How to find a personal trainer

2 mins to read

There's no denying that working out with a personal trainer is the pre-eminent route to reaching your weight loss and fitness goals. But with so many personal trainers to choose from, how do pick the one for you?

Everyday health

The personal training industry is booming in Australia, with industry body Fitness Australia representing more than 26,000 registered fitness professionals.

But with so many personal trainers to choose from, how do pick the one for you?

If you’re looking to re-ignite your new year’s resolutions or put into action and a serious exercise program 1-on-1, read on to find out the essential credentials of a personal trainer, what questions you should be firing before you start hiring and how to find your ideal match.

How to interview a PT
You wouldn’t take on a new employee or child-minder without checking out their qualifications, experience and references first. It’s no different when it comes to someone who is taking charge of your health.

According to Michael Cunico, NSW Fitness Manager at Fitness First, “A minimum qualification for personal training is a Certificate 4. This follows a set curriculum, which is governed by Fitness Australia.”

If someone has a Certificate 3, they’re qualified to be a gym instructor but not a personal trainer.

Once they have acquired a Certificate 4, personal trainers continue to further their fitness education with diplomas, degrees and various courses. PTs are required to cover 20 ongoing education points every 2 years in order to remain registered and insured.

With regards to insurance, Michael says, “All trainers should hold current insurance, which provides them with public liability insurance. They should also have a valid First Aid certificate.”

Ask to see a copy of your prospective trainer’s CV to check their qualifications and their past experience within the health and fitness industry.

References are also valuable but, as Cunico says, “A trainer won’t give you references from someone who would say anything negative.”

It may be more productive to seek a personal recommendation from a friend who has achieved great results with their current trainer. It is still worth checking references for a feel for an individual’s training style and past experience.

When looking at trainers at your gym Michael says, “Watch how they interact with their current clients while training. Are they on the phone, watching other people or, worse still, checking themselves in the mirror? Their attention should be solely on their client.”

Make sure any potential trainer has the following credentials:

Certificate 4
Current insurance and public liability insurance
First Aid certificate
Resume and references

Will you be compatible?
You will be paying this person, sharing a personal journey with them and possibly training with them at 5.30am when you don’t look your best – so, do you feel at ease with them and trust them to guide you to your goal?

Talk with several trainers before making any decisions and keep looking until you feel you’ve found the right one.
When you meet, outline your aspirations and ask if they’ve helped anyone else achieve a similar goal. You have to feel comfortable in their company as you will be spending a lot of time together.

And don’t be afraid to talk money. Everyone has a budget. If your prospective PT is more expensive than you want to pay, you can perhaps split the cost by training with a friend or by arranging fewer sessions.

Although Michael believes it’s beneficial to have a personal trainer, he says, “As your fitness improves, you might not want to see him or her so often. But it’s always handy to have someone else providing accountability and motivation.”

When assessing compatibility, check your potential PT has the following:

Experience in achieving similar goals to yours
A manner that makes you feel comfortable

Have realistic expectations
Of course, once you have a personal trainer the hard work is only beginning. A PT can only be as good as their client’s dedication and determination. It might be up to them to push you towards your goal, but it’s up to you alone to get there.