Some thoughts and discussions from me.
3 Qualities to Look for in a Personal Trainer
Alternative title for this post: What qualities make a good personal trainer?
Hi guys! How’s your week going so far? It’s been abnormally humid and a little rainy here in Colorado lately, but I’m actually enjoying it! It’s always so dry here that a bit of humidity reminds me of home 
So, on to today’s post – but I think before I go on any further, I should clarify that this subject is highly subjective. There are certain training qualities that some people absolutely love (i.e.screaming – YOU’RE NOT DONE YETT!!!GGRRRR!!!) that another group of people might absolutely hate.
I suppose I could have titled this post, What Makes a Good Personal Trainer from My Perspective, because that’s what it is – my opinion, experience, and knowledge/research. And another disclaimer: although I’ve been a personal trainer since 2009, I’m not saying I know everything, I’m not saying my opinion is the end all be all, and I am continuing to learn - this industry is constantly evolving. I’ve learned so much from my personal training peers, and continue to do so every day. In fact, I work on #2 and #3 every single day!
Now, with that said, to me: The number 1, most superior, ultimate quality a good personal trainer must have
…is passion. Not experience or background. Not schooling. Now which certification process he or she went through; but passion. Namely, a genuine passion to help people get healthier, happier, and more fit through fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve seen personal trainers who have a masters in sports science, kinesiology, or what have you, but that won’t do much to help them as a personal trainer if they’re not a people person. If a highly qualified trainer genuinely doesn’t have passion for what he or she is doing to help someone, it’s all for not. Look for a trainer who’s genuinely excited to meet you- and really wants to help you meet your fitness goals.
Now, I’m not saying background and education isn’t anything, because it definitely is, which brings me to #2.
Number 2- A fitness/anatomy/kinesiology/physiology education
A trainer can put her clients through all sorts of workouts to make them sweaty and tired. But is it safe? Does the trainer know exactly why they’re making their clients perform these exercises, other than to get their heart rates up and muscles burning a bit?
Bottom line: a PT needs to know his or her stuff in order to safely and effectively take a client through a workout. A solid base of foundational knowledge goes a long way here.
A trainer needs to not only be able to spot incorrect form, whether it’s via a muscle weakness or imbalance or what have you, but also an idea of why that form is suffering, and how to correct it. Furthermore, when a client comes to them for help, they need to know how to put together a plan to help them achieve their goals. He or she should also have knowledge and guidance on strength training, cardiovascular training, and basic nutrition – and how to put that together to help his or her client.
Find out if he or she is certified, what that certification is, if they regularly attend continuing education courses, and if keep up with learning new information in the industry. Trainers should be much more than rep counters and provide much more than regurgitated workouts from Men’s Health or Pinterest. Which brings me to number 3! 
Number 3-Knowledge and ability to put together a solid workout program
…or at the very least some sort of progressive workout system (which is basically a program.) You can’t start a client out doing front squats with an Olympic barbell. Although it’s not fun, sexy, or exciting, I always start my clients off with a body weight squat to a bench or box. I progress this exercise by starting with the arms extended, then to the chest, and then behind the head, and only then do I even consider adding weight.
I’ve said this numerous times (seriously) on the blog, but it drives me bonkers to see trainers put their clients through random workout after random workout week after week. There’s no system, no plan, and no real system of working towards the goal that client came to the trainer with in the first place.
In my opinion and experience, part of the trainer’s job is to create a plan for his or her client. What I’ve found to be the most effective is to start by taking a client through an initial workout, assessment, and interview. Then I gather and analyze all of that information, and from there, I write a program for them, depending on how many days per week they’re able to meet with me. Then I’ll change up the program every four to five weeks, as they progress closer and closer to their goal.
Sure, there are more qualities that great personal trainers possess, but in my experience, these are the top 3!
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Welp, on that note, I’ve gotta boogy on over to the gym! I’ve got a client to train, and then an upper body workout of my own, and then a boot camp class to teach. Later I’m hoping to make it to a yoga class (checking them off for the 30 day challenge!) that includes inversions 
Have a great day, my friends!
What qualities do you think make a great personal trainer?
Love this list! I totally have to agree with you that #1 trumps all. I’ve seen so many trainers just in it for the sell and not really concerned about their clients at all. The best trainer is a built in support system to help their clients reach their goals and someone who has a dedication to a health lifestyle. So key!
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Hey Paige,
I’m a new trainer, and I’m currently training clients at my university’s recreational center. I have a questions about #3. So, I’ve been taught in my classes (I’m an Applied Exercise & Health major) proper programming and how to write a program, but I have a lot of clients who don’t want a “program” per say. They enjoy doing different circuit style workouts that are different almost every time we meet. Kind of like boot camp style.
Of course, I keep in mind progressions and regressions for each client and we do repeat some exercises and do variations of exercises so that it gets more challenging over time, but I don’t specifically write out a 12 week program like I would for a person who wants to focus on lifting and add size or strength. And, I should also add that I make sure to keep track of their workouts so that I know how/when to progress them.
My question is if you have many clients who you do similar workouts with and not really write out a set program for them? And based on your experience, do you think what I am doing is okay?
