How to Choose a Coach or Fitness Trainer

For years I got all my training ideas and programs out of books, magazines and websites. And I have to say that it worked pretty darn well. I actually trained for several reasonably successful marathons and a few triathlons following and adapting programs that had been given to my cousin by his coach years prior. Eventually, however, through a Canadian running magazine, I was awarded the opportunity to work with two coaches, a nutritionist, and was sent all the running gear I could ever want. That's when I truly began to understand the power of having someone knowledgeable in your corner. 

What is a Personal Trainer or Fitness Coach?

A personal trainer is a certified professional who has trained for (and hopefully passed) an examination on varied topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, exercise and movement. Occasionally, a personal trainer or coach has a college or university degree in an exercise science related field. And on the other end of the spectrum, some of them have been professional athletes in the past or are people who simply love a sport and understand it at a deeper level than most of us can even comprehend.

The purpose of having a personal trainer is to have someone who will help you to reach your fitness goal faster than you could yourself. They may even help you identify what your fitness goals should be. Either way, the idea is to outsource much of the thinking and planning involved in developing a fitness routine to someone who understands it and organizes it better than you do. 

Choosing Your Personal Trainer

Finding the right fitness trainer is a lot like choosing a teacher, mentor, or even a doctor—you want to choose carefully. With the right personal trainer, you can achieve your fitness goals faster and safer. But the wrong personal coach can leave you tired, frustrated, injured and broke (financially and physically). So, to help you make this choice, I have asked four friends (two who have actually coached yours truly) to record themselves giving their advice on what they would look for in a Personal Trainer. 

To get the full story and verbal nuance, I suggest you listen to the podcast. If you're unable to do that, here's a written transcript of what each of them had to say. I'll wrap things up with my own suggestions for how to ensure you get what you're looking for.

Brad Kearns

Brad Kearns, good friend of the Get-Fit Guy, host of the Get Over Yourself podcast, co-author of the New York Times bestselling...

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