How to Find the Right Personal Trainer
You would probably assume that finding the right personal trainer would be a simple process. Open the internet and do a quick search for “personal trainer near me,” and within seconds, you’ll be presented with a myriad of options ranging from local independent trainers to commercial gyms that offer similar services. Like most things, when you're presented with a plethora of options, it can be difficult to know what the right choice is. In this post, we aim to provide you with the tools needed so that you can make an informed decision and find the right personal trainer for you.
Find a Personal Trainer Based on Your Goals
In order to make a sound decision regarding one’s health there are a few questions to consider. The first is; what am I looking to achieve through my exercise regimen? This is an important question because the answer will identify the type of personal trainer you will eventually invest in to help you achieve your fitness goals. Yes, there are different “types” of trainers. As an example, there are trainers that focus on helping clients lose body fat and improve their overall body composition. While others focus on helping their clients prepare for specific athletic events. Both of these trainers may have a similar education and may even be certified by the same organization, but the way they structure their clients’ programs and implement them will look quite different.
Not all Trainers are the Same
Program design is an incredibly important aspect of fitness training because a client’s program is essentially a “prescribed” exercise routine that addresses the client’s current fitness level with the intent to make advancements in the direction of a desired health and physical outcome (the individual’s goals). A client who is in their 30s that has minimal weight training experience, and wants to lose 20+ pounds of body fat should not have the same training routine as a 20-year-old athlete preparing for a powerlifting competition. Not only are these two individuals at two different stages in their lives, but their desired end goals are very different. The client looking to lose body fat and gain knowledge on how to exercise properly should seek a professional who focuses on this demographic rather than signing up with a powerlifting coach simply because they may both be certified trainers.
How to Find a Good Local Personal Trainer
To identify which personal trainer is the right one for you, I’d recommend looking into whether or not they have any client testimonials on their page. If they do, this should offer some insight pertaining to the demographic that they typically work with and the particular segment of the fitness industry they focus on. You can also dive a bit deeper and vet the trainer’s credentials to see if they have a specialist certification from an accredited organization, or any other formal education in a health/fitness related field. For example, a professional focusing on helping clients lose body fat will typically have specializations or degrees in subjects such as weight management and nutrition.
When searching for a local personal trainer, be sure to add the name of your town into the search bar when web browsing. Another reliable method of finding a good local personal trainer is by asking friends, family, or coworkers if they have worked with a personal trainer; they may be able to make a personal recommendation.
Find a Certified Personal Trainer
Did you know that some trainers are not even certified? In many states, there is not requirement for a trainer to be certified. To ensure that you’re working with a professional, be sure to verify that you’re searching for certified personal trainers in your area.
Go Find a Personal Trainer!
Many people looking to hire a personal trainer are hoping to find someone who will take the guesswork out of their exercise regimen. In the process of trying to find a trainer that is qualified, it’s easy to overlook the fact that not all trainers specialize in helping specific populations within the general public. With the tips outlined in this post, you’ll be able to search with confidence and hire the professional that meets your needs and goals.
At Heavy Mettle Fitness, we offer personal training services to our clients in Austin, Texas. Our certified professionals are experts in assisting clients in losing body fat, building muscle mass, increasing strength, and improving overall health. Explore our site to learn more about our qualifications and assess if we’re the right fit to help you achieve your health and fitness goals!
*Please note* I am not a medical professional, and you should consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.
Matt Ryan
Owner/Lead Trainer of Heavy Mettle Fitness