The fitness industry is saturated with so many so called “personal trainers”. How is one to decipher the real from the fake? The good from the bad? Most of the time it can be pretty obvious, but at the same time, it’s easy to get caught up with the wrong one if you aren’t paying attention. Here are a few things to look out for to get the most bang for your buck:
Know the type of trainer you are dealing with.
Let’s be frank. Some trainers are just as lazy if not more than you are! Some are unprofessional. Some don’t have a lot of experience. Know your trainer’s background and what kind of person they are before you spend your money. Know how experienced they are, and whether are not they are certified in CPR. A trainer that takes his job serious is the one you want to go with.
Does your trainer know proper technique?
This is where some homework and general knowledge of strength training and cardio comes into play on your end. Your trainer can’t be your complete encyclopedia. Know what he is doing wrong and doing right.
Is he/she attentive and a good listener?
A good trainer listens to your needs and provides a plan for you based on you as an individual.
Can they unsure your long term success?
Before signing up, ask if you both will be able to agree upon how progress is defined and how it will be accessed.
You might have a bad trainer if…
He/she is routinely late to sessions
Overworks you
Underworks you
Doesn’t stick to a complete program
Takes phones calls, texts, talks to friends during a session
Recommends questionable nutritional advice or supplements
Diagnosis injuries
Doesn’t return phone calls or emails
Doesn’t care about your overall success
A small price to pay to have a better quality of life. You just have to pay attention and remember what the personal trainer shows you and continue to work out. I recently spent like 1300 bucks on a personal trainer. I took a few of the sessions and realized that I was so out of shape it WOULD be like throwing away my money. They work you so hard that you can 1, injure yourself or 2, have a heart attack. Since the sessions never expire, I will continue going to the gym and get my endurance back up and get into better shape so I can push myself.