A sad fact about the personal training field:
Almost anyone can become a personal trainer with a bare minimum of education & certification.
Unlike other health care professions, there are no strict licensure requirements, boards or educational exams to pass before you can call yourself a trainer.
In other words there is no law that says in order for you to be a personal trainer you must possess credentials and continue to update them throughout your career - similar to physical therapists, doctors, lawyers, barbers and nurses would do.
Most people assume all trainers are qualified under a single standard to become professionals, but this is not true.
In fact 99% of all clients I have worked with never asked about my credentials or certifications. (I was certified through the American Council on Exercise in 1996 and have an additional 20 specialty certifications)
Being a personal trainer is not as easy you most people think. It’s not just writing exercise programs and counting reps on the gym floor.
The majority of our usefulness as trainers comes from providing accountability, motivation, and uncovering the client’s real internal needs- especially those that go beyond the physical.
We all have weight loss goals – but what is the driving force underneath the desires to change? How does this goal affect all the other areas of your life and so on.
Clarifying your goals and uncovering your strengths and weakness is the key to long term success and getting the physical rewards of exercise.
So you can discover and uncover the best version of you!
The truth is – personal training is a challenging profession- just like other health care professionals.
We hold the health and wellbeing of another person in our hands on a daily basis.
And that can have a huge impact on their lives.
And unlike other professions we have a highly unique relationship with our clients and become a part of their lives on a regular basis.
For most clients this is at least 1-3 times a week month after month and on into many years.
I have clients who have been with me for 10 15 20 and 25 years. I see myself as a trusted servant who improves the quality of people’s lives by showing up 110% at each session and bringing all the knowledge and insight I have.
So here are top ten warning signs that will give you a better idea about selecting the right personal trainer for you.
1) They don’t have credentials or certifications and rarely if ever take continuing education courses.
2) They don’t do an assessment beforehand.
This is a conversation that includes questions about goals, exercise history, current diet and eating patterns, a complete medical intake, sleep and other lifestyle and environmental factors. A separate physical and orthopedic assessment is done to determine a baseline of exercise capabilities.
3) Too much skin – wears tank tops or mid-drift showing clothing. Or lots of tight lycra.
4) No record keeping.
Effective trainers keep records and notes on their clients to record progress, health issues and updates on orthopedic or medical conditions.
5) Writes exercise or diet programs based on what works for them and not the specific needs of the client.
Everyone is unique and has different goals and needs.
If you work with a bodybuilder trainer you are most likely to get his workout routine or some variation on it.
He might recommend you make all your meals ahead of time and eat out of Tupperware containers!
And the same goes for trainers who like Olympic lifting, CrossFit style training, kettlebells or high intensity work.
A really good trainer will create programming that fits into the context of what the client needs and wants- and is appropriate for them.
We meet them where they are and listen carefully to what they say.
Then with that knowledge- apply the appropriate tools or method most suited to them.
6) Puts you on a cardio machine during the session.
Yes a 7 minute warmup can be done on a treadmill or bike- but this is something that clients need to do on their own before the training session. Most trainers now use mobility, stretching and bodyweight exercises for an effective warmup. It’s more time efficient and better for the body.
7) Spends time checking their phone or texting during the workout.
I have seen this happen quite frequently and its very unprofessional. Does your doctor text while you are in the examining room?
8) Cross talk and holding conversations with others in the gym during your session.
I believe the client needs my 100% undivided attention. They are paying for your time and over-talking shows a lack of respect to the client.
9) Doesn’t teach
A good personal will teach you and help educate you about the Why and the How behind the exercise and diet regime he has chosen for you. It’s not just a random set of body part exercises thrown together.
They will help you develop lifelong skills and maximize your potential so you can be successful and feel you have a sense of agency over your becoming the best you can be.
It’s not just about counting reps and sets!
10) Does not have good motivational skills. This doesn’t mean cheerleading or saying “It’s all you!” or “Come on dig deeper!”
These have a time and a place, but for many older adults this style is not a good fit.
A good trainer will find ways to make meaningful interpersonal connections and find the intrinsic motivations that drive the clients and motivate them to do the hard work.
I hope this will give you some insight in choosing a personal trainer.
Two things you can do if you are thinking about working with a trainer.
1) If you work out at a gym watch the trainers as they work with other clients and ask “Would I feel comfortable with this person?” Could I do the stuff he is teaching his client?
2) Ask for referrals and then interview each trainer about his philosophy and training methods.
Also ask for his certifications and if he has other specialties.
Take your time with this process! You will be spending a lot of time with this person.
Interview as many people as you can.
Do you look to a potential trainer and feel you want to emulate their lifestyle or attain a similar body type?
Do you like their personality?
I hope this helps! If you need more guidance please feel free to contact me for more information.