Tips for Finding a Personal Trainer Who’s Right for You

go the distance

When it comes to finding the right PT, traveling the distance necessary to see them should be an important consideration, so it may be a good idea to choose a local trainer. Most of us won’t have the luxury of having a physiotherapist come to our house and train us in our own on-site gym, so it’s likely you’ll have to drive to every workout . Choose a lab that’s easy to get to, because sitting in traffic or taking long, regular trips to work out could dampen your motivation. If you care about a particular PT, but find it too far away, check to see if it offers online consultations and programs.

Be honest

You picked your favorite personal trainer because they are the best in their field, but be sure to respect your ego. Don’t feel like you have to exaggerate your abilities to impress a trainer because you feel intimidated by the number of social media followers he has.

“It’s so important for clients to be open and honest with their trainer,” says ISSA-certified fitness trainer and sports nutritionist Sarah Dorough. An honest relationship is essential so your physiotherapist can learn more about you and any injuries or limitations they may need to help you work around.

Set realistic goals

You may dream of playing in the NFL or sprinting to new world records, and you may have been a sports legend in high school, but you also need to be realistic about where you are right now, right now. , when selecting. a TP. If you’re unrealistic about your abilities in the “here and now,” you may need a reality check. Much like being honest with yourself, setting realistic goals will involve looking inward and identifying injuries and other limitations such as weight issues. The right coach is one who can work with you from day one. “Personally, I’ve had to say no to a potential client before,” says Dorough, who is a Level 10 gymnast. fast in the same area, we need to be realistic about the potential results I will always do my best for a client, but this may mean referring them to a physiotherapist more suited to their current situation, especially if the client has medical conditions which require special attention.

The perfect PT is one that will work with your current fitness level, so be realistic about where you are. Many personal trainers are able to accommodate clients of all skill levels, but don’t market yourself as an elite athlete if you’re not there yet, or you could be wasting time and money.

Build a relationship

If you employ the services of a personal trainer, you will visit them several times a week and spend a lot of time with your trainer. If you find that your PT gave you a lot of time during the initial sign-up process, but now spends a large portion of your sessions staring at their cell phone, you may not be getting the attention you deserve. If the relationship isn’t open and productive, it may be time to move on to another coach.

“Our goal as trainers is to create a positive atmosphere in which our clients can grow,” says Dorough. “Your physiotherapist should set aside time to learn as much about you as possible, from past injuries to current mental health issues.”

One size will not fit all

“There are different types of trainers and it’s important that you find the right one in order to start out comfortably,” says Dorough. “A client who does not have a lot of fitness experience or knowledge of exercise and nutrition should ensure that they are working with a trainer who will be able to meet their needs with motivation. and extra patience.”

Even when your level of fitness is a good match for the expertise of your new personal trainer, there is always the risk of a personality clash. If you feel like you’re not responding well to your trainer’s particular training style, don’t let it derail your fitness goals. Ask yourself what personality traits you are looking for in a coach and don’t be afraid to call several coaches, engage in email conversations and verify them appropriately. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with your new PT. So, for example, if you’re female and feel more comfortable with a female trainer, go for it.

Engage yourself

Finding success with a personal trainer is as much about you as it is about them. There are thousands of personal trainers on social media, but there’s nothing “Insta” about making lasting fitness gains. “Clients need to be aware that results take commitment and time,” says Dorough.

If you don’t attend sessions or your diet is unbalanced between PT sessions, don’t blame the trainer. That said, if you can find a coach who is approachable and gives you the appropriate amount of care and attention because you’ve been honest and realistic, we’re sure the relationship between the client and the coach is the key to releasing your health and fitness. potential. Good hunt!