Most important quality of a personal trainer
“If you don’t make a total commitment to whatever you are doing, then you start looking to bail out the first time the boat starts leaking.” ~ Lou Holtz
A bad personal trainer can ruin your entire experience. Forever!
What qualification should live at the top of your list when evaluating a personal trainer? Is it the ACE certification? Massive biceps? Athleticism?
I’ll make this easy for you: the most important qualification is:
They practice what they preach!
Period. If they don’t practice what they preach, then how will they inspire you?
You can ascertain whether or not they practice what they preach in the first few minutes! Here’s how…
The top 3 things that fall into the “They Practice What They Preach” qualification are:
Are they fat or out of shape? If so, walk away. I’m not saying this to be cruel. If the person training you clearly doesn’t believe in what they’re asking you to do, then they will not inspire you. I’m shocked at how many overweight / out-of-shape trainers I see. The right trainer will inspire by example.
Are they invested in your success versus their own? Ask them about your training program and demand details! A common flaw in trainers is to only offer you what worked for them. i.e. This fitness routine worked for me, so I’m going to have other people do it. Or, this nutrition or diet plan changed my life, so everyone should do it. It’s understandable why someone would feel this way, but it’s an inexperienced viewpoint. A program should be tailored to fit you and your goals.
Do they show up for you? This one may be a little tougher to gauge prior to a session, but it’s foundational to your success. As an example, a good trainer will not be on their phone while you’re exercising (one of my personal pet peeves!) or talking with other people during your session. Pay close attention before you hire them. Ask them for a trial session, see how it goes.
I hope this helps! And best of luck to you in your search for the right personal trainer. Contact me if you need me.
Your effort, your choice, your life!
David Odle is a trainer, fitness enthusiast, and author. He spent seven years in the military, primarily in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a Spartan Race competitor, an avid fitness fan, and a 5k enthusiast. David's mission is to help people transform into better versions of themselves by tapping into their dormant capability. If you’d like to reach out to David, you can find him at www.davidodle.com.