Thanks! 🙂
Kate Emmenegger recently posted…My Quest to Freedom (and an update on my “Striving” post)
For clients who thrive on variety, I do the first 30 minutes as their program, and then the second 30 (or what’s left) with metabolic conditioning, agility drills, boot camp-style circuits, etc. That way it’s progressive, but still switches things up.
Fantastic list! Having a goal is one thing, but a plan to get there is completely another. As a non trainer, how do you know if your trainer has a real plan for you?!
Something that is important to me is flexibility. I have had 2 trainers in my life. One was fantastic and the other…not so much. The one that wasn’t great just wasn’t willing to be flexible with the workouts. I was coming off surgery and physically couldn’t do one of the exercises. Didn’t matter to her. That was what she did with every client so that was what I was supposed to do. I hated it. I hated her. Needless to say our relationship didn’t last. 😉
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt recently posted…Currently in July
You’ll know! They should mention it. I always tell my potential clients (during their initial session) exactly what to expect – 2-3 times per week of training depending on what I see in the session and what I hear from them, how often we’ll switch programs, what program I’ve created for them and how it’s going to help them achieve their goal. If they don’t, I’d just ask them – “what program are you using for my fitness goals?”
Great tips! I’ve hired about 3 different trainers over the past 7 years. Some you just click with and others you do not. I like ones that know how far to push you without overtraining you.
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted…Practice Ride
Besides the 3 qualities you mentioned (which are all sooooo true!) I think it’s important that your trainer is personable and easy to talk to. If you feel intimidated or uncomfortable with your trainer, you may feel uneasy bringing things up like pains, questions, or ideas. It should be an open relationship.
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Training: Week 3
An awesome list! Definitely yes to the first one – all the education in the world doesn’t make a difference if the person isn’t genuinely happy and eager to help people with their goals. Makes me wish I could afford a PT right now!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Feeding and Eating Disorders: The DSM-V.
Great post. I think it’s so important for people to really do their research before hiring just anyone. I’ve heard some trainers at the gym say some absolutely outrageous and non healthy things and it makes me so mad they can even give said advice. I definitely agree with everything you listed. In the end, I could care less about the training – it’s the person I’m working with that matters the most.
Lisa recently posted…Smiles Lately
I agree with all of these! Just this morning my boss (who is a nice guy but knows absolutely NOTHING about being a trainer, yet still charges £100 (~US$160) an hour) asked me why I write programs for my clients, and why I write their workouts and weights down as I go. SMH.
One thing I would add is that I think it’s important for a trainer to be fit. This brings me back to my boss – he is not fit at all. He has a beer belly, thinks cardio is the key to success and I can outlift him even though he’s been “lifting” for 10+ years and has owned a gym for 5. I don’t expect trainers to rock around with six pack abs, but I think it’s important that they specialise in something they have experience in such as lifting really heavy, bodybuilding or fat loss.
WHAT. you’re KIDDING me!!
Lol I wish! This is the same guy I had a four hour argument with because he thinks women shouldn’t lift weights. ROAR.
PASSION. Yes. I totally agree. And of course, knowledge goes a long way too!
But, you definitely have to have a certain personality to be a good trainer. I worked with several different trainers before becoming one myself and had good and bad ones. The worst was one that constantly checked his cell phone and texted during our workouts. I didn’t train with him more than one session. 😉
The best ever was one that connected with me really well- listened to everything I said and when we were working out, no matter what was going on around us, it was like we were the only two people in that gym. FOCUS is a big thing.
As a trainer, I get really excited when a client has a breakthrough or overcomes a fear or challenge. Showing that you CARE goes a long way!
Now… maybe you should do a post about what makes a good CLIENT. (Showing up would be #1!) 🙂
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted…PB Banana Oat Energy Balls
Two things I love about my coaches are — sense of humor — and empathy/discretion. If they have to tell me to back down a weight or to correct something, they generally conference quietly with me about it. I really appreciate that since CrossFit is group training and I’m shy!!! They definitely fit your 1-3 as well. I can’t believe that at least one of my coaches knows my numbers off the top of his head but otherwise they are written down in a book as well.
Corrie Anne recently posted…Boyd Bear Complex
I totally agree! And I agree that a personality mesh is important too. I’ve worked with 5 different trainers over the course of my fitness journey thus far. 2 of them are people I absolutely did not mesh well with, their approach and ways of handling what I was aiming for was something that I couldn’t see eye to eye with.
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly’s recently posted…Year of Baking: Quebrada Baking Co
well my dear, you are a very good personal trainer ie desthills workout plan 🙂 XOOXO
Love this! I totally agree with #1 being most important. I’m trying to figure out who to go through for my CPT, but I’m so excited to get started!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…My Late 20′s
I agree with all 3!!! I would love to have you as a trainer…it seems you really know what’s important and always put your clients first! 🙂
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up…with some Creepiness
I think these are all great things to consider when hiring a trainer. I’ve never had a personal trainer…I’ve always been my own, even though I’m not officially educated. 🙂
I think you need to be fully on board with what your trainer programs for you, and their nutrition goals for you as well. If you don’t click with your trainer, or if you are just doing their program because it’s a program, but you don’t believe in what it is doing for you then you need to find another trainer that you can work with, that will listen to you and that will write something for you that you can pour your heart into, if you know what I mean. People will not get results unless they LOVE what they are doing to get there. 🙂