Deciding to hire a personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals is a great first step into your health journey. Here are some green flags that can mean you’ve found your perfect match:
1. There’s no judgment
Whether you’ve been exercising for years, or are a beginner, a good personal trainer will never judge you. A coach should encourage and guide you toward your goals without making you feel guilty or shameful of any previous choices you’ve made. Fitness professionals understand that health looks different to everyone and they are well versed on the health trends that come and go over the years. A positive trainer will likely be open to workout suggestions from you if you saw something that interested you on the internet, and educate you if that specific workout doesn’t benefit you, or is just a bad idea.
2. They show empathy
For many people, coming into the gym and working in the weight section can be terrifying and cause a lot of anxiety. A coach that is in tune with their client’s body language and is empathetic towards their client can help make them feel more comfortable as they approach this new experience. Sharing experiences of when it was their first time in a gym can help build a strong relationship with you as a client and help show you that they are people too!
3. They’re not in it for the money
A good personal trainer isn’t a salesman. There may be some sales aspects in the industry when it comes to obtaining clients, but money isn’t what drives them. It’s the success of their clients that keeps getting them out of bed in the morning. A good personal trainer knows that they are making a difference in the world by helping individuals reach their goals and live better and healthier.
4. They care about YOU
If you have a good coach, chances are that their book is full of clients. However, when it comes time for your session, they say things that show that they have been paying attention to you and the conversations you two have shared. They may ask about your children, a recent meeting or procedure you’ve had, or just ask about how your day was at work. You may be spending 2 or 3 days a week with this person, so when they can show you that they take a personal interest in you, that goes a long way. This also means that they remember your body stats, remember when to track them, they know what your specific goals are, they remember your limitations and injuries and keep them in mind as you work together. Basically, they make you feel like you’re the only client they have!
5. They hold you accountable
We know that things happen and there are unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from getting into the gym. But we also know when missing workout sessions becomes skipping workout sessions. The job of a personal trainer is to hold you accountable for the choices you make and the work you put in, because they understand what it takes for you to reach your goals! Having someone at the gym waiting for you to show up increases the likelihood of you coming in for your session instead of skipping.
When you’re looking to hire a personal trainer, these characteristics are important to look for. Working with an individual in regards to your health is something that should be taken seriously! Try a few sessions with a trainer, ask questions and then ask yourself if this is the right person to walk with you during your fitness journey.
