10 Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Trainer ...

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A personal trainer should have a certificate in personal training and have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. If they don’t, steer clear. They aren’t ready for clients just yet! The insurance is important, as if you get injured, you might need to make a claim.

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A personal trainer should look his part! If they are slouching, look unfit or are scruffy, your results probably won’t be very good. Your trainer should be the picture ofperfect health, as they are trained to know how to treat the body!

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A personal trainer should dedicate their time to you, whether in the initial meeting and discussion or once they are training you. They should leave their phone behind or at least put it on silent and devote all their attention to you. After all, you are paying for their time!

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A trainer should insist on carrying out a fitness test every so often. This is to ensure they know exactly what you’ll be able to cope with, and how healthy you are. While it might not be running through cones or crawling across the floor, it should test your limits and give a good idea of your general fitness and improvement.

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You’ll probably pay your trainer by the hour, so it’s important that they are good at keeping time and are punctual. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying for time you didn’t get and feel rushed and cheated.

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Your trainer should keep your sessions very professional and not come into your personal space often. If they have to touch you to help you, they should be professional and make sure both of you are comfortable.

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Your trainer should talk about your goals with you and set targets tokeep you motivated. They should also talk to you about how you will reach them and make you feel inspired and able to do it. If they don’t, they’ll have no idea what you are working towards and so won’t be able to help you.

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Your trainer should regularly update your goals and targets and talk to you about your lifestyle and what you can do to further achieve your targets. This means you are both on the same page and your trainer can compensate for exercises you can’t do or find painful.

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A successful personal trainer will have other trainers they can call upon to cover sessions that they can’t make and that will already know your targets and session plan. This ensures you don’t miss out and stay on your weightloss target.

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Each trainer will have a specialization, whether its a certain body part or something more general, such as weight loss. Make sure you know what yours is and what you need. Finding one that's the most matched to your needs will ensure best results!

Pick out a few numbers, and meet somewhere neutral for a chat. Mark them out of ten from the list above, and when you find one that ticks all the boxes, sign yourself up! You’ll give your body the best care possible and ensure a good, reliable trainer too. Have you got a tip for picking a trainer, or a recommendation? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: Kit Haselden Photography