualifications, reviews, or customized plans. Consider:
Did you feel they genuinely cared about clients and were not just churning through appointments?
Were they patient, focused listeners who valued your individual needs?
Did you feel comfortable being vulnerable about your fitness history and goals?
Does their training style and personality seem like a motivating fit for you?
Your gut instinct carries a lot of weight when choosing the right trainer. They’ll be a significant partner in your journey - make sure it feels right.
Now Go Transform Your Health!
Using these steps, take your time vetting candidates until you find the perfect personal trainer for you. With the right fit, you’ll set yourself up for life-changing results as well as an uplifting, empowering experience. You’ve got this!