The personal training industry has exploded over the past few years, and with good reason. What used to be thought of as a luxury for the famous and wealthy, has now come to the mainstream: from stay at home mommies who want some me-time, to busy executives that won’t workout if it isn’t an appointment, to the elderly who are just trying to maintain a mobile quality of life.
Personal training is the single best way to achieve the greatest results in the least amount of time, whatever your fitness goals may be.
I might be just a bit biased because I work in a private studio, but I feel private trainers are the best. Gym trainers are more concerned with membership sales and pushing supplements; not about your results. Private trainers do not get paid on commission and don’t have to sell anything, so their only responsibility when it comes to training is you and your goals.
Either way you choose, make sure your trainer is nationally certified. There are no laws regulating the fitness industry, so anyone can say they are a personal trainer. A few national certifications to look for are the ACE, ASCM, ASSA, AFAA, and NCSA. A trainer should never agree to train you without seeing you first, and the consultation should always be free. This is a meeting to see if you are right for each other. A huge part of whether or not you achieve your goals is the quality of your client/trainer relationship.
You need someone you trust and get along with, but also someone that can motivate you and hold you accountable. You shouldn’t want to let them down so you always make it to your workouts and try your hardest while you are there. You need a trainer that will push you and not fall into that “friend” role. You have enough friends; make the most out of your sessions.
They should also be almost annoyingly concerned about any injuries you have. If a trainer knows you have a bum knee, makes you do squats, and never asks you if you are having any discomfort or pain, they aren’t doing their job.
The most important thing is that they train in a style you like best. You might not want to grab a drink with them after your session, but if they push you hard, and do it safely, then it’s probably a good fit.
I completely agree that personal training is the best way to achieve your fitness goals – having that one-on-one time is key. You can still get a great workout from a free group fitness class, but eventually people stop seeing results and we know where that leads (hint: back to the couch in frustration)! I’d like to pick on the gym trainer stereotype you mentioned – while I agree, there are some big chains out there like that (it became a stereotype for a reason, right?), not all of them are. Yes, be wary if your trainer starts pushing supplements. At my club, trainers don’t sell memberships or supplements – our priority is the safety and satisfaction of our clients! So please, don’t judge all gym trainers – not everyone fits that stereotype!
sarah- thanks for your input. I said I was biased
. Ive talked to a lot of big gym trainers, and they hate that they have to be so preoccupied with how they are going to earn a paycheck, but ive found that those that dont have to worry in a big gym setting tend to be the best rainers: because they have such a steady client base, the turnover isnt a concern. Guess we know where you fall!