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Originally Posted On: How to Find a Personal Trainer: The Complete Guide | AWATfit – Outdoor Personal Training and Group Fitness

Are you trying to lose weight? Perhaps you need to bulk up.

To reach your fitness goals, you must know how to find a personal trainer. The wrong personal trainer can steer you away from goals.

Hiring a professional trainer entails asking questions about meal plans, experience, and certification. Ask them as many questions as needed to get a sense of their professionalism and personality.

Likewise, they should ask plenty of questions so they can understand your goals. A personal trainer who doesn’t ask questions indicates a lack of interest or experience.

This article will show you how to pick a personal trainer in greater depth. Read further to know more.

Getting active is only half the battle when it comes to getting fit. Choose a personal trainer who will recommend a diet plan that will set you up for success.

A solid meal plan can help you regulate your caloric intake. Plus, a comprehensive meal plan accomplishes the following:

• Gives you plenty of energy throughout the day
• Provides enough sustenance after a workout
• Infuses your body with plenty of nutrients
• Helps your body lose weight and keep the weight off

That said, the best meal plan depends on a variety of factors, such as your age, gender, and goals. Therefore, find a trainer who will customize a diet that meets your needs.

Choosing a personal trainer also means knowing what you want. When meeting with your potential trainer, they will ask you various questions about your fitness plans. Do you want to lose a certain number of pounds? Are you training for a marathon?

To pair yourself with the best trainer, give them detailed answers. From there, you can decide if the trainer is the right fit.

Then, they should recommend a viable plan that helps you reach your goals. Above all, personal trainers should reflect your goals. Avoid trainers who try to alter your goals.

For instance, some personal trainers may recommend a trendy weight loss plan that’s not in sync with your intentions. Also, they may craft a plan based on their experience with other clients or trainers. You deserve a training regimen that’s tailor-made for you.

Ensure the trainer has engaged in the same workouts that they’re prescribing. All too often, trainers will recommend workout plans that they’ve never done.

Moreover, ask them the following questions to assess their experience level:

• How long have you been a trainer?
• Do you create meal plans?
• What are your specialties?
• How do you encourage your clients?
• What do you do if a client suffers a setback?
• Do you train full-time or part-time?

The difference between a part-time and full-time trainer is crucial. The most accomplished trainers usually operate full-time. Subpar trainers tend to train part-time. Further, part-time trainers may have trouble retaining a steady client base, which is a red flag.

Since trainers have different specialties, it’s important to find the right one that will match your goals. For instance, some trainers only work with elderly clients. Others may work with clients going through physical therapy.

Additionally, learn more about the trainer’s coaching style. If you’re accustomed to light yoga exercises, avoid trainers who specialize in high-intensity workouts. If you’re trying to get lean, a trainer who works with bodybuilders may not be the best choice.

Besides experience, your trainer must have the necessary training and knowledge. All trainers should have the following qualities:

• They should have a high school diploma or GED (Not all personal trainers need to attend college).
• They must pass an exam via such institutions as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
• They should stay current on the latest fitness trends.

The last step is crucial because the fitness industry is always evolving. Therefore, you want a trainer who knows the latest studies and findings.

Communication is key because you won’t be with your trainer at all times. For instance, you may have questions about what to eat or how to conduct a specific exercise. A trainer may need to teach you certain things over the phone.

Positive communication also demonstrates professionalism. A trainer may need to cancel or delay a session, and they should do so in a timely fashion.

Failing to communicate within a proper time frame is unprofessional and a waste of your time. Since communication is a two-way street, you must extend the same courtesy to the trainer as well.

You don’t want a trainer who treats you like a customer. If training sessions feel like a business interaction, you’ll enjoy it less overall. You’ll want a trainer who makes you feel comfortable.

The best trainers are open and will treat you like a family member or friend. They should make themselves accessible if you have questions or concerns.

More importantly, your personality should be compatible with the trainer’s personality. If you’re an open person, you may not get along with a trainer who is stern and rigid.

Knowing how to find a personal trainer entails asking the right questions. Ask about their experience and credentials.

You should know how they can help you accomplish your goals. Further, a good trainer will ask plenty of questions to get a sense of your goals and personality.

Are you interested in getting answers to the most common workout questions? Click here to learn more.