Question: I have been thinking recently about getting a personal trainer. What is a personal trainer and how do I find the right one for me?
Answer: A personal trainer can help you to reach your individual health and fitness goals.
Whether you are new to exercise or training for a marathon, a personal trainer will customize a comprehensive exercise program that incorporates cardio, strength training and flexibility to meet your personal health and fitness goals and needs.
A personal trainer will work side by side with you to coach and motivate you to reach the goals you have set for yourself. If you are new to exercise, a benefit of having a personal trainer is that they can instruct you on proper exercise form and correct any mistakes.
Additionally, a personal trainer can help guide you in the right direction as far as what foods to eat and how often you should be eating those foods. If you’re already active, having a personal trainer can help you step up your fitness goals or switch up your workout routines to break you out of a plateau.
Choosing a personal trainer requires some homework. Good places to start looking for a personal trainer include local gyms, health centers or fitness centers. You can also ask friends, family and co-workers for any recommendations. When you’re at the gym, watch how trainers interact with their clients. Make a note of the trainer’s teaching style and how they interact with clients. This can help you get a feel of what you want in a personal trainer.
When meeting with a prospective personal trainer, ask about their fitness philosophy and training interests. This can give you a better idea of their personality and how their training may be structured. It’s also important to find out about a personal trainer’s education, credentials and experience.
All of these items will help you find a personal trainer who makes you feel comfortable, yet can challenge you to overcome your biggest obstacles. Take your time before you make your final choice.
The key to a successful training relationship is finding the right person for you.