Feel like you need an extra boost in your exercise routine? You may consider hiring a personal trainer. However, I wouldn’t suggest drawing names out of a hat. Choosing the right personal trainer is similar to beginning a new relationship. Several will do, but you’ll find lasting benefits if you truly take the time to understand who it is you will be working with.
Some things to think about:
- What are your short-term fitness goals? (1-3 months)
- Long-term fitness goals? (3+ months)
- What are your current diet & exercise routines?
- Are you ready to change those routines?
- What kinds of exercises do you prefer? (cardio, resistance, flexibility, activites, etc.)
- What are your reasons for wanting a personal trainer?
- What do you hope to learn from them?
- Do you prefer in-home training, gym training, a personal training studio, outdoor training, etc.
- Personality Characteristics- yours & theirs
It is important to remember when choosing a personal trainer that not every trainer is the right fit for you. Both you and your trainer should be concerned first and foremost about positive, lasting fitness results. Choose your personal trainer wisely. Do you want a friend to chat with during cardio or someone who wears you out each session? Many of your decisions will be based solely on personal preference. Your potential personal trainer should understand this. Be willing to talk with several different people before you make a decision. Personal Training and Fitness Coaches are available to help clients reach fitness goals, but none can guarantee results from unwilling, unable, or uninterested clients. Ultimately it’s your health, one decision at a time.
Those are really great tips. This is something I have been thinking about after my fourth baby. I don’t think I could ever actually afford one, but this does give me something to think about. (-: