How Do I Choose The Right Personal Trainer?

Choosing the right Personal Trainer requires using the same strategies when shopping for anything where there is a need or a motivation at play. So don’t stress - you may not know it, but you already have these skills covered! Is it a specific event that you are buying a new dress is for? Will this new chair be regularly seating guests or is it purely for the aesthetic of the room? In just the same way, the first step in choosing the right Personal Trainer, is being able to define what it is you are wanting to achieve from working with a trainer.

Why do you want to invest in a trainer?

• Do you want to lose a specific amount of weight? Fit in to a certain piece of clothing?
• Would you like to be stronger or be able to achieve something i.e hold a plank for 30 seconds
• Are you looking to be able to run 5km for the first time?
• Are you training for a half marathon?
• Is your aim to improve your fitness and tone?
• Would you like to generally feel better both physically and mentally?

You want a trainer who not only has expertise, but proven results, in the specific area of your focus. There is no point having someone who can get you a podium finish when you are just wanting to hit double digits on the scales!

Now you have the right pool of trainers to choose from, before starting a conversation, you need to consider the following:

• Do you think you may just need help to get going or are you looking for ongoing support?
• Do you lack motivation? Are you needing someone to check in on you regularly?
• Are you confident with technique?
• Personality wise - will tough love get the most out of you? Or would you prefer a direct but more gentle approach?

These are all concepts that you should raise with any trainer when you first chat so they are able to build a program that is results-driven and supports YOU.

I had intentions of including advice from qualified Personal Trainers, sharing traits that they believe make a good trainer. But ultimately it doesn’t matter what a trainer thinks will be best for you - it's your opinion that matters most and although there are many great trainers around, that doesn’t mean that they will all be a great fit for you.

Being transparent in what you are wanting to achieve, the support you anticipate you will need and how much time (and let's be honest, money) you are willing to invest, is the best way to ensure that you choose a Personal Trainer who is right for YOU!