It was recently suggested I write a blog about finding a coach and/or personal trainer. Always aiming to fulfill blog requests, here’s my thoughts on the subject.
There are many, many coaches and trainers out there. Heck, there are thousands in New York City alone. Choosing one can seem as daunting as dating, or finding the perfect doctor. You could go crazy going through different data bases, viewing websites, and reading reviews. Hopefully my few tips here will help you feel slightly less stressed out.
– It sounds silly, but it matters to most people if their trainer/coach is male or female, and also the age/experience of said trainer. What’s right for you will be different than the next person. Just be honest with yourself with what you are looking for, and that will help narrow your searches.
– Go with your gut. If you find a trainer/coach who’s website, personality or reputation seems like a good match for you, make contact and see where it goes.
– References are great. If you have friends who are stoked with their trainer/coach and the results they are achieving, maybe you should reach out and see if that trainer is right for you.
– Every person is different. Which means every trainer is different. Ask questions that will help you decide if you two are a good match. After all, your trainer needs to be someone you trust, will listen to, and enjoy working with.
– Look for a trainer/coach who specializes in your needs/goals. If you are looking for a cross fit type of routine, a trainer who specializes in pilates or triathlon coaching may not be the best fit.
– Find a trainer who can give what you need. If you need a trainer/coach with a lot of time for one-on-one attention, a trainer who is already swamped and juggling a bunch of clients may not be able to give you what you need. Then again, a trainer is busy for good reason – so there’s that.
– Remember that you need to be able to be very honest with your coach/trainer. If you don’t feel personality-wise that you can be completely open and honest – about everything from diets and guilty pleasures to mental and physical struggles, that person may not be the right coach for you.
– Consider why you are looking for a coach and what your expectations of a coach are. Is the potential coach able to fill those needs for you?
– If you reach out to potential coaches/trainers and they are either extremely pushy about getting you to sign contracts, or difficult to get ahold of, consider looking elsewhere. Trainers shouldn’t be car salesmen or out of touch. A happy medium is often best.
– Research certifications and ask questions. It’s important your coach/trainer knows what they are doing. Once again, you need to be able to trust them and the program they create for you. If you question their knowledge or process, run away!
If you have any other tips you have for finding a coach/trainer, please share with the class.
Lastly, if a coach/trainer isn’t working for you, speak up. Perhaps with some communication, that person can better assist your needs. Or maybe that person simply isn’t the right coach/trainer for you. At the end of the day, don’t settle until you find someone who motivates you, and gives you the tools you need to achieve your goals.
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