How to Pick a Personal Trainer

After working with one personal trainer (PT) for a month I decided that the experience wasn't exactly what I was looking for and that I wanted a bit more from my PT. So I thought I'd share some things that I learned through the process of selecting another PT which might benefit others. Remember you are interviewing someone who is working for you.

Generally the first meeting and workout is free (1 hour total) but there isn't enough time to ask all of your questions and tell them all they need to know to work with you; so before you call or meet for the first time know your goals. For example: I want to be in shape for mountain biking and hiking. I want to lose 20 pounds. I want to make health a priority in my life...build muscle... increase balance...learn new ways to stay fit...

Ask how they work:

• Do they provide upfront and regular guidance on nutrition?
• Do they check-in on your progress and attitude?
• Do they track your fitness improvement?
• What does a typical workout consist of? Traditional weights 3 sets of X number of reps on one machine then move to the next or work muscle groups with a variety of positions.
• Which gyms are they allowed to train you in? Do you need to be a member or buy a punch card (factor this cost into the overall cost)?
• Where will you meet relative to your circle-of-life?
• What times of day do they make available and do these work with your schedule? Convience adds to the odds of your success.
• How long is a typical workout and what do they expect you to do on your own time to keep up with the program?

What is their education/experience/qualifying background to make them an authority on the human body, posture, nutrition? Some mainstream gyms require very little from staff to become a PT. You are putting your structural health in their hands.

Finally, do your personalities jive? Do you think you can tolerate this person kicking your butt and demanding that you do 5 more crunches when you want to give up and tell them to X&%# off? Remember you will be spending 1-2 hours a week together. If you don't like them very much it's probably best to look for someone who's lifestyle or personality is a better fit.