There are endless benefits of hiring a personal trainer. This includes a dedicated focus on your specific area of concern. Not to mention having someone track your progress, rather than plodding away on a treadmill aimlessly as can often happen at a gym.

But, just like how not all workouts are created equal, the same can also be said for personal trainers too. Finding the right person for the job is key, as you’ll be relying on them to get you to your goal. 

Here are our top tips on what to look for in a personal trainer to tell you more.

Credentials

To avoid injury and get the most out of your training, you should only use fully qualified personal trainers. Look out for a nationally recognized accreditation such as ACE, NASM, or NSCA. 

Beyond this, the trainer should be able to demonstrate their general achievements either with their own fitness journey or that of their clients. Before and after shots can also be really helpful in seeing the type of results they can achieve too.

Personality

Some people thrive on being shouted at while they work out – others not so much! Overhauling your fitness regime can be pretty confronting, especially if you’re a long way from your target goal. However, you should still feel comfortable working out alongside your trainer. 

Look for a trainer who will encourage you, especially if fitness doesn’t come naturally to you. After all, the battle of getting fit is just as much mental as it is physical. You need someone who is on your side so that you are more likely to keep up your progress as a result. 

Areas of Expertise

The reason for hiring a personal trainer isn’t going to be the same for everyone. For some, their target will be weight loss with a healthy diet. Others might want to train to lift professionally or to gain strength. Fitness covers a broad spectrum of niches, which is why aligning a trainer with your goals makes all the difference. 

All trainers usually list their areas of expertise on their profile, so that you can match up with the right person from the off. If they understand your personal journey, you are more likely to reach your destination. 

Location

It’s all well and good finding a personal trainer on Instagram. But do they actually take on clients in your area? The location also needs to factor in where they are prepared to train you, as this will need to align with your preferences too. 

Options could include at the gym, at your house, at their house, or even a public park. Make sure you’re both able to commute before you decide to work with each other. 

To Sum Up

When it comes to finding a personal trainer, you need to be compatible with each other. Even though working out is tough, you should still look forward to your sessions. 

By choosing a qualified personal trainer who takes your progress seriously, you can ensure this will be the case. If in doubt, start with one session and take it from there.