What to look for in a Personal Trainer
1. Patience
Patience is the key to a good client-trainer relationship, says Wellness trainer Dan Dalen. Trainers should understand that what works for one client may not work for another. He or she should do a Health and Wellness assessment with the client when you first meet to familiarize themselves with the client’s needs. It is also very important that clients understand that it took time to get to their current level of Health & Wellness, and it will also take time to get them to the level that they are desiring.
Trainers should also find a comfortable pace for their clients, Dalen says. Some clients may progress at a faster rate, while others may require more coaching and assistance. “I love teaching and the journeys of helping people reach their personal fitness goals” he says.
2. Communication
Your trainer is cannot be with you at all times during through the process. That said, they should be able to explain things to you on the phone and teach you how to do certain moves without physically being present through every workout. This is because clients should have additional activity outside of the Personal Training session. A trainer should be able to explain a good nutrition and this should be individualized, communication is a two way street.
3. Professionalism
While it’s important to maintain a close relationship with a client, Dalen says, there also has to be a level of professionalism. “I carry their water and get them a towel if they need one — similar to service they would receive at a five-star hotel,” he says. Lastly, the clothes your trainer wears should be simple and plain. The attention should be on your client, Dalen says – No cell phones or distraction while working with clients
4. Education
Trainers should have — and be able to show you — an appropriate fitness certification for their area of expertise.
To become certified, personal trainers must pass an exam through accredited organizations such as The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine. (NCSF) National Council on Strength & Fitness. Most exams cover exercise physiology, training and exercise procedures, nutrition, functional anatomy of the body and weight management. Each organization’s certification exam will ask different questions.
5. Personality
As a client, you want to feel comfortable and trust that your trainer has your best interest in mind. “A good trainer can make a client a real person, not like a customer.” Once you have established what kind of personal trainer you want, you can start looking for them. You also need to be open to diversity. You may prefer a certain type of client but as a Professional we need to be available to work with various populations.
Dan Dalen Graduated from the University Wyoming with a degree in Physical Education and Teaching has numerous years in working in Professional Baseball and Football. He has taught from the high school to the collegiate levels. He has also worked at a variety of Health Clubs and Fitness Centers around the country. As a college Instructor, he currently teaches courses in fitness, Nutrition, Personal Training as well Health Education. As Director of Wellness and Education for the Wyoming Athletic Club he has work with individual and groups As well as guide the Health & wellness Staff.