Even the trainers with certifications and insurance may not be a good fit for your training style or personality. Here are a few questions to ask your potential new trainer to help find the right one for you!
1. What's your fitness philosophy?
A personal trainer should—without hesitation—be able to tell you exactly what he believes when it comes to fitness. Does he train his clients for better health? To improve body confidence? To show off a six-pack? This question really gets into what makes a personal trainer tick and will let you know better what goals the trainer will have in mind for you to set and achieve.
2. Do you recommend supplements?
Being a former natural bodybuilder, I have used and know the benefits of supplements. Although healthy eating is key to losing weight and getting in shape, personal trainers are not registered dietitians, and therefore should never give out specific nutritional advice such as meal plans or supplement recommendations beyond a multivitamin. When you ask this question, if a personal trainer starts going on and on about what supplements (or worse, diet pills) he recommends to his clients, beware. It is outside of a personal trainer's scope of practice to give specific dietary recommendations. that would be like going to a general practitioner physician for surgery! Sure the doctor may be able to perform it but isn't qualified or received the proper credentials for it!
3. What are your certifications?
Most fitness facilities hire only trainers with current personal training certifications. Among the most recognized are American Counsel On Exercise (ACE), American College Of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy Of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Strength And Conditioning Association (NSCA). Having a current certification won't guarantee a good training experience but it shows the trainer has at the very least a basic understanding of exercise physiology, bio mechanics of exercise, anatomy and liabilities pertaining to the fitness profession. it also provides accountability. These certifications require continuing education credits in order to renew the certification every year or two. Another bonus question to ask while on this subject... Do you have personal training insurance?
4. Are most of your clients long term or short term?
If a personal trainer has mostly long-term clients, then you know that he or she is probably good at relationship building and at keeping workouts fresh and challenging over time. On the flip side, if they're all short-term, this might signify that the personal trainer is either brand new to the industry (you should definitely ask about previous training experience) or fitness facility. At worst, this could signal an underlying training or personality issue. If you're just looking to invest in a few personal training sessions and you really like a personal trainer who has mostly short-term clients, that's OK. It's when you're looking to invest in a large package of sessions that you need to be careful whom you choose to work with for the next six months. When all else fails, go with your gut. Many trainers are great sales people but fail to be able to deliver a quality product! In fact many gyms will hire a trainer who comes from a sales background looking to increase revenue rather than quality.
5. Why are you a personal trainer?
If it's to see people transform their bodies, then you know the trainer focuses on the physical. If the trainer says it's to help people transform their lives, then you know they'll probably have your well-being in mind. If the trainer takes a few minutes to answer or vague with their answer, you may want to reconsider hiring them! Many people get into personal training for the money or flexible schedule. However, a person with a true passion for helping others not only transform their bodies but also their lives, is a person who will follow through even after your session has ended.
6. Do You Have Experience With People With My Goals?
A trainer who predominantly works with athletes may not be the best fit for the average woman looking to lose 50-50 lbs. If you have preexisting medical conditions, it is in your best interest to find a trainer who has experience and knowledge working with your specific needs. This will avoid a lot of frustration and potential long term injury.