So if everyone’s trainer is the best, how do we differentiate them all and choose one that is right for us? Let’s look at a few basic qualifications you want your trainer to have:
Choosing a trainer1) Personal trainer certification
2) Up to date CPR
1) Years of experience
2) Continuing education (other certifications, workshops etc...)
3) A background in kinesiology, physical education, exercise science or other sports related fields
4) Referral and reputation
5) Unfortunately it takes more than a few simple guidelines to find a trainer that is right for you. Before you commit to hiring a trainer, take some time to sit down with them and discuss your goals, feel out the rapport and chemistry and assess whether the trainer is attentive to your goals or wants to impose his/her goals on you. Just because your trainer has a desirable figure it does not mean he or she should train all their clients a) as they would train themselves or b) all the same way. It is true that the fundamentals of training, especially for beginners is pretty standard, however it is still important that individual differences be taken into account, otherwise why hire someone when you can buy a DVD that will service the general public? Once you have met a few trainers, discussed your goals, availability, cost, commitment etc, choose the one which feels like the right fit – you’ll only really confirm this once you have had a few sessions, but nevertheless, pick the one that feels right for you based on the criteria you are looking for in a trainer.
You’ve chosen your trainer and have now had a few sessions with them. Here are a few things to look for to ensure you’ve made a good choice
1) Your trainer has explained your program to you and the steps you will take to achieve your goals
2) You feel comfortable around your trainer
3) Your trainer explains which muscle(s) you are working monitors your technique, and corrects your technique when necessary
4) Your trainer is professional and focuses on you during your session rather than socializing with gym members or talking about themselves
5) Your trainer offers guidelines and is upfront about what it will take to achieve your goals (nutrition, weight training, cardiovascular exercise)
6) You begin to gain confidence, feel more at ease with the exercises and see a progression
7) Your trainer is a source of knowledge and answers your questions when needed
These are merely a few key examples of having made a few good choices. Most clients inevitably develop an interpersonal relationship with their trainer. We are there to guide you to achieve your goals but we become friends and confidantes. Try not to confuse having found a cool buddy with having found a fantastic trainer. Your health and your goals must come first therefore assure that you are seeing substantial gains in these areas. And what if you are not? Does this mean your trainer is unqualified and useless? Well, let’s not jump the gun so fast. Before you go blasting your trainer and giving them a bad reputation, assess yourself as a student first. Have you changed your nutrition based on your trainer’s recommendations? Have you been doing your workouts as prescribed on the days you do not see your trainer? The client and the trainer both have a responsibility. Check first to see who is and who is not meeting their end of the bargain, after that, feel free to blast or boast about your trainer.
Julie Beaumont works as a fitness professional in the Montreal area. Certified as a personal trainer, BOSU balance trainer, Spinning Instructor, Fitness Boxing Instructor, NCCP Level 1 Theory, Dragon Boat Coach Level 1, & Sport Movement Level 1, her areas of expertise include personal training, group fitness (including Spinning, fitness boxing, & Bootcamp) as well as dragon boat coaching. You can reach her at juliebeaumont@videotron.ca
