Just because your trainer has a good body does not mean he/she is the right one for you. A trainer plays a major role in how efficiently you can meet your fitness goals, stay motivated and without injuries. He/she should understand the client’s body type and biomechanics, strengths and weaknesses and set the goals in tandem with the person he/she is training. So here’s what you need to look for when choosing a personal trainer:
Do you really need a personal trainer? Only if you need extra motivation; have a specific goal that you are unable to achieve on your own; have certain medical challenges; are a sportsperson.
How much you are investing? This is, perhaps, the most basic question? The money you invest as trainer fees should give your goal a push. If it seems too expensive, look for options like sharing costs with one more person or semi-personal workout sessions with a small group.
Do you have the right chemistry? You need to be able to communicate with your trainer. He may be extremely knowledgeable, but if he does not know how to communicate or is too stubborn to listen to your concerns, then he is not the right one for you.
Does he have proper qualifications? Before you hire a fitness trainer, make sure he has all the proper qualifications from a reputed institute. Do your homework before the interview.
Is he pushing you to get supplements? You should get all the essential nutrients from your food you eat. Also unnecessary supplements can cause health problems in some cases. But if have a specific fitness goal, consult a certified nutritionist before adding supplements to your diet.
Does he update himself with the latest in the field? A trainer should keep an open mind and update himself on the latest research and be aware of different routines and styles.
Your relationship with your trainer should be based on complete honesty. The trainer should explain the training and diet regime in detail and give you challenges according to your level of fitness. Your final goal should be divided into 4-5 smaller goals that will keep you from getting bored.
The writer is Director, GFFI Fitness Academy. neeraj.gffi@hotmail.com
