Want to take your fitness to the next level? Important considerations when hiring a trainer

Joanna Kriehn, MS, RDN, CDCES - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

Are you looking to get in shape and curious about hiring a trainer to help you reach your goals? Get your money’s worth by reviewing these essential qualities before taking the plunge and hiring a personal trainer.

Evaluate your own fitness goals before hiring a trainer

A good personal trainer will tailor workouts to meet your needs. To do this, they’ll need some background information as well as details about your fitness goals. Here are some of the most common reasons people use a trainer.

Weight loss and toning
Getting in shape for an upcoming event
Returning to activity following an injury
Preventing injuries from happening–especially important as we age
Desiring accountability
Needing variety with workouts

After thinking about why you might want to work with a trainer, look online, visit your local gym, or ask friends for recommendations. Once you find a trainer you are interested in hiring, set up an interview. Most trainers offer a free initial consultation.

Are they certified?

Even before scheduling your initial consultation, you’ll want to make sure your prospective trainer is certified. Ask which organization they are affiliated with and see if that training style fits your needs. While there are different paths to becoming a certified trainer, one trusted certifying body is the American Council on Exercise or ACE. A nonprofit organization, it offers four primary accredited certifications. These include the ACE Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, and Medical Exercise Specialist. Click here to find a trainer that’s ACE certified.

Find a convenient location

Would you prefer your workouts to take place in a gym, outdoors, online, or in your home? For long-term sustainability, it makes sense to find a trainer who conducts sessions at a convenient location for you. Perhaps your trainer offers different location options depending on the day of the week. For example, you might find a trainer that provides in-person and online sessions. On days with a long commute, you may train online, while other sessions occur in person.

Safely pushing you to meet your health goals

To avoid getting injured, make sure your trainer pays attention to your abilities and does not push you too far too fast. A skilled trainer will develop several engaging workouts that challenge your muscles while considering any previous injuries or physical limitations.

What about the cost?

If you've been thinking about hiring a trainer but worry about the cost, consider joining a duet or group session. This makes it more affordable and can be a fun way to see your friends. Also, discuss payment options upfront. Some trainers offer a discount to new clients as well as package rates to make it financially more accessible.

At the end of the day, hiring a trainer is an investment in your health. You’re worth it!