I know, I know, not yet another “hiring a personal trainer” article. I’m sure you’ve read many lists, criteria, and must-haves regarding getting professional help in the gym, but I want to highlight two important things I hold near and dear when I train others. Two things that many trainers (not all!) miss.
Of course all the commonsense reasons still hold up that many have written about countless times:
- Competent skills and experience related to your unique situation
- Some form of relative formal education and/or accredited certification
- Personable/likable disposition
- Distraction free attention to detail
- Organization as well as flexibility and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances
I’m sure there are plenty more to list, but you get the idea.
So, let’s get to it. What are the two that I would focus on most when hiring a personal trainer?
Goal-oriented progression
Sure, many trainers are goal-oriented. They always utter “goals” every chance they get, especially when marketing their services. But, are they progression-minded? Do they have anything in place to track, monitor, or coax progress in your training efforts?
Additionally, is the progression related to your goals? Or are they simply getting you to lift heavier, faster, or more intense?
Make sure your trainer understands your specific needs, not just a workout that makes you sweat. That the training is directly related to your goals and is geared for significant, measurable results.
Education
Here’s a point that can easily be seen as shooting yourself in the foot, but it is an often overlooked and forgotten rule.
Educate your people so they eventually don’t have to rely on you.
I’m a huge believer in educating my people on the why behind the what. As trainers we spend a massive amount of time talking, demonstrating, and teaching form and technique, but when do we educate on the why behind it all? When do we implement educating for the sole purpose of independence?
It may seem like a play to kill job security, but it’s the right thing to do. The more educated your clients the more you’ll be doing your job.
Two simple but often overlooked points to ponder. Just ask yourself the real reason you’re hiring a trainer and what exactly do you want out of your training.
Happy lifting.
Brad Borland 