How to choose your PT
Here’s what to consider on your search
Having a personal trainer is a great step towards getting more active and improving your health, no matter your level of fitness.
While there are many out there to choose from, we know that picking the perfect one may be a daunting task, that’s why we’re here to help. When you know what to look out for and consider, the search becomes a little easier, which means you can get to reaching your goals even faster!
Here are some top tips from our fitness team:
Define your goals
Clearly identifying your goals is a great starting point for a number of reasons. Firstly, there are many PTs that specialise in certain areas of fitness (such as muscle gain or sports performance), so knowing your goals can help narrow down the number of PTs there are to choose from. Once this is decided, your goals will provide a roadmap for your journey with a personal trainer. You will both know exactly what you’re working towards, making it easier to stay motivated and committed!
These goals don’t have to be set in stone throughout your time with a personal trainer though. As your sessions progress, your PT should regularly review and adjust your goals, helping you rise to more healthy challenges and ensure continued growth!
Financial considerations come into play here too. Be sure to decide how much you’re able to spend on personal training sessions, as your PT can then work around your budget to determine the number of sessions you have together.
Look at qualifications and experience
There’s a lot of fitness and nutrition myths out there which can make it tricky to know who or what to listen to, but with a qualified, experienced PT, you’re in safe hands! All personal trainers at our centres have a minimum Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification and are recognised by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
Another good way to evaluate a personal trainer’s experience is by checking their social media profiles. Some will share how long they’ve been training clients, why they became a personal trainer, and show progress photos and testimonials of clients, all of which can give you a well-rounded idea of their effectiveness.
Assess compatibility
Choosing the right PT requires more than matching goals and time schedules, you both need to be compatible. Clients need to trust their personal trainer’s expertise and guidance, while personal trainers must remain supportive and respectful in the way they challenge clients.
Having some trial sessions with a PT is a good starting point to see how you get along before committing to a full package or programme! Many PTs also teach classes, so you could attend one to get a feel for their training style. If you’re able to see how they interact with other clients, some things you could observe are if they have good rapport with their client, show positive body language, and if their sessions look engaging.
We know the positive impact that personal trainers can have on our physical health, but by challenging and motivating people to reach new heights, they can work wonders for mental health too. When the right match is made, the benefits you see will get you towards your goals quicker and more effectively!
If you’re thinking about choosing a PT at one of our centres, look out for their profiles on the Profile Boards which give you information about each one. Feel free to speak to them or a member of our team on the gym floor to get you on your way!