Factors to consider when looking for a personal trainer

Investing in a personal trainer is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. A certified personal trainer can help you learn proper form and technique, hold you accountable, motivate you to crush your goals, and ensure you don’t get injured while exercising. But with an overwhelming number of qualified trainers at the gym, choosing the right one can be daunting.

Do you know what qualities to look for in a personal trainer? What qualities should a good personal trainer possess?

If you’re looking for a training coach in Houston, finding one with whom you can jibe is a tough task. Perhaps you prefer a trainer who’s friendly and can give you plenty of fitness tips. Or maybe you need a fitness coach who’s qualified to recommend a meal plan or perhaps someone who can train you for a specific sport or athletic event.

If any of these dilemmas sound familiar, fret not because we’ve got you covered.

How do I choose a personal trainer?

Every fitness trainer has a unique personality, training style, and expertise. Ultimately, you may end up choosing one based solely on your personal preferences or simply because you like their attitude. You may also pick a trainer based on convenience; for instance, if you live in Eado, you’d want a trainer who can train you within the area.

Nevertheless, note that personal training is an investment that costs money. So consider your options carefully and learn what makes a good personal trainer before you choose one.

Know your fitness level and goals

Are you training on a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level? Are you preparing for a competitive event such as a marathon? Do you need a certified nutrition coach who can create a customized nutrition plan for you? Do you need to follow a specific training regime due to a medical condition?

These are the questions you should be asking when choosing a training coach. If you have a clear idea of what your goals are, you’ll be sweating less over picking the right trainer.

But if you don't have ideas yet, consider taking a well-rounded approach. Key to Facet Seven’s fitness programming is making our members fully and functionally fit. It may be worth recalibrating your fitness program so that it holistically combines exercise, different training methods, and nutrition. Ask us how!

Related reading: The Essential Components of a Complete Fitness Program

Look into a trainer’s credentials, experience, and reputation

Some trainers specialize in weight-loss training, some are experts at corrective exercises, and some specialize in medical fitness training. When choosing a trainer, look into their credentials, experience, and reputation to see if their areas of specialization match your goals.

• Credentials – A personal trainer’s knowledge base is a relevant indicator of how effective they are as a coach. Check a coach’s educational background and you will likely see a university degree in fields of studies such as exercise science — as in the case of one of our trainers, Tom! It's also worth finding out if the trainer’s knowledge has been standardized by a national governing body such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

• Experience – Trainers who have had a long experience working as health and fitness professionals can easily pick up on things like errors in movement or posture, and would have had plenty of experience refining their training techniques. Their years of practice allow them to clearly explain why certain movements are wrong, and they can also offer alternative motions that achieve better, optimal results.Facet Seven Fitness Eado instructor and trainer Tom has experience training wrestlers to develop skills for the Olympics and college wrestling. On the other hand, Facet Seven Heights trainer Gabby is a certified Senior Fitness trainer who specializes in coaching active older adults. She has not only helped many clients achieve their fitness goals, but has also encouraged many of her students to take up weight lifting so they can enjoy its benefits.

• Reputation – It’s also worth learning what other trainees are saying about their coach before committing to work with one. Referrals from friends, i.e., positive word of mouth, are also worth considering and are often a good indicator of a trainer’s credibility.

Consider your compatibility with the coach

Training with a fitness coach can last a couple of months, and in some cases up to a couple of years, so keep that in mind when choosing one. Find a coach whose personality aligns with yours. If you feel that a friendly-yet-firm trainer fits your expectations, then go for it. If you feel more at ease exercising with a tough coach, then that’s fine as well.

Ultimately, you’re getting a service that will help you look and feel better and healthier. Your personal training sessions should be geared toward achieving your needs.

Factor in location, convenience, and safety

Choose a coach who can train you at your preferred schedule and frequency. In terms of location, consider factors such as commute time, number of training hours, proximity to your home or workplace, and other related concerns. It’ll be much more convenient to commit to meeting your trainer when these factors are well-considered in advance.

Your personal safety should also be a primary consideration. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s gym-going and training habits, and we may all be in it for the long haul. If you’re looking for well-maintained gyms in the Eado or Heights area, our gyms offer a well-sanitized environment for sweating out.

Related reading: COVID-19 Pandemic Safety: Is It Safe To Go Back To The Gym?

Take costs into consideration

As for cost, you’ll want to know the duration and inclusions of a single session, how much one session costs, and whether it’s possible to purchase bulk sessions. Ask about the different prices for one-on-one, duo, or group training. A trainer’s expertise and experience as well as the gym’s standard rates will be factored into how much their services cost.

Need help in choosing a personal trainer? Our training director can recommend the right coach from among our team of talented, certified health and fitness professionals in our gyms in Houston. Facet Seven coaches can enhance your fitness program and provide the guidance you need to help you achieve your goals. Schedule a consultation today!

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