We all, at one point in time, were a bit intimidated walking into the gym for the very first time let alone asking anyone for help regarding training programs, how to use the equipment properly and any other stupid (in our minds) question that came to mind.

You see personal trainers walking the floor, training, helping members and talking with potential clients but what about you?

Are the trainers approachable? Open for questions? Qualified? Certified?

My friends over at Primermagazine just ran a feature of mine about personal trainers and how to choose the right fit for your needs and goals.

Read on…

Walk into any gym, health club, fitness facility or whatever you want to call them these days and you will see a wide-eyed, unsuspecting new member being guided by the local, in-house expert personal trainer. You will most likely see one of two scenarios:

• The trainer you see across the way is busy, smiling, professional and helpful. He or she is willing, open and approachable. When talking to them, you hear a few well-explained scientific terms, are nationally certified and look you in the eye. They seem eager to help and will not push sales on you.

OR

• The trainer you see (if you see them at all) is sitting behind the fitness area desk or office, playing with their cell phone, watching the gym’s TV and seems closed off. He or she is a “clock watcher,” only concerned with what time their shift is over and could care less if anyone on the floor needs help. When talking to this individual, price of personal training sessions is the first line of business. Apathy is a word that comes to mind with this trainer.

Now, how to spot the differences on the surface (as mentioned above) is pretty easily done. All you really need to do is to look at a personal trainer in the same light as you would anyone else in the customer service industry. However, attributes such as being knowledgeable, skillful and accredited are a lot harder to reveal from a simple observation.

Below is a basic strategy to use when seeking out a qualified trainer at your local gym:

1. Visit the gym at your regular time and hop on the treadmill and watch. Identify the trainers with the values of the first trainer described above. Who is meeting and greeting the members and/or is busy training clients?
2. When available, approach this/these trainer(s) and ask about their experience, qualifications and certifications. Although not a requirement, do they possess a degree in a health/fitness-related field? Are they nationally certified with an accredited organization? Here are a few of the more reputable certifications:
   • NSCA: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-lift.org)
   • ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine (http://www.ACSM.org)
   • NASM: National Academy of Sports Medicine (http://www.NASM.org)
   • ACE: American Council on Exercise (ACEfitness.org)
3. When speaking with the trainer, are they open, seem honest and eager to genuinely help you? Body language is 80% of communication, so are they sending the right signals regarding your specific goals? Or are they just pushing training packages for you to buy?
4. When talking about your goals and getting started, ask the trainer about different modes of exercise such as cardiovascular training, strength training and fat loss strategies. Some of the newest fitness trends include cross training, circuits, stability training, core work, etc. Are they speaking this “language”?
5. Finally, when getting to where the rubber meets the road, will the trainer offer a free session or steer you in the right direction to begin as a courtesy? Ask if the club has any special offers pertaining to personal training. Negotiating a purchase should be in YOUR hands.

Now, let’s say you have found the perfect personal trainer. They are energetic, knowledgeable, qualified and ready to get you on your path to a better you.

Here are a few things to look out for after hiring a trainer and what they will expect from you.

The both of you should be on time. Being on time is critical and speaks volumes regarding both your and the trainer’s commitment to the program. A professional transaction of money has taken place so treat it as such. This not only goes for you but the trainer as well.

Put in the effort. The trainer you have chosen has all of the qualities you ever wanted, but it will take hard work and dedication on your part in order for you to truly succeed. The trainer will not do the work for you, but they should be there every step of the way. This brings me to the next point…

The trainer should not be working out with you. He/she is there to guide you, correct improper form, assess and observe your progress and answer any questions at any time. You hired a trainer, a coach – not a workout partner.

Does the trainer communicate? Are they easy to communicate with, open and honest with feedback? Do they send out emails, give you their email address and phone number and stay in touch when you or him/her are away for a significant period of time?

Finally, is it a positive experience overall? Yes, you will be working out, sweating, hurting (the good kind) and be challenged, but are you being pushed for the better, seeing results and looking forward to the next session? If you are serious about your goals and are willing to put in the work then it should become something that gives you confidence and self-discipline.