If you are just starting your fitness journey, it may be hard to block out the noise to make the best decision for your personal goals, level of experience, and budget. Many trainers offer quick fixes or secret formulas, but the truth is, these do not exist. It is going to take hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. Any trainer or training program that uses the words ‘easy’ or ‘comfort’ in their description, isn’t providing real workouts. You want a trainer that is qualified, has a good track record, is someone you get along with and designs a specific program for you.
If you are ready to accept the challenge, here are four crucial things to seek out in a personal trainer to ensure you get the best results:
Education (i.e., certifications, schooling, etc.)
- Certification is the backbone to a career in fitness. A personal trainer’s education offers a good starting point and will provide you with a glimpse of their knowledge base and level of dedication to their clients. A canfitpro certified trainer learns the skills necessary to assess, design and deliver individual and group training programs safely and effectively. A trainer who puts time, effort and money into expanding their education means that they are truly invested (literally) in the clients they see and not just interested in making money by promising quick fixes.
Track Record
- Every good trainer has success stories. They may be those of a client or their own, but either way this indicates that they know what it takes to get you to your goal. Make sure that their track record aligns with your goals since success in one area of training does not necessarily equate to proficiency in other areas (i.e. if your primary goal is fat loss, choose a trainer with a proven track record in this area).
Personality and Communication
- Seeing as you will be spending many hours over the next several months with your trainer, you will want to ensure that they have a personality that meshes well with your own. This will ensure you receive the type of communication you require to maintain your motivation and interest throughout the program. There will be ups and downs, these are expected, but working with a trainer who understands you and what you need to stay on track is essential to your success.
Individualized Programs
- When a personal trainer develops a program for you, it is advisable to ask a lot of questions. The trainer should be able to explain every individual aspect of the program and how it is going to help you get to your goal. Remember, your program should be specific to your individual needs, limitations, and objectives. If it is not and looks like a stock program that they deliver to every one of their clients or simply the program they perform themselves, be very skeptical.
By following these suggestions during your search for a personal trainer, you will be well on your way to finding the best personal trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Adam Jongsma, R.Kin, M.Sc., CSCS
canfitpro PRO TRAINER (PTS & CPR) and Owner of Kinetic Performance
Check out Kinetic Performance on their website and follow them on Instagram
