How to Choose a Personal Trainer
Where do I find a personal trainer?
You may begin by asking friends, associates or your local fitness centre for a recommendation. A fitness centre usually provides personal trainers as part of their services. Ensure that the advice you receive is from a reputable source.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary greatly for personal training. Before deciding what you consider to be a ‘fair’ price, ensure you find out the following information.
Qualifications
The minimum requirement for a personal trainer is Certificate IV in Fitness and registration with Physical Activity Australia. A tertiary qualification indicates the trainer has a more in depth knowledge of human movement but does not guarantee he or she is a better trainer. A combination of experience and qualifications is essential, as well as a strong sense of compatibility – after all, you spend hours with this person!
Ask the following questions:
- How long has he or she worked in the fitness industry and been a personal trainer?
- What results has he or she achieved in the past with clients of similar needs? Testimonials may be available.
- Are services guaranteed? To what degree?
- Where would you train? (personal gym, fitness centre, outdoors)
It is important to meet the prospective trainer to ensure you communicate comfortably, and to note if he or she appears professional in their demeanour.
Are you offered a free session?
This allows you to assess the relationship in a practical setting. The session should include a pre-exercise questionnaire, assessment and workout. During the workout you should feel comfortable and confident that the trainer is leading towards achieving your goals.
Make an informed decision and get started
Once the trainer has satisfied this criteria, you should have a program established which will be altered as you develop to ensure you are continually reaching towards and achieving your goals.
Need more health information?
Don’t forget to use your trainer as a resource. He or she should be able to provide you with useful advice on activity and exercise, and possibly other health issues. If not, you should be advised of where you can find this information.
Enjoy your training. Try to incorporate it with other types of activity such as yoga or bush walking.
For information about finding a personal trainer in your local area please contact us on office@physicalactivityaustralia.org.au or phone (03) 8320 0100.