5 Easy Steps to Finding a Good Trainer

We all should have at least 6 months of monitored training to learn proper mechanics, movement and how the body works. As a trainer I know this statement is biased, but I think it’s safe to say that there are benefits to working with a professional to improve your overall health. Unfortunately, for every great trainer there is also a not-so-great trainer mucking up the industry. With so many options how do we choose the right person for us? Here are 5 easy steps to help you find the right trainer for you. Before we begin let’s take a closer look at the word “trainer.”

There is huge confusion between a “trainer” and what I call a “mover” in the fitness industry. A trainer learns your goals, assesses where you are and uses a systematic approach to progress you over time. A mover gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. Though most desire a taxing workout, trainers make sure you’re ready to handle the demands of a workout while movers make sure you sweat during the workout. Decide if you’re looking for a trainer or a mover before you start your search understanding that the goal for each is different.

Now that we’ve defined the difference between a trainer and a mover, follow these steps to find a good trainer.

  1. Decide your goals. Fitness is an umbrella term that includes many aspects. Though trainers have a baseline of general fitness most specialize in specific areas. A boxing coach is probably not the best person to help you improve your vertical jump. Knowing your own goals helps narrow down your search and gives trainers a clear understanding of what you’re looking for. If you express interest in an area that is not in a trainer’s wheelhouse, they’ll tell you and point you in the right direction.
  1. Start your search. Now that you know your goals, start looking for trainers who can help. Get referrals from family members, friends, colleagues, people at the grocery store with physiques you admire or from people who always seem to stay healthy and move with ease. Chances are they have a trainer, had a trainer or are a trainer. If you’re a member of a local gym, talk to the staff, clients, and other gym members to learn about the gym’s trainers. Don’t forget about the worldwide web. Google, yelp, websites, and social media are all great tools to learn about the practices, knowledge, and personality of your potential trainer. Though not every good trainer has a strong digital footprint many use the web to showcase the essence of their training philosophy and style.
  1. Observe them. Now that you have some ideas of trainers to work with go and check them out. This can be in person, on their website, with blogs, social media or through the experience of others (referrals). Observe how the trainer interacts with clients. Do they seem engaged in a session, or do they practice what my clients refer to as T.N.W. (Trainer Not Watching)? Do their clients keep coming back or do they always have a new batch of people? Do they shed insight with their videos and posts? Remember social media is a tricky tool. Just as having a nice body doesn’t mean a trainer is knowledgeable, so is having a huge following, not synonymous with a trainer’s competence. Look for substance in a trainer’s training, remembering the difference between a trainer and a mover.
  1. Talk to the trainer. Talking to your prospective trainer is a simple and effective way to get a real sense of the person. Even if you’re not knowledgeable in fitness you’ll be able to sense their competence and passion. I had this Spanish teacher once who would always go on mini tangents about the origin of words and their correlation with other languages. While my classmates rolled their eyes, I realized that her passionate tidbits showed her love of language and continual pursuit of knowledge. You will have a similar experience with a good trainer. You’ll sense their passion, knowledge and see their comfortability with the technical aspects of training. Nothing will ever be showy or forced, and their unbridled love of fitness will flow through them. Steer clear of anyone who promises you the moon. Instead trust those who gently but firmly speak of progress over time and who admonish the quick fix.
  1. Try them out. You’ve decided your goals, got some referrals, observed, and talked to some trainers. Now it’s time to try them out. You’ll never truly know if a trainer is right for you until you try. Start with a small package, a trial period or a complimentary session if offered. Get a firsthand experience of their work so that you both can see if it will be a good fit. Don’t be offended if a trainer says that they aren’t the right person for you. Remember this is a new relationship that must work for you both to be successful. If a potential trainer suggests that you try another person, thank them understanding that they’re saving you time, money, and effort in the long run.

There you have it, 5 easy steps to finding a good trainer. Looking for a trainer will be work, like finding a good friend. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the one after your first go around. Instead use each opportunity to narrow down your search and refine what you’re looking for. It will take some time but when you finally find your trainer the benefits will far outweigh the cost. So set your goals and start your search because We Believe YOU are worth it.

Want to know the attributes of a good trainer? Check out 7 Characteristics of a Quality Trainer. Looking for quality training? Visit us at We Believe Fitness, where your fitness dreams become a reality. Happy moving.

Photo Credit Sam Moqadam