What Can You Expect From A Personal Trainer?

Hey there, campers! It’s nice to check in with you. This week I want to talk a bit about what it is I actually do as a personal trainer. And what you can expect from working with one.

The first thing is to identify a “What is a good trainer ?” This can be a bit like trying to find a good doctor, or car mechanic, but it’s always worth the effort to do the needed research. Then, before you commit, be ready to ask lots of questions. Common sense and good judgment should pair you up with the right person.

Here are a few suggestions for your search for a trainer:

1. The Number One way is to query people you trust who have had a good experience with a trainer. By all means ask all your friends first.

2. Number Two—Ask to talk to individual trainers. Get a sense of their approaches, personalities, and reliability. Do they get back to you quickly and professionally? In your conversations, do they ask about you and what your needs are? Are you comfortable with what you hear? After all, you’ll be trusting this person to care for you, so be sure you feel safe. Important, also, is to sense that you can talk to them easily.

3. Number Three is to learn what you can expect to get when you hire a trainer. A good trainer has been certified in that field and also carries fitness insurance. Don’t be shy about asking about either. Your initial exchange should involve the trainer getting your comprehensive health history. Behavioral questions may also come up. The age and experience of the trainer can be factors, depending upon how many injuries or issues you experience when working out..

Are you looking for someone to motivate you to be consistent? This question falls into the category of “what do I personally require from a trainer?” A superior trainer will be able to motivate you as well as work around a physical weakness or injury you might present. The choice of trainer, as you can see, will be quite individual, as it should be.

Perhaps you have one specific need more than any other. Here the choice is between a “Cheerleader” and a “Technician.” A Cheerleader promotes a regular workout time while providing that inspiration by acknowledging your improvement or just cheering you forward. For some that encouragement is essential. A Technician, by comparison, can create your workout based on avoiding certain moves that might aggravate your weaknesses. In addition, The Technician can emphasize flexibility moves or certain strength moves to increase both your strength and endurance.

So, what is the best way to maximize your experience with a trainer? The most effective way to use your time with a trainer is to have one or more very specific goals in mind. With those goals in mind, have a conversation with the trainer about achieving them. Ideally you both should have a reasonable agreement regarding the reality and time frame needed to complete them. Your goals will keep you both on track together.


Denise’s
2 Cents:

When I get a new client I spend time listening not only to their health history but also to their experience with respect to exercising and movement of all kinds.

Are they athletes or not, and if not, what do they like to do? Just about everyone likes something about their body and/or wants to feel physically strong.

So their willingness is generally high to try all sorts of moves with machines and with free weights, and to work on balance and endurance. I frequently ask myself, “what does this person not yet see about themselves that I can help them recognize?” Nothing makes me happier than to help someone re-claim the strength of their body and spirit, and once again discover feeling good about being active again.