On paper, losing weight may seem like a straightforward practice, but the implementation may require assistance. It requires dedication, consistency, and most importantly, accountability. Having a personal trainer can be the big difference maker for many people when it comes to hitting their goals. From that perspective alone it makes having a trainer worth the money. The next step then becomes how to decide which trainer is right for you.

What is your goal?

Before even selecting a trainer, you need to have some specifics clear for yourself. How many pounds do you want to lose? What is your time frame? Setting out clear goals will make it easier to select a trainer as you will go in knowing what it is you want for yourself and making it clear to the trainer you select.

What is Their Experience?

Once you know your goal, now you can take the next step towards finding the best fit. Find a trainer who has actually accomplished the goals you seek. Ideally they’ve done this many times over with clients, and have a provable track record of hitting those goals. This is very important, because hiccups, and obstacles may come along the way. This trainer will already have experienced any potential drawbacks or foresee any issues that may need to be addressed early on. Their job is to help make your journey more enjoyable and streamlined.

Make sure to ask for client testimonials or success stories to see what their experience was like. This will give you one of the most accurate insights into their coaching style, and the client experience working with this trainer.

What is Their Approach?

You don’t have to be best friends with them, but do they communicate in a style you can see yourself adhering to? So much of this is personality matching. No one wants to take orders from someone who's rude to them. Make sure you ask a lot of questions up front to gauge if they are a good fit for your personality type.

The right trainer will have a comprehensive approach to hitting your goals. They will have an appropriate workout, and nutrition program catered specifically towards what your body needs to get there. What you don’t want is some cookie cutter approach they send to everyone. Steer clear of trainers who promote quick fixes, and unrealistic results.

Are They Adaptable?

Life gets in the way. You might travel, get injured, etc. This trainer needs to be able to adapt on the fly to these obstacles. Look for a trainer who can accommodate these moments in time. Stay away from those who keep trying to force their rigid plan. A trainer's ability to pivot, and provide alternatives says volumes about them as a trainer, and getting you results.

Accountability!

More than anything, I used to tell my clients I am here to hold you accountable. You aren’t paying me to count reps, you are paying me to help ensure you show up and do the work. Some people need this. I’ve had plenty of clients who admitted if it weren’t for hiring a trainer, they’d never have stuck to their plan. They needed someone holding them accountable to check in each week in order to make progress. That is totally okay. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and be able to make the investments that make your life easier. A great trainer is there to help keep you on track, consistent, and motivated even when you feel distraught.