Choosing your trainer

It's came to my attention these past couple of months that choosing a personal trainer can be quite challenging for some. It's understandable considering the vast selection out there, but don't be fooled. Being a personal trainer myself I know what it takes, and I know the difference between a good and a great trainer... Read on folks:

REPs:

The register of exercise professionals or REPs, is the first thing you should look for. By being a member of REPs your personal trainer has proven he/she is qualified. On top of this they are bound by a 'code of ethical conduct'.

There are 5 principles to this code:

1- rights
2- relationships
3- personal responsibilities
4- professional standards
5- safe working environment

I won't bore you with the details of each of these but all in all if they are not on this register don't even contemplate it.

What kind of service do you want:

This one depends very much on you. If you're just looking for the odd one off session then im pretty sure any trainer can help you. But if you're looking for results you don't just want a trainer, you want a mentor. If your trainer doesn't check up on you occasionally, doesn't advise you, doesn't answer any and all of your questions, or in simple terms just counts your reps, then why bother? Ditch them quick!

What's your budget:

Right of the bat I can tell you if you're being charged three figures for a session or two you're probably being laughed at in their spare time, which they will have a lot of since you alone pay their bills.
Think logically, what are you getting for the price you pay? I charge £20 per session, or 10 sessions for £180, with option to split the cost with a friend. For this my clients get the session itself, a personalised program for them to do alone, and a diet analysis, not to mention any advice they may need. If you aren't receiving the works and feeling like a priority, then you shouldn't be paying for it.

Results:

It's what you pay for right? All trainers worth their salt are educated on the same specifications. It is experience and research that separates the ones that get results from the ones who don't. Ask to see some testimonials. Anything that shows a track record of success should be proudly made available by any trainer. If they don't have anything then it's up to you to take the chance, all trainers have to start somewhere, but it's certainly safer to pay for experience.

The above are what you must consider, but what is more subtle and harder to find is a trainer who's attitude reflects his work. Finding this passion can be difficult. If your trainer feeds of your success and is as glad as you are about that extra pound you managed to shift, then you're on to a winner. Likewise if their motivational style gets you pumped to give 100%, or if you try extra hard to make them proud. If your trainer fits the bill as someone driven, ambitious, and is a suitable friendly role model, then you didn't need to read this far ;)... Maybe they are so passionate they right a helpful blog in their spare time...