We all need help, support or assistance from time to time whether with financial planning, making major purchases, learning a new skill or taking on a new challenge.  

Hiring a personal trainer can help you get into shape and make the most of your training time.  There are all kinds of options, but it can be a confusing and intimidating process.  Here are a few tips to help you find the right training fit.
 

1 - Start with your motivation.  

Trainers are no longer just for the rich and famous.  There are many different reasons for hiring a personal trainer.  You may be:

  • already working out and frustrated about not getting results
  • just starting out and not sure where or how to begin
  • recovering from an injury
  • bored with your regular routine
  • training for a specific event or sport

There are lots of great trainers out there but identifying your motivation will help you narrow down the skills you need and the style that best fits.  Not everyone needs high performance training or a drill sergeant barking orders!  You want to make sure you feel safe, comfortable and inspired by the person you choose.
 

2 - Next, consider your options.

Very often, people think training requires joining a gym and signing up for weekly sessions but there are lots of options.  Consistency is key for getting results with any exercise, though, so you want to make sure the training you choose fits with your budget and schedule!

  • Consider all of your options in and outside the gym.
  • Fitness club trainer - this is traditional training at a gym
  • In-home training - which could be in your home or the trainer's home
  • Partner or small group training - cost-effective and often more fun!
  • Group training - like boot camps, but also gaining popularity at clubs
  • Periodic training - as a start up and then with monthly or periodic check-ins and updates

Online options.

If you don't have the time, the budget or the desire to work with a traditional training schedule, there are lots of online options.  These can be convenient and may be a great place to start to become a more educated fitness consumer.  After training online, you may have a better sense of the style and features you'd want with live training.

Training websites - range from free to $69/month or more and include fitness and/or diet programs.  Most often, you input information and you will receive a program from a selection that most matches your criteria.  These include but are not limited to:

  • FitOrbit
  • Hitch Fit
  • Train Online
  • iBodyFit
  • WorkoutBOX
  • Daily Burn
  • Jillian Michaels
  • Workouts On Demand

Online trainers - range in fees, inclusions and set up with may conducting appointments through Skype or facetime

Training Apps - like websites, these are free or subscription based.  They can be incredibly convenient to have the exercise and techniques to refer to while you're working out.  A few samples:

  • GAIN Fitness Cross Trainer
  • Coach-to-5K
  • NIKE Training Club
  • JeFit
  • Runtastic
  • 6 week training
  • Fitness Builder Plus
  • iWOD Fitness

Working online used to miss out on the live connection but now many have blogs and online communities for that boost of motivation or challenge to keep you on track.
 

3 - Consider qualifications.

There's a broad range with skills and qualifications in fitness from online courses to more in-depth certifications along with college and university programs. There are also additional specialty programs trainers add for professional development, to target a unique market or to further distinguish themselves.  Very often these qualifications come with acronyms that can make them look and sound very impressive.  To best frame or put this into perspective, however, ask a few key questions:

  • what was involved in acquiring the certification - time, testing, practical demonstration
  • professional development - what kinds of ongoing training and education do they do to maintain qualifications and keep up with current trends and information
  • scope of practice - trainers can have a lot of knowledge in related areas like nutrition or injury management, but you want to make sure they maintain integrity by practicing within their scope of practice and true expertise
  • Insurance and liability - make sure your trainer is covered and the facility or space in which you workout.  Make note, this includes outdoor training.  If you're working out in the park, the trainer or company must have valid permits for using that space for a commercial purpose.  They will have to provide proof of insurance in order to get a permit.
     

4 - Identify the inclusions and fine print

Make sure you're clear about what you're getting for your training dollar.  Make sure you find out:

  • the exact duration of training sessions
  • if you get the written program
  • if there is additional support and/or contact between appointments
  • if and what kinds of assessments or benchmarks are done to evaluate results
  • if you can book a free or low cost trial prior to committing
  • commitment time - is there a minimum number of sessions
  • time limits -- is there a time frame in which they must be used
  • trials - can you
  • refund policies - if you no longer want or need training
  • cancellation policies - with time and/or penalties for notification for you and for the trainer

The bottom line for finding the right fit

Like with any professional service, you want to ensure your personal trainer has a credible base of knowledge, skills and qualifications.  Take the time to watch your prospective trainer in action, ask for references and talk to other clients they've trained.  They may be a great trainer, but you want to make sure you find someone with the skills and personality that will make you feel safe, comfortable and inspired.  

If you have a specific question we'd love to hear from you.  We also have a quick survey to find out your biggest challenges to help plan workouts and segments for 2015! For ongoing tips and tools, visit www.libbynorris.com.