People decide they want to live healthier and be more active every day. One of the best ways to do that is to find the best personal trainer in your area for what you need. Not every trainer works out for every client, so finding the right fit for you can take some time and research. Considering these items can make that process much easier when you search for your own.
Check Out Their Credentials First
Personal trainers can be an expensive part of your budget and paying one that doesn’t work out for you can be even more costly. Knowing which institutions to trust for certifications is a big factor when making a determination as to who will be most likely to give you the results you are looking for. Generally, if they are certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE) then you’re starting in the right place. Not all trainers get their credentials from those organizations, and that’s totally understandable, as there are hundreds of certifying agencies for physical trainers, but at the very least, they should have some form of certification they can provide you. If the trainer you find can’t or won’t provide any credentials, that is a warning sign that they may not be able to help you reach your goals.
Ask What Ideals Motivate Them
It’s important to know what your trainer thinks is the best way to get in shape or stay in shape. Training should be tailored towards the goals you want, not the goals a trainer thinks everyone should have. Picking the trainer that most aligns with what you want will give you the most benefit. Ask how they define a healthy person. Find out what training they are most familiar with. Ask whether they focus on strength, conditioning, aerobics, flexibility, diet or another area of fitness and health. Determine what your long-term goals are, and if they match the philosophy of the trainer, then you’re heading down a path that could help you reach them.
Location, Location, Location
The most recommended trainer in your area may be the farthest from where you are, and you don’t want to be forced to drive an hour just to meet them for a workout. If you’re living in Richardson, Texas, then finding a trainer in Fort Worth may be more costly than it’s worth due to the hour of travel each way. To find out what’s best in your area, consider where you want to work out. Trainers can set their locations to be in a gym, at their homes, in public meeting areas (such as parks) or even take the trip to wherever you are. It’s important to know where they are willing to meet so that you are comfortable with the environment, as well as with the workout itself.
When Can They See You
Your life likely runs on a schedule. Trainers live by their schedules too. Knowing what times they have available to work with you is critical information to get the best results. If a trainer has a lot of clients, they may not be able to fit you into a schedule that works for you. Some trainers might have a more fluid set of working hours that forces you to be flexible in setting times to see them. Asking questions about when they can see you before selecting them to be your trainer will let you know if the timing is compatible. Finding out their appointment cancellation policy, and how often they need to cancel on their clients, is important as well. It can leave you with a bad experience if workout dates are frequently broken or if you are charged for days when you can’t make it.
Tracking Progress Towards Your Goal
If you’ve decided to find a trainer, then you likely have some goals in mind. Choosing a trainer is like hiring a new employee into your life. They are working for you and it’s important to know what you are working towards. Most employers lean on performance feedback of some type. It’s a good idea to know what kind of feedback you’ll be giving your trainer, along with what they’ll be providing for you. Find out how the prospective trainer likes to track goals. Without some form of tracking, you won’t know if the program is working for you and you won’t be able to advise the trainer if you think they are doing a good job. Communication is critical, so be clear about what you hope to achieve and follow up to make sure you’re reaching your goals.
If you remember those key factors when you look up personal trainers in your area, you should be able to pick the one that is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions up front. Make sure they are on the same page as you. Then, whether you live in Dallas or New York, you’ll be able to find the right person to help you achieve your goals.
