Getting into an exercise routine can be challenging – especially if you’re unsure of where to start. There is so much information out there with very little context. Since the fitness wave in the 1970’s the first step was commonly joining a gym, but in recent years people are engaging in fitness in many different ways. Some prefer the energy of a big box gym, while others like a boutique style, and then there is virtual fitness which has already been on the rise (Peloton , Mirror , and Tonal). Meanwhile on social media, fitness enthusiasts and “influencers” are selling their programs but it’s advised to do a little digging into their credentials and experience.
While you may not have considered going virtual or utilizing a coach/trainer before, working with one can benefit you in more ways than you think. For instance, a professional coach will assess exactly what your body can and can’t do before handing you a list of exercises. It takes the guess work out of which exercises are appropriate for you, how often you should do them, and how intense you should be working. Professional coaches also teach you about proper exercise form and progression, which can protect you from following any random Internet program or lifting too heavy when your body isn’t ready. Professional trainers have an extensive education in the areas of exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy and more. They help provide social support and accountability for “showing up” to your goals. Even if you just use a trainer for a few months to learn some basics, it’s worth it. However, before you hire just anyone, learn how to hire the best coach/trainer for you!
Finding a Trainer/Coach
When searching inside of a commercial health club, most places have personal trainers and come with a free training session to help guide new members. If that sounds like you, give it a try. You have nothing to lose, but don’t hesitate to try a different trainer if you don’t connect. Look for trainers who are actively engaged with their clients and not constantly checking their phone, seem disengaged, or sit down while they train. Another great way to find a trainer is to ask for a recommendation from a friend who can give you an honest opinion.
Can you search Google for a trainer? Sure, but even there you have to be diligent. It might be a mix of who pays for the top searched phrases or who’s website has a better SEO. If you’re scrolling through Instagram you’ll also find “fitness influencers” trying to sell you workout programs and fitness challenges. However, being on Instagram and having cool-looking content doesn’t automatically make you a professional. So how do you know the fitness program they are selling is appropriate for you? Do you rely on how big their following is? Client testimonials? Because you want a body like theirs? Does posting revealing pictures qualify them as a good coach for someone else? How do you determine if they are the right fit for you and your unique place in life?
Beware of the “coach” who seems to be more into themselves than intentionally building trust with you.
Here are the top questions you’ll want answered:
Q. What are your Qualifications?
Is your trainer new to the profession? Have they ever worked at a gym or just online? What’s the trainer’s experience level and how many clients is that trainer servicing? Did they go to college for Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or Athletic Training? What certifications does the trainer hold? Do they have insurance? These questions will give you insight into your prospective trainer’s background, knowledge, experience, and price tag.
If your trainer is new to the field, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she won’t be any good. However, if you have specific needs, such as a history of back pain or knee surgery, an inexperienced trainer may not be the one for you.
Q. Are you Certified?
Certification requirements vary, with the most stringent mandating a four-year degree (NSCA-CSCS). The next best are accredited by the NCCA and have high testing standards and continuing education guidelines (NSCA, NASM, ACE, ACSM, NCSF). Then there are other certifications recognized by most commercial gyms (AFAA, ISSA, NCCPT, NESTA, NFPT).
One of the most rigorous training programs for professional coaches is the Active Life-Professional 13 month education + mentorship. You can find a Pro here.
Keep in mind, arguably the biggest fault in the fitness industry is that there is no state licensing or strict federal regulations on giving fitness advice/recommendations to a client. Anyone can get certified by purchasing a textbook, studying at home, and passing an exam within a few weeks.
Q. How do you think you can help me?
Listen carefully here to see if they really care or if they are just trying to sell you the biggest package they offer. It’s important that any trainer you decide to work with understands your needs and goals. Also, it is imperative that what a trainer suggests is realistic for you based on your lifestyle. If the trainer wants you to go from 0-100 overnight, e.g. train 7 days a week or gives you a list of supplements to start taking, you may want to talk to a different trainer.
Q. How does pricing work?
Simple. You get what you pay for. For 1on1 training it will cost anywhere from $60/hr to $175/hr+. Why is it such a big range? Compare it to the big box gyms. Think of Planet Fitness where they serve bagels, pizza, and tootsie rolls vs. Equinox Fitness Clubs, a luxurious fitness experience. There are trainers who are in it to sell a lot of generic workout programs vs trainers who pay attention to the little details and take coaching beyond exercise. Here are the big factors that will determine the cost.
- Education & Training – How much they’ve invested in formal education, other training, mentorship, etc.
- Experience – Ask to hear about their professional journey, who have they worked for and for how long, and other professional accomplishments.
- Cleanliness of a Facility – Attention to detail matters
- Privacy – Some people prefer a more exclusive studio, possibly non-membership based with fewer people.
- Additional Resources – Extras they may provide you with : software/applications make doing business with them easier, online learning tools, etc.
Next Steps
Once you’ve found a coach/trainer to work with, your first session should be a fitness assessment/evaluation. After discussing your health history, goals and priorities, you should be guided through a series of movements so that your trainer can evaluate your physical capabilities. From there your coach should be able to design an effective customized workout program and that’s when the real training begins.
Takeaway
Goal setting and vision boards alone don’t always manifest change. Having a well-thought-out plan with built-in accountability and taking regular action steps can help make change happen. Great coaching is meant to guide you along your chosen path and accelerate your progress inside and outside of the gym.
As an example, the Precision Nutrition ProCoach App breaks the process down into these steps:
- Goals – what you want to move towards
- To skills – the abilities required
- Into Practices – exercises that help build the skills into small actions done daily repeated over time
- That become habits – automatic behaviors built seamlessly into your lifestyle.
No one’s life or body is the same, so if you’re someone who prefers a plan that is unique to you I hope this info was helpful!
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!