Before you spend your hard-earned money on a personal trainer, take a look at this guide! It will help you differentiate between a poor personal trainer and an exceptional one. Having the right trainer is crucial. There’s nothing worse than investing time and money into training, only to realize that you haven’t made any progress toward your goals.
I have worked with good and bad trainers over the past 16 years and have been working with the same online personal trainer since 2014. Our team at Team Nerd Fitness consists of 15 personal trainers who have collectively trained 15,000 1-on-1 clients. We are experts in the field and will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
In this guide, we will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to personal trainers, both in-person and online. Here are some key points to consider:
What do you need from a personal trainer?
The first and most crucial question is, do they match up with your goals? You need to have clear goals in order to find the right trainer. For example, are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, get stronger, or run your first 5k? Your goals will determine the type of trainer you need.
Once you’ve established your goals, think about what you need from your personal trainer. Consider whether you need hands-on guidance, tough love, or someone to keep you disciplined. You should also determine the duration for which you need a trainer.
How to find a good personal trainer
Once you’ve found a trainer you’re considering, have an in-depth conversation with them. Make sure they listen to your story, inquire about past injuries, and discuss your nutrition. The trainer should have expertise and provide realistic expectations. If you are interested in our 1-on-1 online coaching program, we focus on these essential elements.
What are the signs of a bad personal trainer?
Be cautious of trainers who use entertainment exercises or confuse you with complex movements. A good trainer should be results-focused and attentive to your needs. They should adjust your workout to accommodate any injuries and should be genuinely interested in helping you succeed.
What certifications should a personal trainer have?
There are many personal trainer certifications, but the most popular ones include NSCA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, NPTI, CrossFit, and T-Nation. A degree in exercise science or kinesiology can also be an indicator of knowledge about the human body.