How Do You Know if a Personal Trainer Is Right For You?
Fitness - April 3, 2024
The fitness industry is exploding. Everywhere you go there are gyms popping up and if you go on social media, there is a multitude of fitness pages to follow and seek advice from. As a strength and speed coach and personal trainer, I love that people are getting in shape and it’s becoming a part of the American culture. Unfortunately, that can lead to bad advice being put out there and everyday people going to “trainers and coaches” who have no idea what they’re doing. The results can be disastrous physically and financially.
I have come up with 3 questions/signs you can look for in order to choose the right personal trainer or coach for you or someone you know.
1. Always ask for their certifications, education, and recent experience!
By asking those questions you are ensuring that your potential trainer/coach has knowledge about anatomy, bodily system, has worked with different populations and has a general knowledge about different modalities of training based upon your goals.
2. When training with them, ask them why this exercise, or program, works for you?
Most places you’re going to inquire about training at are going to offer you a complimentary trial session. Take it. This is a good time to ask them question 1 and inquiring about what they would do for you if you signed up, and why.
3. They notice the little things and make corrections without cueing you to death.
Someone who is experienced and knowledgeable will correct you when you’re doing an exercise or a movement wrong. However, they will only give you 1 or 2 cues, move on and not bore you to death with minor little tweaks and adjustments (granted you don’t get hurt without those annoying adjustments.)
Let’s put it this way- you are going to spend your hard earned money and give your complete trust that this person isn’t going to injure you and be a sound financial investment. Make sure you know what to look for in order to make an informed decision on who is going to change your life.
(Written by Coach Khalil Harrison)
