Choosing the right personal trainer

​If you've made the choice to pursue your fitness goals, it can be incredibly helpful to have someone who can help you reach them. This is where a personal trainer comes in. Not only does having the support of a personal trainer keep you more motivated and accountable when it comes to your workouts, but he or she can also play a role in helping you maximize your time at the gym, prevent injury, and see more consistent results.

But how do you know how to choose the right person who will help you set the correct goals to achieve your desired results? Each trainer has their own style and approach to training. Therefore, it's crucial to do your due diligence as you go about choosing a trainer; all it takes is a little legwork to determine whether or not someone will be a good fit for your needs. After all, it's called "personal" training for a reason. Working closely together creates a bond that will help you to stay engaged and motivated throughout the process.

To help you with selecting the best personal trainer for your needs, take into consideration the following criteria:

Credentials
A trainer should be able to show you a fitness certification in their particular area of expertise. To become certified, personal trainers must pass an exam through accredited organizations such as The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), etc. This ensures they've met certain standards of professionalism and competence from a trustworthy organization.

Experience
A trainer who has been working with individuals over time has likely tested and perfected his or her process for providing the best cues to help you get the most out of every workout. Newer trainers can be wonderful, but there is also a higher risk that you'll be their guinea pig as they fine-tune their coaching style and methods.

Personality
What motivates you? Some people do well with positive reinforcement and lots of cheerleading, while others like a more forceful, no-nonsense approach and scared into pushing further. Either way, talk to the trainer and get a feel for his or her style to see if it connects with what works for you.

Philosophy
This is a subtle, yet critical, point of differentiation because it can end up making or breaking your experience. How does the trainer develop his or her program, and on what beliefs will it be based? Are they tied to gym-based workouts or will your workouts be outside? Will you be using machines or sticking solely to free weights or other tools? Ask them about their philosophy and make sure it aligns with your goals and preferences.

Specialties
If you're looking to reach a very specific goal, for example, improving your running times or burst of speed on the field, you will want someone familiar with the nuances of your sport. Not only will he or she have more expertise in your desired area, but chances are they will be more passionate about it, as well.

Cost
Just as experience, personality, and philosophy can range vastly between trainers so can their hourly rate, depending on certifications, specialty and location (sometimes as much as hundreds of dollars). So before you begin your search, think about your budget. If hourly solo sessions are currently beyond your means, some trainers offer semi-private sessions or their gym might offer a discount for buying a multiple-session training package.

Availability
Because consistency is key when working with a trainer, it's a good idea to ask about his or her schedule. How many clients do they have and are they booked solid all of the time? Do they like to book them at the same time each week, or will your appointments be at different times? How far in advance will you need to book appointments? What is their cancellation policy?

Location
Are you willing to drive across town, or do you need a training option within walking distance in order to stay motivated? And where do you like to train? Some people get inspired by seeing others in a traditional gym setting, others like the one-on-one approach of a fitness studio, and still others prefer to work out in the privacy of their own home. Be sure to ask what your options are with potential trainers.

These guidelines can help you in selecting the right trainer for your needs but not all of these might be important to you. Either way, it's about listening to yourself and making sure you find a trainer you feel matches well with your style and your goals.

At Evolve Fitness Studios, we are conveniently located in downtown Eugene and feature some of the area's best personal trainers. Each has their own area of expertise and style so chances are we have a trainer who can meet your needs. We also offer personal training 3-packs so you can get to know a trainer and see if he or she is right for you.

Give us a call today to schedule a tour and meet our staff. 541-844-1295. See you soon!