Thinking About a Personal Trainer?
Have you every considered investing in a personal trainer? When I started my weight loss journey in mid July of 2014 with my personal trainer, Gail Williams of Simply Fitness, I did not know a thing about what one should consider when selecting a personal trainer. That was shocking because I usually look into everything before I do or try it.
But no, my criteria at the time was that whoever it was, I needed them to be near my home, that gym membership was not required, that they were not a one-size-fits-all trainer, and that their body looked something like what I aspired to be, even if that possibility appeared impossible. A little over a year later, because of my experience with Gail, I can share 10 rules for what to look for in a reputable and knowledgable personal trainer.
1. Personal Trainer Who Listens
One of the first things Gail did was focus on me by listening to my weight issues story. She took the time to listen to my struggles. She got a sense of my typical day. By the end of our first conversation, from listening to me, she knew that what I needed to be successful on my weight loss journey was not only to change my eating habits and to exercise, but I also needed accountability and she offered that as a part of my plan.
2. Personal Trainer Who Asks Questions
In line with listening, before our journey started and to this very day, Gail asks questions. In our initial conversations, her questions were to understand my struggles and to get a sense of what I needed. In those conversations, it was also to get a sense of my current health status and health history.
During the weight loss journey, after a workout session, I got questions such as, “What do you eat for protein?” and “What is your goal for next month?” Now the questions are also “How do you feel?” “What questions do you have?” and “What are your concerns?”
3. Personal Trainer Who is Prepared
There are no on-the-fly workouts with Gail. Well, not typically (but more on that in rule eight). Coming into each workout Gail is prepared beforehand with the routine she will put me through. Sometimes I wish she wouldn't let me know what was coming; that would save me from looking at her like she's crazy.
4. Personal Trainer with Ability to Craft a Person-Specific Plan
We all come in different shapes, sizes, and abilities. It is important that a personal trainer not try to do for you what they would do for someone else. Crafting a plan that is customized specifically for me and my abilities is something Gail does very well.
This is especially important now that I have progressed to a different level. If she kept me doing modified push-ups when I could do regular push-ups, I would become bored with the lack of challenge. I also would not change. Conversely, if she wanted me to do a regular push-up long before I was physically able to do one, she would have crushed my spirits and I may have never gotten to the point of losing 75 pounds.
5. Personal Trainer Who Explains the What and Why
In each session, before we perform an exercise, Gail first explains then shows me the exercise. She tells me where to put my focus. For example, to focus on the muscle that is being worked. She also will stop me to make corrections if I am not performing an exercise properly. This ensures I do not injure myself and it ensures the intended muscle is getting worked out.
6. Personal Trainer Who Challenges You
Previously I mentioned being challenged. The goal of a personal trainer is to help transform your body and in the process, transform your mind. What Gail has taught me is that if workouts remain the same and if she does not push me past what I believe is my limit, the goal of transformation will not be obtained.
For example, when I thought there was no possible way I could do what she calls a burpee delux, she challenged me to push myself and do my best. Over time I was able to do a burpee delux without dreading it. That's when we moved to the next trait a personal trainer must have.
7. Personal Trainer Who Knows When to Amp Up Workouts
In tips four and five, I reference understanding where a client currently is in their journey and challenging them. As I became stronger and used to exercises Gail put me through, she would change up exercises and routines. I often found it amazing that she could tell when I was ready to move to the next level.
8. Personal Trainer Who Can Make Changes on the Fly
I stated that Gail is always prepared for sessions by having the plan for my workouts completed prior to our sessions. What happens when I cannot do an exercise no matter how much I try or when a body part is troubling me? Gail quickly makes modifications on the fly. These modifications are always in the interest of my safety and well-being.
For instance, once while doing an INSANITY workout, I tweaked my knee. The next day during a workout with Gail, my knee hurt so badly I could not perform the exercise she had planned. No worries. With a snap of a finger she changed the exercise to one that I could do without pain and that still worked the muscle she was giving focus to.
9. Personal Trainer with Proof of Their Work
Like with any service that you receive, having a sense of another’s experience is helpful and should be sought out. Gail has a website that has several testimonials. Those testimonials offered insight into not only the results her clients were seeing, but also how Gail treated her clients. I recall one woman mentioning she had back issues. Even with those back issues, Gail was able to successfully tailor a routine that would allow her client to see results and to get stronger.
10. Personal Trainer Who is Knowledgable and Shares It
I was not certain of the type of certifications a personal trainer should have, but I did know that they should have them. Gail, for example, has seven credentials. They are in the areas of personal trainer, fitness instructor, mat pilates instructor, nutrition and ZUMBA instructor.
Choosing a Personal Trainer Bonus
My hope is that by using myself you gain valuable information to help you choose a personal trainer. Using this link you will find nine questions to ask when interviewing a personal trainer.
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