1Is this trainer certified?

When dealing with a personal trainer, you want someone who has qualified themselves through some set of standardized best practices.

2Does this trainer have a track record of success?

A good trainer will be able to provide you client success stories where they have helped certain individuals obtain specific goals.  Whether the goal was weight loss or general health, a trainer’s real worth is in the results.

3How long has this individual been training?

There is no substitute for time.  Experience will ensure that this trainer has worked with multiple individuals at various fitness levels.

4What type of individuals does this trainer typically work with?

You want to ensure that the trainer you choose has experience working with individuals who have similar starting points and similar goals.

5What physical activities and fitness goals does this trainer have for his or herself?

You want to know if the trainer practices what they preach.  In order to preach fitness as a lifestyle, one must LIVE a fitness lifestyle.  Likewise, a variety of experience in physical activity gives the trainer a more well-rounded view of the movement of the body.

6What is this trainer’s specific training or coaching style?

You want to ensure that your trainer’s coaching style will work well with your personality.  Because everybody is different, a drill sergeant style may works for some, and others may respond better to lots of positive reinforcement.

7What does this trainer do to help keep his or her clients motivated?

Motivation is a crucial factor in reaching ones goals.  This is why you would want to know this trainer has a plan of action. This person should use several different things for motivation to keep you engaged. I find that games, short term goals, exercise variety, and plan old vanity works most of the time. However you want a trainer that will make sure you take responsibility for you own personal goals. As a Trainer I am here to support, encourage and teach you, but ultimately it is up to you, to find the motivation within yourself to be truly successful. Having the right trainer by your side, can be the key ingredient to reaching your fitness goals.