By
Lorraine Rosa
The
First Step
So, you've finally decided to take that big step to seek
out a trainer to help you reach your fitness goals. It is not
something to take lightly because it will be both your time and
money wasted if you do not invest the time into being sure you
select the right person.
First,
you should define your fitness goals as well as a reasonable time
frame to reach those goals. Secondly, you should arm yourself
with the right questions to ask potential candidates. Yes, this
is an interview. You are hiring someone to do a job and you want
to be sure they are qualified to do that job since you will essentially
be paying them a salary.
Initial
Recommendations
Begin by asking around your gym about the trainers that are currently
on staff. Get recommendations from other members that you see
working with them. If they have a display with before and after
pictures and/or testimonials, review it and see if the people
in the pictures are still members of the gym. If they are seek
them out and discreetly ask about their experience with working
with that particular trainer. Most times you are limited to the
staff trainers. I won't get into hiring a trainer outside
of the gym because it starts to get too complicated with gym liabilities,
paying a guest fee, etc.
Qualifications
Once you've narrowed it down, make an appointment to
discuss his/her qualifications, your fitness goals, and costs.
As part of the initial consultation you will want to make very
clear he understands your fitness goals (i.e., I want to lose
x amount of weight/body fat, I want to compete, I have a medical
condition and I've been advised to increase my cardiovascular
endurance, etc.). Here is a list of questions you will want to
ease into the conversation:
Are
you certified? If so, which certification(s) do you possess?
Although, certifications
don't really hold much stock because most certifications
are very easy to obtain via a home study course with no practical
exam necessary, it is good to know.
Do
you have a degree related to the health and fitness industry?
If not, have you taken any course work related to the health
and fitness industry?
Again, although a degree doesn't
guarantee the person is a good trainer, it is good to know that
they are serious enough about their trade to seek higher education
to ensure they have a true understanding of how exercise and
nutrition can affect the human body.
How
many years experience do you have with personal training?
As with any field, the more years a person has been in a particular
field and actually earning a living at it, the more knowledge
that person will have in that field.
What
is your background in nutrition and fitness?
This ties into their education and experience. But you'll
also want to glean from the conversation if they have developed
any exercise and/or nutritional programs for organizations such
as schools, corporate offices, etc. and how successful were
these programs.
What
is your success rate?
Here is one of the key pieces of information you should get
from your initial consultation. You want to have a good feel
for how many clients he has successfully helped reach their
goals to the number of clients he's had over his career
in the industry. You don't need exact numbers, but he
should have a good estimate readily available. 10%? 20%?, 50%?
80%?, etc.
Ask
for the names and contact information of previous or existing
clients that may be willing to speak with you.
Most good trainers will have a referral list they have compiled
and can readily provide to potential clients. It shows they
take their work seriously and they are proud of their clients'
successes. Of course, keep in the back of your mind that he's
not going provide you with a list people who are not going to
speak highly of him. However, it is still good to talk with
others that have worked with him to get a feel for his training
style and if they were happy with their results.
How
much is it going to cost?
Good question! If he starts sounding like a used car salesman
or is pressuring you to sign, get up and walk out. The better
trainers will cost more money, but just because they cost more
doesn't mean they are better. Trainers that are good and
know they are good don't need to beg or pressure you into
signing with them. Their success rate and previous work in the
industry will speak loud and clear. These are the kind of trainers
that are highly recommended and are constantly sought after
because they have built a solid reputation in and around the
industry as someone that knows what their doing and are not
just out to take your money.
Personality/Compatibility
Most trainers offer at least one free evaluation session. Take
them up on this offer because yes, personality is a factor because
if the person you choose doesn't motivate or inspire you,
then you are wasting your time and money again. Here are a few
personality traits to be aware of during your trial session and
any future sessions:
Is
he sensitive to your personal fitness goals?
Always remember these are your goals he's helping you
to meet, not his. He should not be trying to make you into a
fitness competitor or bodybuilder if that is not your goal.
If you are a competitor be sure he is experienced in preparing
people for competitive bodybuilding, fitness or figure. Keep
in mind someone who is experienced with bodybuilding contest
preparation doesn't necessarily know how to prepare for
fitness or figure competitions. There are different judging
standards between the bodybuilding and fitness/figure divisions
with regard to the level of leanness and degree of muscularity.
Is
he attentive and focused on you during your sessions?
Nothing is more annoying than having your trainer chit-chat
with the friends while they are supposed to be spotting you.
Is
he willing to explain things to you in detail and/or answer
any questions you may have?
It is natural that you will have questions and he should be
very willing to answer them.
After
working with him for a while, if you are not seeing the results
you expect, do you feel the lines of communication are open
to discuss the reasons why you are not seeing results?
If you are following the training and/or nutritional program
that he has recommended for you, he must be willing to openly
discuss why the program is or is not working for you without
him getting defensive. Maybe the program is too stringent for
you to follow. Everyone's body reacts differently to changes
in nutrition and training. Maybe he needs to take a different
approach with your training or nutrition. In any case, this
should always be open for discussion.
Ensuring
Your Success
Okay, you've finally chosen someone. Now it's up to
you to believe in him and follow his recommendations. Do not consistently
get outside opinions because everyone works differently. However,
do not take a completely blind approach and follow instruction
like a zombie. Try to understand why you are doing something and
how it will help you to achieve the results you are after. Most
importantly, communicate any and all questions and/or concerns
with your trainer. He or she will not know what's going
on inside your body or mind if you don't say something.
Train
hard, stay focused, stay positive and never lose sight of your
goals.
Return to
Personal Notes |
