The decision has been made to get fit and you’re ready to hire your very own fitness professional. But as Elite Exeter Personal Trainer Simon Lovell explains you may see and feel bigger results by doing some research before you pick…

Once only used by the rich and famous, personal fitness trainers are now in almost every health club in the UK with more establishing their own home-visit based businesses. Whether you want to shift the weight from around your waistline or train for a sport, the majority of personal trainers out there are equipped to tackle your needs. They’ll make you sweat, make you laugh, boost your confidence and shape your body the way you want it. But with so many now available, up-to around 15 in some of the bigger clubs in the country, how do you know that you’re hiring someone who is going to get the most out of you?

Having worked in one of the biggest fitness clubs in the UK, I’ve seen trainers come and go over the years. For most, there’s a definite passion for the job. The love of seeing people get results from what you’ve taught them is a never ending high. It’s fantastic building up genuine bonds with clients and developing mutual level of respect that can sometime turn into life-changing experiences. If you stumble on the right personal trainer you’re in for a fantastic health journey that will be fun (but hard) and rewarding from start to finish.

So, the question is, how do you know whether the trainer you’re presented with is going to come up with the goods you’re looking for? There are plenty of ways that you can make sure you’re hiring you’re ultimate mentor!

The consultation is normally free of charge, so make this your chance to ask questions. The trainer will want to find out your goals and targets as well as outline his recommendation of the amount of times you should be exercising. Most of the time the trainer asks the questions, but let this be your chance to ask some too. Here are my top tips for hiring a trainer and what to look out for once you’re on the go.

BEFORE HIRING YOUR TRAINER

·         A FAT PERSONAL TRAINER?

This goes without saying but since I’ve seen clients training with overweight personal trainers then make sure that your trainer practises what they preach! How can you possibly put your future development with a personal trainer that is overweight? It happens! If you hire a fat personal trainer then I hope your targets are to put on fat because clearly they can’t feel themselves or train themselves effectively!

·         DO YOU CLICK?

Ok, so you could be spending around three days per week with this person so, the first factor to establish is, do you have a rapport with the trainer. Do your personalities match? If the trainer has good personal skills then they should adjust naturally to you, but if you find yourself thinking ‘erm’ or ‘hmm’ then make your excuses! Of course, just because you click still doesn’t mean they’re right…

·         QUALIFICATIONS

Should be REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) Registered. Ensure registration is up-to-date. Ideally with a Diploma in Personal Training or equivalent.

·         FOOD FOR FITNESS

Your trainer should be able to speak to your confidently about good nutritional practises. Fifty percent of your effort is in what you eat when it comes to exercise so be sure that they can explain to you what to eat before and after training as well as suggesting healthy, energy boosting meal ideas.

·         EXPERIENCE & CLIENT BASE

Find out how long your trainer has been working for. The longer the better, for obvious reasons. Ask how many active clients they have and if so whether you would be able to speak to any of them for a recommendation, if you are happy to ask this. If you do then it would be obviously sensible for the trainer to find a client with your similar goals. Also, has the trainer been featured in the media? If so ask if you can see articles.

If you are a sports person for example then it would be sensible to try and find a trainer that has already trained individuals in your discipline. If you’re a pre or post pregnancy client then somebody who is trained in ‘Special Populations’ is advised. Ideally find somebody who has already trained a client of this nature, and better still who is female and had a baby!

If you want to go outside running in sessions then find a trainer that is happy to take to the road with you and does not just offer treadmill work.

·         GENERAL QUESTIONS

If you find yourself with a good rapport from the off then it will be easy to ask questions such as: ‘What made you go into personal training’ and ‘what is the most rewarding part of the job’ and ‘what have been your biggest successes’. These are direct questions related to assisting you but can be easily hidden as simply making conversation.

·         ASK FOR A TASTER SESSION

Before starting a new structured regime with your trainer you may want to ask for a taster session to see how you get on together before paying for a block of sessions. This is a good time to spend some time workout out and hopefully you’ll have your thumbs up at the end. If you’re really lucky this session will be free. Why not be cheeky and see what happens, it’s a good ice-breaker and you’ll get a rapport going! Say: ‘Go on, how about a free taster, and if you’re good I’ll sign up’. If somebody said that to me with a smile on their face I couldn’t refuse!

·         INITIAL TESTING

Ensure that prior to starting your new plan that the trainer takes some static readings such as blood pressure, body-fat, peak flow, and waist measurements. They should also perform a cardiovascular test in most cases and show you some flexibility exercises. All of these figures give you a bench-mark to work from. Like I say to all my new clients, it doesn’t matter what these figures are because you will always be stronger, fitter, more focused and more confident from this day forward…

DURING YOUR TRAINING PERIOD

·         IS YOUR TRAINER MAKING NOTES?

If you are a regular training client then your trainer should be making notes during your sessions, logging cardiovascular exercise time as well as reps and sets for weight based exercises. This is so you can see improvements over time. If they do not have this in place then this okay because of their own training style as long as they can justify it. Have a look around at other trainers if you can and see whether they are holding clip-boards!

·         COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY

The best way of developing is to talk with your trainer so that they can understand your needs. Your trainer should by the same token make sure that you are happy during your sessions. Of course there may be exercises you don’t enjoy a lot bur your trainer should be able to explain why it is an important part of your success. If you are THAT uncomfortable with something then just say and you’ll be provided with an alternative.

·         LETTING YOU DOWN

Of course, from time to time things crop up and sessions do need to be cancelled and rearranged. If you are let down just too many times then drop them and find someone that can cater for your requirements. If you are for example training three times per week and one session is cancelled the trainer should try their hardest to get that third session in by the end of the working week so that it doesn’t interrupt your schedule.

Check out Simon's home page located at http://www.theheatfitness.co.uk for his life changing Lunch Box Diet, Training Buddy Exercise Software and online training options are at http://www.heatonlinetraining.co.uk

The Lunch Box Diet - http://www.lunchboxdiet.co.uk - The Healthy Eating Plan Designed by Simon