One thing that has always perplexed my husband (and my PT clients) is my decision to have a personal trainer. ‘Why does a Personal Trainer have a Personal Trainer’ he asks, ‘can’t you write yourself a program?’
Clearly I could – I have the expertise and passion for exercise, I have flexible work hours, I have plenty of exercise equipment. Why I decided to get a PT removes me from the pedestal he has put me on and places me right next to everyone else who has or has considered having a PT. Perhaps you can relate to these reasons. Read on and you’ll find some helpful tips that will help you choose a Personal Trainer that meets your needs.
First and foremost I decided to get a personal trainer when I was at my busiest.
I wasn’t exercising enough and I needed to be 100% productive in my time poor life and I knew exercise would help. I knew if I scheduled in exercise I wouldn’t get caught up at work – I would honour the appointment just like any other event in my diary. It came down to prioritising my health.
Secondly a good personal trainer will improve the way you move.
They will identify your weaknesses and deliver a program to strengthen them. They will look at your body with fresh eyes and they will select exercises you may not like (hence the weakness) or may have a completely new way of tackling your issue. All athletes have a coach – I consider my PT to be in the same league – except I’m not an athlete – but my income depends on my physicality as does my desire to be a fit and active parent (and I’m no spring chicken). These are very strong motivations for finding the dollars I spend each week on PT.
How to choose a personal trainer
Are these reasons something you can relate to? If so you might be wondering how to find your perfect PT. For me it is really important to like and respect my PT. Gender did not come into it, but it might for you. Here are some really practical things to consider, as well as some technical considerations.
Practical issues – the 3 A’s:
- Affable – Do you ‘like’ your PT, or at least respect them? Do you gel?
- Affordability – can you afford them? Do they have payment options ?
- Availability – can they work when you need them / are they close by?
Technical considerations – the 3 E’s:
- Experienced, qualified and insured (don’t hire a hobbiest)
- Expert in the area you need them for (do you have a bad back, arthritic knees, or just had a baby – does your PT have the expertise you need)
- Energy level – how will they train you – what gear, how hard, fast, how much will they push you (and will this meet your needs?)
So now you are armed with questions that you can ask a prospective PT and this will help you choose a Personal Trainer that suits. Good luck!
