0Buying personal trainers' services is an emotional decision and one that often lacks adequate thought.
1. Check references.
It’s not enough to rely on the reviews online or posted in a gym. Ask any potential trainer for two previous or current clients that you can call. There have been too many examples of unscrupulous “professionals”? who fabricate or steal before-and-after pictures and testimonials.
2. Leave your wallet at home.
Not having a credit card on hand ensures that you don’t make any rash, emotional decisions that you may regret. Gyms have become really good at convincing people to sign up right away after a tour and short sales meeting.
3. Decide how important convenience is.
A great trainer is worth traveling for but you’ve got to be honest and determine what’s important for you. New exercisers should spend at least a month seeing a coach 2-3x/wk to get a strong baseline and establish good habits. In this case having somebody close to where you work or live might be warranted.
4. When to become immediately skeptical.
If your trainer tries to sell you supplements or advertises that they are a “rep”? for a company, become an immediate skeptic. While not bad 100% of the time, the trainer is legally responsible for disclosing anything that might affect a recommendation
5. How much you want to pay.
Good personal trainer’s value is priceless.
First – there is no precedent or regulation on pricing. It’s not like buying chicken where you know how much a pound costs and any variation from the mean is immediately noticeable. Price ranges wildly – from 750k/hr to 5000k/hr.
Location will determine price. A trainer in metro city will cost exponentially more than a trainer in small town.
A trainer who specializes will likely be in-demand amongst that population and therefore charge more for their services. If you have a special need, say you’ve just had a baby and you want a post-natal fitness specialist because you have diastasis recti, then you can expect to pay a little more. It’s the same idea as hiring a general mechanic vs. a dude who specializes in Harley Davidson bikes to fix your motorcycle.
Finally, price will be dependent on experience. Hiring a cheaper, less experienced trainer might be fine if you have adequate resolve and prior weightlifting experience.
6. Mention any special needs.
Before hiring a personal trainer you should be 100% confident that he can effectively manage all aspects of your program.
If you mention a chronic problem a great trainer should show that she’s experienced, knowledgeable, and able to work with it or around it (whatever is most appropriate). In addition, a trainer should be willing to work with your primary care physician or other health providers (physios, chiros, osteos etc.) if necessary.
This is an important decision.
An investment to hire the best personal trainer for you can change your life but navigating the murky waters to find the right one can be rife with challenges. If you’re serious that now is the time to make a change, take your time. There are great trainers out there, you’ve just got to find us
