Being a personal trainer has been an incredibly rewarding career, and throughout my time of helping people reach their fitness goals, I have realized it takes going even beyond the personal training to be a great member of your clients’ team. It had me thinking. What are the things that a personal trainer should be doing for you to make sure you are getting not only the best quality service, but also a great experience? Below are just 7 things out of the many aspects I believe makes a personal trainer a good personal trainer.

1. Initial Consultation

Sometimes overlooked, the initial consultation is very important for a few reasons. First off, the consultation allows the both of you to sit down and get to know each other. Good chemistry between a client and personal trainer is very important if that client is going to be successful. Also, but having the consultation, the trainer should be able to identify problems with injuries, nutrition, or even previous exercise that can be fixed through training and also begin to come up with a plan going forward.

2. Measurements/Assessments

It is good for your trainer to do measurements both of your body and of your ability in your first appointment. They should be having you perform a few exercises checking your ability and strength to perform them, as well as testing flexibility. This allows them to design a proper program, specifically for your body and abilities. Also, if you want to be weighed in or have body fat percentage and measurements checked, make sure to let your trainer know and have them stay on top of it.

3. Setting Goals

Fitness is all about setting goals and then doing everything you can to reach those goals. Your personal trainer should be continuously setting goals for you, whether it is getting that extra 10 pounds off, or trying to run that mile in less than 10 minutes. It doesn’t matter what the goal is, but it should be attainable with hard work and a plan.

4. Switching Things Up

If you are getting bored with exercise, you’re doing it wrong. Make sure you are switching things up and that your trainer is keeping the workouts fresh. When exercise starts to get boring, we are in trouble, because it is very difficult to stay motivated if you are getting bored.

5. Pushing You

This goes without saying. Your trainer should be pushing you for that last rep. They should be cheering you on. That’s their job! If they aren’t pushing you, they aren’t challenging you. And, if they aren’t challenging you, you’re not going to see the changes you want!

6. Supporting You

Your personal trainer should be supporting you not only in the gym, but in life. I believe it takes a personal connection between and trainer and client for the pair to really meld together and have a good working relationship. Whether they support your small business, care to ask about what’s going on in your life, or whatever it may be, they should be taking the time to care and support you outside of just the gym and working out.

7. Making Exercise Fun

Lastly, and possibly, they should be making exercise fun for you. This goes along with not allowing exercise to become boring. If you’re not smiling and having a good time during your workout, it isn’t fun enough! I’ve noticed clients seem to do best when they’re having a good time, smiling, and laughing with their trainer while they get the work done that they need to!

As you continue to work with your personal trainer, or if you are in the search for a personal trainer, make sure that they can do these 6 things for you. It will really help you with your success in the long run!

By: Ryan McIvor