The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Trainer
A certified personal trainer can provide accountability, motivation, and goal setting.
Photo Credit: Becca Heuer
Introduction
The fitness industry has undergone massive changes in the last decade.
New science gives us a better idea of what works in areas ranging from muscle building to heart rate training.
New sports like CrossFit have expanded access to barbells and functional training.
Online personal training provides convenience and access, while private studios specialize in everything from strength training to mobility.
And more diverse professionals have entered the space. You now have many options when choosing a personal trainer based on life experience and background.
In this article, I'll walk you through identifying the right fit for your fitness journey based on your goals and interests.
Why Hire a Personal Trainer?
Not everyone needs to work with a fitness professional. But in certain situations, they can profoundly impact your fitness outcomes.
Here are the main reasons to hire a personal trainer
The best personal training addresses the physical and mental
You need accountability
Paying a trusted professional for a scheduled session is a powerful motivator. The best ones will create an intense and fun environment. That you feel pushed during the sessions while looking forward to going.
Many people also feel empowered simply by reserving time for themselves on behalf of their health. You've prioritized 1-2 hours per week, during which you're ideally unreachable and without commitments. Your only job is to do your best.
You're feeling overwhelmed by endless or conflicting fitness information
I struggled with limited resources when I started working out in the 90s. I was entirely on my own other than a handful of muscle magazines I came across at a friend's house.
Now, we face the opposite problem. The billion-dollar fitness industry has fueled an arms race of fitness content and mega-personalities. In addition, social media rewards emotional conflict. We're now constantly bombarded with competing claims about the best fitness program.
A credentialed and committed trainer or coach will devote themselves to cutting through the BS. They will have foundational knowledge in exercise science while staying abreast of peer-reviewed research.
Their skill set allows you to disconnect from the noise. You can trust the right trainer to build your fitness program based on the evidence and your unique needs.
You're seeking a meaningful partner to help you make long-term change
Many trainers entered the field to help people, and the best ones understand that helping people begins with a genuine connection.
A fitness professional should prioritize building trust and empathy. These are crucial for sustainable lifestyle changes. You want someone to meet you where you are and adapt training to your needs.
But you should also feel you're in good hands when they push you outside your comfort zone with new movements or challenge some of your misconceptions about fitness.
You need an objective voice.
Many of my athlete clients, particularly my powerlifters, are well-versed in the science. They've read the research and know how they respond to training. They may even know the changes they should make to their program.
But knowledge is only one part of fitness, particularly since we usually bring emotions to our training. Personal trainers or coaches shine as objective problem solvers.
I'll give one example from my own experience. I had a client extremely familiar with the barbell lifts come to me with a chronic lower back injury. Their understandable frustration and anxiety made it hard for them to observe any clear pain pattern.
During their first session, it became apparent that they were dealing with two issues. First, they allowed the barbell to roll forward during their deadlifts, placing strain on their spinal erectors. Second, they were going too heavy on their deadlift sets too often.
Within about a month, their pain went away as we adjusted technique and incorporated deloads along with progressive reloading. Even better, they realized they could set predictable PRs by easing up on their training. With better recovery, they expressed more strength on their lifts.
My client was likely aware of these issues based on their background. However, they needed an outside perspective and a trusted resource to make these changes.
You're feeling stuck with your vision or goals.
In some cases, you might have already identified a goal, such as the following:
Building strength
Building muscle
Improving cardiovascular health
Creating a consistent workout routine
Preparing for an athletic event
If you're new to fitness or goal-setting feels daunting, a personal trainer can help. They might ask you to follow a process they've developed or ask questions like the following:
Were there sports you loved growing up?
What movements look cool to you when you see people doing them?
If you've been a gym member, which equipment did you gravitate toward?
For those who have competed for a while, zooming out from athletic goals can be helpful. You might discover that you’d like to train without any specific deadline or to experiment with new sports. To learn more about setting broader goals, check out my article on the topic at this link.
What to Look for with a Personal Trainer
Many trainers will offer specializations in areas like barbell lifting. Also ask about small group training to reduce the cost.
Qualifications and Certifications
Since the fitness industry is not well-regulated, look for certified personal trainers or coaches. Certifications signify that they've invested in learning and meet specific standards. The main ones are NASM, ISSA, ACE, and NSCA.
