How to Select a Personal Trainer
I was recently at a three-day seminar and on a break, I was asked, “How do I select a trainer that is right for me?” For me, it can be broken down into two categories or questions: what are my goals and do they have what I want.
GOALS
The goal, believe it or not, is the hardest part. Many people make opened ended goals with no finish line. For example, lose some weight. That means nothing. It is an idea that is randomly thrown out in a conversation or made as a New Year’s resolution. Be specific, how much, by when and most importantly have a reason. The more specific the better — “Lose 10 pounds of fat in six weeks by March 10th which is three days before my wedding so I can look my best for the photos.” Specific, defined, and a reason to grasp onto when training gets tough.
By having a specific date, helps maintain focused and maintain that “mental toughness”. This also applies a little pressure and a sense of urgency. It always keeps the goal in the forefront of the mind. A goal with no time frame and no plan is a wish. Goal setting is obviously a personal endeavor. A goal can be physical, mental or just an achievement. It is not an unclear idea. It is focused and defined.
HIRE AN EXPERT: Do They Have What I Want.
We cannot know everything about everything. It’s impossible. But we can surround ourselves with people who know more than us and learn from their experience. This is where having a well-defined goal comes into play. Personally, I wanted to become StrongFirst certified. I registered for the certification and then sought out someone with the expertise to help me achieve the goal. He was not someone who casually worked with kettlebells, he LIVED kettlebells. When looking for someone, see if they practice what they preach, LITERALLY. Do not go to someone to learn to deadlifted if they have never deadlifted or someone who can do a little bit of everything. It just does not make sense. A jack of all trades is a master of none. Find someone who lives in the world of the goal. They will have the plan and the tools. Follow the plan and use those tools without waiver.
These two steps seem relatively simple, but they are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and do take a little time. Research is key. Walking into a gym and hiring the first trainer is rife with problems and completely frustrating for all parties involved. It is a ship without a rudder. Putting the right people in the right place is a recipe for success. It is a cliché but it is true. Work with people who have walked the road and have succeeded. Finding these people can take some time but be patient. Having the wrong person is worse than having no person at all. They can give improper advice or even worse, cause injury. Be patient and do research. It is easier to do research with a properly defined goal and a complete vision of achievement of that goal. Get a goal, find an expert, #buildyourathlete.
