How Do I Find a Personal Trainer

Now that you have made it to the gym, it is time to find a personal trainer. Finding a good match for you can either make or break your chances of success at the gym. There are several things that you want to take into consideration.

1.) Are they qualified? By this, I mean more than what certifications, degrees, licenses etc they have. Are these things important? Yes and No. I say Yes, because you don't want anyone that doesn't know the truth about what they are telling you. These things make sure they know the do's and don'ts of exercise and nutrition. However, I say No, because some of the best personal trainers that I know don't have any of the above.

What is important, is that they know what they are talking about and have been through it themselves. The worst thing that you can do, is get a personal trainer that has never trained themselves. To read, test, and study about it doesn't mean diddly squat if they have never done it themselves.

2.) Do they meet your needs? If you are overweight and want nothing more than a trainer to help you lose weight, then the last type of trainer you want is someone that is strictly a body builder. However, the opposite is true if you are interested in becoming a body builder then someone that has already done it would be perfect.

Your trainer should be someone that has done what you are striving to accomplish. They should be where you are trying to get to. If you are trying to lose weight or build definition then you should get a trainer that has done one of those two things.

It is very possible that as your needs change so will your need for a personal trainer.

3.) Are you compatible? Do you need someone that is a Drill Sargent or do you need someone to just guide you along? Do you need to be called daily to get you to the gym or are you there waiting? This is something else that you will need to consider when choosing a personal trainer.

4.) Do you really need a trainer? If you have never stepped foot in a gym and don't have the slightest clue of what you are doing, then you need a trainer. There is no getting around it. They will be able to show you the proper technique so that you do not cause injury. If you are a former gym rat and already know how to use the equipment, then the decision is yours to make. You may only need someone to get you jump started and then you can go on your own.

Whatever you do, do not just take the first trainer offered to you at the gym. Every gym has several trainers that are either freelance or employed by the gym. Take time to speak to at least a few of them and don't be afraid to ask questions and make a intelligent decision. It is a decision that you need to be happy with in the long run. The wrong decision can put a bad taste in your mouth about going to the gym or keep you going even when you don't necessarily want to. Make it the right one.