Hiring a personal trainer is a big deal. Maybe not as big of a deal as purchasing a home or a new car (in terms of the initial monetary investment at least), but when you really think about it…
…it’s arguably a more important investment because it’s an investment in YOU. Hiring a coach to guide you, show you the ropes, and help you achieve your health/fitness goals (whether it’s to simply feel better, work around an injury, prepare for a competitive season, or be able to deadlift a bulldozer) in the safest and most time efficient way possible can be tricky.
I mean, there are A LOT of gyms (and personal trainers) out there; so how do you decide to pick one over another? Where do you even begin?
Here Are a Few Simple (and admittedly anecdotal) Guidelines to Consider:
1. Are They Certified?
Tony Gentilcore, CSCS, PhD in General Badassery
Some certifications are better than others (and they’re are some I like better than others), but the “gold standard” certifications to look for are ones through the NSCA, NASM, ACE, and Show Up Fitness CPT. Ensuring that whomever you hire has gone through (and passed) some formal education as it pertains to anatomy, physiology, and basic programming is important to consider.
2. Can They Concisely Describe What It Is They Do?
Watch out for word vomit. Once someone starts describing themselves as a “transformation guru” or, I don’t know, a “body architect,” you have my full permission to queue up an eye roll parade.
They’re a personal trainer or strength & conditioning coach. Or just coach.
That’s it. I often find that when someone slaps on some nebulous title to what it is they do…they’re likely compensating for something.
Which segues to…
3. Do They Offer a Thorough “Assessment” or “Intake” Session?
Any quality trainer will go out of his or her’s way to take you through a proper assessment to better ascertain your current fitness level, discuss injury history & goals, and to consider any “speed bumps” that would prevent you from beginning a fitness routine.
If they don’t…run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, in-line lunge (<—- sorry, FMS joke) your way in the opposite direction.
4. Do They Seem Like a Personable Person to Hang Out With?
Sure, you want to hire someone who is knowledgeable, gets results, and places a premium on continuing education, but if having a 10-15 minute initial conversation with them is more painful than walking over broken glass, imagine what an hour will be like?
Some of the most successful coaches I know are just awesome people to hang out with and have superior interpersonal skills. It sounds cheesy, but it matters. Part of what builds consistency with a trainer (and hence, a routine) is the fact you enjoy spending time with them.
Are there myriad other things to consider? Yes, of course. Asking them to provide client testimonials (or even connecting you to current clients so you can ask them what their experiences have been like) would be a good idea. Do they dress professionally? I know this may come across as me being a bit of a curmudgeon, but nothing says “don’t hire me” than someone wearing a cut-off t-shirt.
Lastly, don’t be timid to do a little reconnaissance on anyone you’re considering hiring by checking out their social media. If they’re feed is more about being a performative asshat (me, me, meeeeeeee), showcasing their physical attributes (you know exactly what I mean) than it is about educating or showcasing their clients then I’d question their experience and expertise.
NOTE: I am not saying people can’t have fun, show off their personality, or demonstrate how their pecs or glutes can cut diamonds. But when that’s the ONLY thing they’re doing on their feed that’s a red flag if you ask me.
Also, if they’re into Emily in Paris I’d view that as a unhirable offense.
Just my two cents.