Also, check that your trainer is certified in CPR and first aid to handle emergencies.
Experience and Specializations
Experienced trainers adapt to a wide range of client needs. Most will have a solid toolkit for building general fitness.
However, if you're locked into specific goals or training modes, search instead for additional specializations. A Google search will reveal experts in mobility, strength training, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, functional fitness, or sports-specific training.
Also, ask about a trainer’s experience with similar clients. For example, you may want to know how they reduce the risk of injury or introduce free weights for a specific population.
Training Approach
Trainers often personalize fitness programs based on their background. For example, some will provide constantly varied workouts. Others will build training sessions you perform for several weeks before they change it up. Some build their workouts around strength, mobility, or conditioning.
Target your search based on these factors, but also remember a good fitness professional will meet you where you are. For example, a strength and conditioning coach makes sense if you're committed to building muscle and increasing strength. While that usually applies to athletic settings, many will work with anyone if there’s a good personality fit. (Click here to learn more about the difference between a personal trainer and a strength coach).
Compatibility and Communication
Once you get beyond the basics, probe for a strong personal connection. Trust your instincts during the initial meeting. Do they share your sense of humor? Do they have good active listening skills?
Also, make sure their communication style works for you. Each trainer uses specific cues and terminology you'll hear when explaining movements.
There is no right or wrong style; it just depends on the person. For example, some trainers may rely heavily on metaphors, while others like to explore the science behind their explanations.
Choose someone who speaks in a way you understand and respond to.
Training Philosophy
Sharing values with your trainer will help deepen the relationship over time. Beyond enjoying your sessions, you should feel they understand your “why.” For example, do they validate your desire to focus on strength training more than strength training? Do they honor your desired outcomes with judgment?
Also, spend some time researching their approach to nutrition. If food brings up complicated feelings, make sure they respect your boundaries. Find someone you’re confident will only discuss nutrition if you raise it.
Cost and Budget
Personal training costs can vary significantly. Determine your budget before inquiring about private training sessions, but also ask about options such as a sliding scale rate. Some trainers will hold cheaper slots for clients with financial need.
You can expect to pay between $70-$170 per hour in the Chicago area. You will typically pay more for specialized skills and experience. You can stay on the lower end for a general exercise routine while paying more for an expert strength coach who develops sport-specific training plans.
Trainers may offer per-session rates, monthly packages, or other pricing structures for your exercise program. Small group training is also typical. You can save money per session if 1-2 friends join you.
Discuss payment terms, cancellation policies, and any additional costs associated with your fitness program.
Format and Location
Remember, the best workout program is the one you'll consistently perform. Look for trainers with options that meet your needs, whether online or in person. If you prefer to work out independently, you can hire a coach to handle only your programming.
If you want in-person training, prioritize your wants. Convenience might be most important to you, while others prefer a specific vibe in an independent studio.
Reviews and Consultations
Online platforms like Yelp and Google are valuable resources for checking client reviews. Look at the photos to get a feel for their training, and verify by checking the tone of their social media profiles.
Many trainers offer trial sessions or consultations so you can see what they’re all about. They're also looking for goodness of fit and appreciate the chance to demonstrate their style.
Those are also a good forum for asking questions. For example, you can ask how they address stress and recovery in their workout plans.
Commitment and Contract
Before hiring a personal trainer, understand the terms and conditions outlined in the terms of service. Some states require specific language that protects the client, but these agreements also protect the trainer and their livelihood. Understand that you have obligations such as fees for missed training sessions.
In addition to the contract, ensure clear communication with the trainer regarding the type of training and frequency.
Conclusion
There are many types of personal trainers or coaches, so take the time to choose the best one for you. Be clear about your needs, expectations, and boundaries, and do your homework using review sites and social media. During the consultation, be willing to ask direct questions. Continue searching until you find a match, utilizing free trials to understand their personality and approach. While fitness professionals provide a valuable service, long-term success depends upon a positive relationship. Find someone that you trust to challenge and support you on your fitness journey.
Chris Van Nostrand serves athletes 40+ online and in the Evanston, IL area
