Five essential things to ask a fitness trainer BEFORE you hire them

Finding a fitness trainer is a lot like dating, according to exercise specialist, Tony Gentilcore.

There’s a lot more to choosing the right training partner than just going for the person who looks like they have a great body, Tony explained to Women's Health. 

“Just because somebody looks the part doesn’t mean they’re going to be a good coach and able to articulate exactly how to get the same results."

There are loads of different elements that go into making somebody the ideal trainer for you, so it's a good idea to look into as many of them as possible.

What certifications do you have?

You want to make sure your trainer is legit and has good foundation knowledge of health and fitness. A certification is a must, but a degree in exercise science or a related field is even better.

 

What's motivated you to become a trainer?

Look for an exercise trainer who chose their job in order to help others, to make the world a healthier place — not someone who just likes to workout.

 

Do you have experience helping clients work toward my specific goal?

This is important because many trainers work with every single client the same way – the way that they themselves got in shape. And that might not work for you. 

Think of what you want your goal to be and make sure to hire a trainer that will work towards that and only that.

 

Can you put me in touch with any former clients?

Talking to a trainer’s other clients or reading their testimonials will help you learn what it’s like to work out with them before you fork over your hard-earned cash for your first session. 

 

What's your training personality like?

Make sure you chat with the trainer enough before hiring them to make sure you’ll work well together. 

“Some people want a drill sergeant who can keep them motivated, but others don’t like having somebody in their face,” says Tony.