So you've decided you want to start working out, maybe for the first time, maybe getting back into it after a break, now what? There are so many options out there it can feel overwhelming knowing where or how to begin. Let me help you out with a few suggestions!
I love google! Google is great, its great for things like "how much water is in the Pacific ocean?" "How loud is a lions roar?" What google isn't great for is being your personal trainer. Sure you could find a program online, but it 1. It won't be personalized to you. 2. You won't know whether or not you're doing the exercises correctly. 3. Chances are its a pretty basic program, very little creativity. 4. How will you know when its time to progress, or what to progress to? If you're going to spend that much time working out/exercising/moving your body wouldn't you want it to be tailored to your needs? Wouldn't you want to make sure you were doing the movements correctly? Wouldn't you want some variability?
So now you've settled on wanting to hire a personal trainer, but with so many options out there how do you know who to choose? First thing you should consider is whether they are actually qualified to be to be instructing you. Questions you could ask are What is your educational background? Do you have a degree in a movement science? Have you taken any additional courses to support your education? What is your experience? Have you worked with other clients? If your prospective personal trainer is not upfront about either their educational background or their experience...red flag.
Now that you feel comfortable that the trainer is in fact qualified to do so, how do you make sure they will be a good fit for Y O U? I can tell you right now, not all personal trainers and clients will work well together and that is ok! Asking the right questions before any commitment is made will ensure a smooth and enjoyable process for both client and trainer! Questions to ask your qualified prospective trainer before you hire them.
1. What are you expectations of me as your client?
2. Is your program personalized to my specific needs/goals?
3. What is your training philosophy?
4. How often do you plan/expect to meet?
5. How many other clients do you have?
6. Why did you get into this profession?
7. How have you been able to handle your own adversity or setbacks? 8. Do you do online or in person training?
9. How do you plan on setting me up for future success without you?
10. How much do you charge?
10.5 Why do you charge that?
Your trainer should be able to give you an answer to each and every one of these questions. After asking these questions you should be able to tell whether or not you two will be a good fit! If you're feeling good about moving forward with the trainer then good luck on your new fitness journey!! If not, keep searching, there is someone out there who will be a perfect fit!