BENEFITS OF GETTING A PERSONAL TRAINER:

  • Motivation – we all need it!  Having someone be there to externally motivate you can do wonders for your success.  Not to mention undergoing regular fitness evaluations and goal setting will help in ensuring your are tracking your progression.
  • Proper training/program planning – maximize your time and effort – you will be challenged to get outside of your comfort zone.
  • Accountability – there is power in having an appointment set, someone waiting for you and money already spent on that appointment.

NARROW YOUR SELECTION

  • Reputable & convenient location – A gym close by or on the way to or from work can allow for increased consistency.  In addition, if your time is very tight or the gym is not your thing, you may want to have a trainer come to you.
  • Minimum requirements are a must! You are dealing with your most important attribute – your health.  Your choice in trainer should involve some essential requirements.  Some main points to research and consider (once you find a convenient location) should be the trainer’s level and area of education, certifications, years of experience, training and personal fitness background.  In addition your trainer selection should be someone who has CPR and first aid as well as valid insurance coverage.
  • Male/female preference – some people find that they are motivated by and/or may relate better to the same gender while others may find that the opposite gender works better for them.

RED FLAGS – BE AWARE

  1. Lack of professionalism

    2. (showing up late, cancelling on you etc)

  2. Lack of education/certification and/or experience (won’t provide proof)
  3. Over promising & under delivering

WHAT ABOUT NUTRITION?

  • Most trainers should be able to provide general nutritional guidance and accountability based from the Canada Food Guide for example.
    • Keep in mind if you have more in-depth nutritional needs/concerns and the trainer is not a registered nutritionist or dietician, it could be out of their scope professionally.

HOW MUCH IS GOING TO COST?

  • Generally $50 – $100/hour (depending on where, who)
  • Longer packages generally give better per session rate
  • Higher price doesn’t always mean better but lower price generally attributes to less education and experience.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WILL WORK FOR YOU?

My belief is you should be able to try the service prior to committing – you don’t buy a car or a new outfit without trying it first.  Ask for a TEST DRIVE.

Here’s how it should go down:

  1. TEST DRIVE (should include consultation and 15-20min session).  No pressure.
  2. Interview the trainer.  You are hiring them not the reverse. Personality is also a HUGE factor.
  3. References – don’t be afraid to ask for them and call them.
  4. Promises and expectation – what promises are being made to you and what are the expectations of you as the client in order to maximize the program success and your results?  These should be very clear right from the start.