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In part 1 of this 2-part personal trainer series I focused on the reasons to hire a personal trainer. Beginner fitness enthusiasts certainly need expert, personalized instruction.
In my experience, it was those that thought they had the “training game” all figured out, often benefited the most.
Even if you think you don’t need one, a skilled and experienced trainer will be well worth the expense. This article will focus on how to hire the trainer that is right for you and strategize on how to make the experience more fulfilling and more affordable.
If hiring a trainer for extended periods of time is not in your budget, try purchasing a limited number of sessions to build your skills and confidence to get the ball rolling. You may also be able to buy a package of training sessions for a discount; use four or five to get started and keep the rest “in the bank.” Yes, I did have many clients that worked with me 3 to 4 times per week on a regular basis for many years. Most of my clientele purchased blocks and used them for “tune-ups” as needed.
The buddy-systemThe buddy-system has always been one of my favorite program offerings to help more people reach their fitness goals at more affordable rates. The financial benefit is obvious. Four people paying $20 a session is more affordable than an individual paying $60 an hour. The trainer also has an extra financial incentive to take on the extra work required from buddy-system arrangements. It’s also a great environment to train in because your friends offer support and encouragement while providing a little friendly competition. Additional discounts may apply if you have a little flexibility in your schedule and can train during non-peak hours.
You can also take advantage of the creative way that gyms and trainers are offering fitness opportunities in the form of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and circuit training. This type of training offers a value-packed opportunity to those seeking discounted, semi-personal attention. The scientific research is clear in describing HIIT as an incredibly efficient and productive way to train. Literally dozens of clients can be accommodated at one time during a circuit training session. (Check to see how your gym is handling COVID restrictions at this time.) A personal training company that I founded in 1992 is still in business as Fit Central in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s moved aggressively into this form of niche training with great results.
Hire personal trainers with documented experience and qualifications, including professional certifications. Certifications don’t guarantee excellence, but they do guarantee that a certain standard has been attained.
Make sure that the trainer’s skills and specialties are consistent with your goals and needs.
If you’re interested in learning power-lifting movements, don’t hire a trainer with a yoga background and spends 30 minutes on stretching. Finding personal training companies, or studios dedicated to it, with the criteria that I cited are hard to find. I’m available to help anyone who is stuck trying to find the right person or company.
Fitness training is one of the best gifts that you can give your body and it a great way to start the New Year! Utilizing a professional trainer will enhance your results while potentially protecting you from injury. Find the personal trainer that best meets your needs and accelerate your progress toward superior physical fitness.
Wayne Coolidge, Jr., M.Ed., CHES is an author, speaker, and innovative Health Promotion Scholar-Practitioner. He owns Wayne Coolidge Health Promotion, a consulting firm specializing in healthy aging, nutrition, nutritional supplementation, fat loss, fitness, and disease prevention. His expertise is designing lifestyle-optimization strategies leading to positive genetic expression, controlled cellular aging, health, and wellness. He has accumulated more than 31,000 hours of one-on-one training and personal consultation experience over a 37-year career. Wayne’s web site www.waynecoolidge.com. You can email him at [email protected].
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