We really want people to understand the difference between bad trainers,
good trainers and GREAT trainers. You don't want to waste valuable time
and money on a bad (or even a good) trainer. So, how do you identify a
GREAT TRAINER?

We've compiled a list of what to look for and questions to ask when you
interview a personal trainer or meet with them during your initial
session:

1. Attitude

Trainers are coaches that should inspire. Is the trainer high-energy,
upbeat and ‘on their game." Do people seem to genuinely like this person?
Are they positive and do they make their clients feel good? How does
the trainer motivate their clients to do more than they would on their
own? The majority of people hire a personal trainer because they won't
exercise or work hard enough on their own. Is the trainer consistently
encouraging and educating them? If the trainer is texting or talking
to other trainers about their weekend while the clients huff and puff,
then move on.

2. Education

Don't be afraid to ask the specifics of your trainer's education. There
are almost as many paths to becoming a trainer as there are trainers.
The trainer should readily offer a resume that includes the name of the
school or program they've completed, degrees and credentials they've
earned, school accreditation and years of study. Is their background
in kinesiology and biology or is it more sports-oriented? Are they
familiar with how the body works, how injury happens and heals, muscle

interaction and psychology? Are they certified in CPR?

3. Experience

Education is a vital component that will help to ensure safety and results, but so is experience. Ask how long they have been training. Ask where they have worked as a personal trainer. Many professional and successful amateur athletes become personal trainers with a great wealth of knowledge and been mentored by great coaches. This counts too. Ask if they themselves work out with a trainer. Ask them how and why they became a personal trainer.

4. Method and Variety

Is the workout innovative? Is the workout proposed by the trainer the same for every client or is it highly personalized for an individual's goals and ability? Do the workouts progress and are they challenging from week to week? Is it the same for men, women and people of all ages? If it is, buy a DVD and move on!

5. Communication

Does this trainer clearly communicate what they want their
clients to do and why? Do they communicate their expectations
clearly? Do they interact with each client? Do they seem
comfortable communicating with people whose age, race, language
or culture varies from their own? Do they demonstrate proper
technique or just sit around and tell people what to do.

6. Professionalism and Accountability

Is the trainer on time and expecting you when you arrive? Is
the trainer dressed in an appropriate manner? Does the trainer
do what they say they will do? Because this industry lacks
consistent regulation and licensing is not required, personal
trainers have earned a bad reputation for being "flaky." Not
every trainer is, of course. One way to find out is to ask
the gym manager and other clients. Or you can learn the hard
way. If your trainer does not show up or consistently starts
late- move on!

On the contrary, to identify a GREAT trainer, ask yourself if
the trainer is a role model. Do they look like they work out?
Do they stick to a healthful diet and live a healthy and
inspirational lifestyle? Do they put out positive energy?
Do they have a personal success story that led them to this
career choice? Are they intimidating or welcoming? Do they
seem genuinely interested in their client's well-being? Do
they respect others? Do they smile -- or only when they look
in the mirror? Are they inspiring people to come back through
their consistency, goals, performance or results? Are they
helping others in positive ways outside of the gym by
volunteering, working with charities or coaching children's
sports? Don't be afraid to ask trainers what they do when
they are not in the gym - if they can't answer, or say "I'm
always in the gym," don't be impressed, move on.

7. Physical Environment

Do you want to work out in a gym, outdoors, indoors or in your home? These questions will determine who you hire to train you, but won't really affect whether or not your trainer is a great trainer. Great trainers can train on the moon. They don't need a fancy gym. Regardless, if you are considering a gym workout ask yourself if the gym environment is safe and supportive; is it clean; are the machines working; is the equipment in good condition; is the lighting good? If the gym is more like a social club then you might want to move on. One more important point: complaining is toxic and detrimental to your goals- if the trainer or the other people in the gym are complainers - move on.

8. Intangibles

When you've determined that you have found a good trainer, you must now ask yourself if this trainer is a good match for you. People hire trainers to help them reach a goal and get results, but not everyone is motivated the same way. A trainer-client relationship is a very personal one and even the best trainer might not necessarily be the best trainer for YOU. Do you complement one another? Do you think you could spend an hour a day with this person and give them your all? Can you be honest with them? Will they be honest with you? Do they know how to get YOU to your goals? Does the trainer seem to have insight into what makes you tick? A good coach will modify their style to fit the individual and maximize results.

Making an investment in a personal trainer is an important one and we hope that this article has been helpful. Finding a great personal trainer will be one of the best investments you could make for yourself, your family and your quality of life. Please take the time to make a great decision.

Award winning trainer, business owner and athlete, Corey Beasley owns Innovative Results in Orange County, CA. They help 1000s of people reshape their bodies, lose weight, and live healthier lifestyles. For more amazing health information, visit their blog, it is packed with helpful tips andtricks Orange County Personal Trainers.