Finding a trainer that helps you determine your fitness goals and how to get there is important, but how do you decide on the right trainer for you?
There are lots of fitness experts that are tied to their respective training methods (examples: cross fit, yoga, bodyweight training, strength training). Typically those methods or programs have worked for THEM. The first thing to realize is that YOU’RE the client and you need to find a trainer that is knowledgeable, but also flexible when it comes to training methods. It also lends more credibility to a trainer if he/she has a degree dealing with physiology, health sciences, or kinesiology.
If you’re new to exercise, you might not know what type of training you want or would enjoy, so a trainer that wants to work with you until you puke may not be the best fit.
If you’ve been out of the fitness game for a while and are looking to get back in, you may have trouble integrating some new styles or pieces of equipment into your program, so a trainer that is tied to only weight training or only running isn’t teaching you anything new.
If you’re someone that has sustained an injury, either chronic or still healing, you want to make sure that you don’t push too hard too fast. Having an injury can affect physical confidence, so it’s important to find a trainer that’s experienced in injury rehabilitation or physical therapy, and can progress you through your injury and beyond.
If you’re a fitness nut well versed in different exercise modalities, you may be looking for some fresh ideas to keep your body guessing. A trainer that can help you with some new drills for boxing, foot speed, agility, total body power or stamina might be just what your current program needs.
When it comes to choosing a trainer, the point is to find someone that can provide a service that will keep you motivated and enjoying exercise and its benefits.