Posted on February 13, 2015 by Jenny Cromack

Last week we blogged about the Top Fitness Trends for 2015, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Interestingly enough, number 3 was ‘ Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals’. Rather than this just be about fitness professionals holding the relevant qualifications, more so, it was about colleges and universities offering fitness related qualifications either alongside or as part of their academic programme. There was also acknowledgement that there should be more recognition of governing bodies for fitness professionals and personal trainers. The points in this section were more related to the US, and in the UK we do have a regulating body called The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS), but many of the general public do not know REPS exists.

Whilst reading this, it got me thinking about how people decide which personal trainer is the right personal trainer for them. So here are my top five tips to help you:

1. Qualifications – Scarily enough in the many years I have been a personal trainer, I think I have only been asked 2 or 3 times to show my certificates to a new client. I know people are trusting BUT there are quite a few bogus qualifications and even people working as Personal Trainers without the correct qualifications so do check these. Most personal trainers will have their qualifications listed on their website, but if not ask to see a copy when you first meet them.

2. Insurance – Same as above, many ‘personal trainers’, maybe working without the correct insurance so check this before you start training with your personal trainer.

So, now the ‘formalities’ are out of the way. Let’s look at what you need your personal trainer to do for you, after all booking personal training sessions is an investment in your time and health so you want results!

3. Experience – It’s not only important to check your personal trainer has the right qualifications but also that they have the experience to help you achieve their goals. Read the testimonials on their website, ask them about other clients they have trained and their success rates.

4. Rapport, Personality & Motivation – I am a massive believer that personal training is very dependant on personality – ie. the two personalities (client and PT) getting on together. This will create the mutual respect and understanding needed for you to achieve your goals. If your personal trainer understands you and what makes you tick they will motivate you more and be able to get more out of you in your training sessions. 

5. Role Model & Inspiration – Do you find your personal trainer inspiring? Are they a role model? Do they practice what they preach….walk the walk, talk the talk? I’m not saying that your personal trainer has to be perfect all of the time, but if you saw your personal trainer sat eating a greasy fry up would that encourage you to eat healthy? Probably not!  In my opinion personal trainers should be an example to their clients, as this will encourage their clients to strive towards achieving their goals.

I hope this helps you if you’re looking for a personal trainer. If you are in Leeds and are thinking of hiring a personal trainer then drop one of the motive8 North team a line and we will be happy to have a chat with you.