How to find the perfect personal trainer for your goals

If you have a fitness goal, and most of us do, then you’ve probably thought about working with a trainer. Let’s face it, we could all use a little push and some new ideas, not to mention responsibility. There are some days when you just don’t feel like exercising and having someone to help you may be just what you need. That’s where working with a personal trainer can come in handy.

So how do you find the right coach for what YOU want? Finding a coach who specializes in his needs and can guide him toward his goals isn’t as difficult as you might think. If you’re looking for a step-by-step method of finding the right trainer for you and your goals, keep reading.

Step 1: What do you want to do? What is your goal?

First, assess your goals. Know what you want before you start looking. Your first step would be to list your main fitness goal. For most, it’s losing some weight, getting toned up, gaining muscle, or getting better at a sport. After listing your main goal, start listing other things you want to achieve. This is useful to tell a personal trainer because they can cater to your workouts to not only get you to your main goal, but to work on secondary ones as well.

Step 2: Where to find your Trainer

Second, you want to start shopping for a trainer. You have a number of options. If you’re already a member of a gym (24-hour, Bally’s), you can inquire about personal training there. The downside of working out in a large gym, especially with a personal trainer, is that it’s often crowded and can really limit your workouts.

You can also search for a freelance personal trainer online. You can use any search engine like Google to find a trainer near you. Search terms like “long beach personal trainer” or “orange county personal training” using your location will give you a great list of trainers to start evaluating. Many personal trainers these days do most of their advertising on the internet, so you should be able to see most of the good trainers out there. Searching the internet is also a great option because you can usually get a better deal since many personal trainers are independent and set their own prices.

An added benefit is that you get a lot more attention than you might at a larger corporate gym. Independent personal trainers work out of smaller gyms with fewer members and more freedom which will directly benefit your training by giving you more time with your trainer, fewer interruptions and better workouts.

You may find that a group setting is more your style. Many personal trainers offer small group training where you can work out with a friend. Bringing a friend can help keep you motivated and accountable with your goals and exercise. Long Beach has many outdoor classes and “boot camps” as well in case you want to train in a park or on the beach. Again, you can look them up online or call your local Parks and Recreation Department to check the schedule for a class at the park.

Step 3: The interview process

Once you’ve decided what type of training you’d like to try, it’s time to start interviewing personal trainers. Be sure to read each personal trainer’s website to find out what they specialize in, what services they offer, and what their FEES are. It’s important to know what they’re charging beforehand so you’re not surprised later, avoid “high-pressure sales,” and don’t feel put on the spot. Set up some appointments with different trainers and write down some questions you want to ask that are relevant to YOUR fitness goals.

Make sure each trainer has the following: At least a Nationally Recognized Fitness Certification (NASM, NSCA, ACE, etc.) and/or a degree in an exercise science or kinesiology field. This is to ensure that the trainer is qualified to teach and guide you safely. They also need to have current CPR/AED training. Finally they need to have insurance! This is for your safety and protection. If you interview a personal trainer who doesn’t have these qualifications and they say “it’s not necessary”… walk away!

Step 4: Make the decision

You have now come to discuss the fees for the sessions. Hopefully you know what each coach charges before you show up for the interview. Ask if there are any “special rates” or package deals that can help you get a price discount if you buy more sessions. Make sure you’re clear on that coach’s rates, specials, and packages.

Step 5: Do you click?

One thing to consider: Personality. Be sure to “click” with your coach. There are many different personal trainers in Long Beach with different styles, fitness backgrounds, and personalities. Getting along with your trainer and working as a team is just as important as getting a great workout. Interviewing your trainer for the right training style, education, experience, and personality will help you feel confident in hiring the right trainer for the job.

Step 6: Hire your coach

Once you’ve found the right trainer, you want to set up the days you can exercise and make sure your trainer has the availability to train you on those days and times. Then purchase your sessions or the monthly package and get ready to start on the fast track to fitness by working with a professional you’ve hand-picked, through rigorous interviews, to be the BEST trainer for you.

Following these six steps will ensure that you have the tools to find your trainer, interview them thoroughly for YOUR goals, and also get the best deals on session fees. If you follow these steps, you will not only have a great experience, but you will reach your goals faster by working as a team with your new personal trainer.