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New Year, New Trainer

As the New Year comes in, so does the possibility of hiring a new trainer. However, with so many potential trainers, how can you make sure that you are taking the best option possible? Here are 7 areas that all clients should be looking at.

1. Credentials and Education:

I’m going to begin with what I see as the most obvious area to look into, and yet sometimes the most commonly overlooked.

A trainer’s continuing education is pivotal to their career. It’s how certification is maintained and what helps represent credibility. All certifications require a certain number of CEU’s (continuing education units) to be completed every 1-2 years. However, a trainer should always be striving to improve their fitness and wellness Education. If during CEU’s is the only time a trainer expands their knowledge, it will be obvious.  

 A client wants a trainer that spends time actively and regularly improving their knowledge of fitness and wellness. It will be seen in how the trainer competently answers questions, comfortably and confidently can speak on different topics, and is always bringing new material to their sessions.

When hiring a trainer, a client should ask about their certification and if they are currently working on any CEU’s. It’s also a good idea to bring up some topics such as different training styles, nutrition and the like; to see if they really know their stuff.

2. Appearance:

Something that might be less obvious, is how a trainer presents themselves. This one is short and sweet.

There are 3 main points to check off: 

1. Voice and conversation:

                -Trainers are all talk. Most of a trainer’s time with clients is spent on the gym floor conversing with them. Look for a trainer with a steady and clear tone, easy enunciation, and practices clear communication. Does the trainer engage with their clients, regardless of their day or mood?

2. Attire:

                -Regardless that a trainer’s suit is gym clothes, it is not an excuse to look sloppy. Clean and neat hair, well maintained gym ware and an overall put together appearance is important to convey professionalism in what can be seen as an unprofessional environment.

3. Attitude:

                -Trainers have chosen a profession of helping people. Clients look to trainers for inspiration and the motivation to keep working for their goals. It’s professionally irresponsible for a trainer to not practice a positive and upbeat attitude and mentality, along with doing it authentically. Look for a trainer that makes you feel at ease, and puts off a calm, grounding energy.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses:

When a client is looking to hire a trainer it’s of course good to ask a trainer what their strengths are. This will let the client know if the trainer’s particular style is what they are looking for.

However, something that is just as important to ask is what their weaknesses are; areas they are not as knowledgeable in. This isn’t to call a trainer out by any means, but to see how they handle the question and respond.

Seeing a professional that is not only confident in their strengths but their understanding and awareness of their weaknesses, is reassuring. It shows that the trainer is actively improving their practice and qualifications.

5. Results:

This one comes without question. Trainers are expensive and new clients want to be sure they are getting effective services.

Ask if they have any client testimonies or if they can talk to one of the trainer’s current clients.

Be sure you are working with a trainer who is dedicated to getting their clients to reach their fitness goals through effective application of training methods and styles.

6. Practice what you Preach:

There’s that saying, “those who can’t do, teach.”

This is not true in the personal training field. In fact, it’s the opposite. It is because the trainers do, that they teach. That is how most trainers got into the industry. They were already so personally passionate about fitness that they wanted to make a career out of it, and share that passion.

However, trainers are still human and occasionally fall prey to Netflix binging and bad eating choices. This is perfectly A-Okay. Seriously, life is all about balance. It is allowing space to be a little “too” comfortable and enjoy a delicious snack here and there.

Look for a trainer who is living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, one that knows how to enjoy the sweet things and not overly sweat the small stuff.

7. Does the Trainer Love it?:

If I were looking to hire a trainer, I would look for someone who absolutely adores their job. This is because they will be the best trainer. Individuals who love what they do, are certainly more probable to be exceptional in their work.

Please don’t misunderstand. I don’t believe a trainer must love their job every single moment to be a truly passionate trainer. However, it is easily apparent when an individual actually likes their job and they do it because they believe in it. Be wary of trainers who are just looking to make a buck, because unfortunately they will not have the client’s best interests in priority.

Deciding to commit to a trainer and a fitness routine is a big step in a client’s wellness journey. Don’t make the decision lightly. Be sure to ask the potential trainer any and all questions you have about their education, qualification and personal philosophy. Trainers are in the business of helping people. If they seem apathetic or bored by the interview they are not a good trainer. An effective trainer will make the client feel excited and motivated to begin training sessions.

If you are interested in a consultation with a PURENERGY trainer, give us a call and set up an appointment. We at PURENERGY can’t wait to help you achieve all your wellness goals!

 Alex has her A.S in Exercise Science and is a certified Personal Trainer with the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NSCF) and the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT). In June of 2016 she traveled to India to gain her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Certification. In Rishikesh she studied the ancient practice at its origins. Alex has spent time teaching yoga in Spain while volunteering at a yoga retreat, as well as teaching weekly classes in her hometown Sheridan, WY. She is currently practicing at PURENERGY Fitness where she also teaches a H.I.T.T inspired class three times a week. Alex wants to share with her clients and students the mental, physical and emotionally healing qualities of exercise and movement. She believes everyone should have a healthy relationship with their bodies and strives to thread that concept throughout her career.