Hiring a Trainer

Quality matters when starting a new strength training routine or fitness program. Neither the program nor the equipment is as important as your actual movement quality. For safety and efficiency, good mechanics are vital. Bad squats, for example, won’t get you the results you’re looking for and could even lead to injury, especially when you add weight. 

There are a million resources on the internet teaching you how to move properly. The problem is, everyone’s built a little differently. One setup might not work for 2 different people, and individual flexibility varies as well. Lastly, your goals might be different from the next person and that can affect how you move as well. 

The best thing you can do when starting fitness is to hire a coach. They will help you move well, and then guide you through progressions and weight additions. Remember: Mechanics, consistency, and then intensity/weight. 

Here are a few things to look for when hiring a coach / personal trainer:

Seeing and Correcting: A Coach has many jobs, but the most important one should be their ability to teach. This means they see movements and can correct them, giving you cues and feedback to help you move safely and efficiently. They could do this by giving you demonstrative, tactile, or verbal cues. This should be an ongoing process, not just something they do the first session. Perfecting movements is an endless pursuit and they are there to see you through every step of the way. 

Know What You Want: Have a clear picture of your goals. This should also be one of the first things the coach asks you about. Once they have a clear picture of what you’re looking for, they can better help you. Some coaches specialize in rehab, working with women, or sport-specific training. Knowing what you want will help guide your search.

Credentials and Experience: At a minimum they need to have current CPR certification and hold a credential with a reputable training organization such as the NSCA, CrossFit, NASM, or ACSM. They could have a B.S. in Kinesiology or Exercise Science as well. Ask about their experience, background, and specialties – a lot of time and hard work goes into perfecting their craft and they should be more than happy to share this with you!

Consultation: As a new client, the first meeting should be about getting to know each other and asking questions. Inquire about their training philosophy, approach, and how they can tailor a program to meet your needs. Look for trainers who prioritize safety, proper form, and individualization. They should be attentive, respectful, supportive and professional. 

Compatibility: This is crucial for a successful partnership. You will be spending time with them, so pick someone you genuinely like and respect. They might ask you to do hard things and (while you might hate them at that moment) you need to be able to trust their expertise. 

Avoid trainers who promise quick fixes or lack professionalism. Trust your instincts. However, once you find the right coach, it is best to be coachable. They will ask hard things of you, push you outside your comfort zone, and hold high standards inside and outside the gym. Once you find the right match, trust the process. They are there to support you on your journey. 

Get after it,

Coach Jenny