Whether you’ve just joined the gym or have been exercising for some time, choosing the right workout for your body is crucial if you want to avoid injury and get fast results. While many people resort to the Internet as their exercise guide to the yay or nay of workout routines, the fact is we all have different body types and levels of endurance. This is why getting a personal trainer to help break a sweat can ensure you reap the most benefit from your session. But how do you know which trainer is right for you?

The truth is that not all personal trainers out there will be able to walk the walk. So there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re searching for someone who’ll best fit your exercise needs.

Observe his or her physique and attitude to health

Your trainer doesn’t have to be Hercules or Wonder Woman, but if they’re out of shape themselves then how can you be sure they can train you? A trainer who happily snacks on coke and chips is probably not going to be a great source of dietary advice either.

Education and certification

It is better to go for a trainer who is educated and certified by a reputable organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the American Council on Exercise. This means you know they’ve attained a certain level of professionalism. Ask your gym for a list of trainers, and ask about their education and experiences. A good trainer will likely have a background in physical education and be certified in one or more areas of fitness, such as bootcamp, strength and conditioning, and so on.

Search online

If you don’t belong to a gym, there are many organizations that certify personal trainers and have websites that allow you to search for such a trainer in your area. Many websites offer transformational pictures of their clients, so have a look to see the results of past clients as well as their testimonials – and take up the chance to pose your own questions.

Try before you buy

Some gyms offer a free personal training session to see how you and a trainer get along. But if yours doesn’t, simply buy one session and use the opportunity to get a feel for your trainer’s personality, and how well he or she suits you. We recommend choosing a trainer who pushes your limits and educates you, rather than one who simply yells what to do and count how many reps you’ve done. Remember that this is a partnership, with the goal being your fitness.

Ask questions

This is all about you, your needs, special issues you’re dealing with, and your strengths and weaknesses. Your trainer shouldn’t just lead you through an exercise, but should teach you these exercises. So don’t be afraid to ask them questions and see how well they answer. Ask yourself how comfortable you’ll be with him or her for the duration of your training, what you like about them, and so on.

With the right personal trainer, you’ll be guided down the path to fitness with a specific exercise routine created for you, allowing you to stay safe while maximizing the benefit of each workout. Looking for a personal trainer, or simply have questions? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.