Introduction

Whether you are planning to lose weight, build muscle, or ‘tone up’, research suggests you will be less likely to accomplish your fitness goals on your own. While you can always sign up for online fitness courses or watch YouTube channels that feature free workout lessons, you might want to consider seeking the guidance and support that a fitness coach (or personal trainer) can provide.

Having a fitness coach enables you to keep track of your gains and get the motivation you need to keep going. A fitness coach can also ensure your safety by selecting and developing, in conjunction with you, workout plans that align with your objectives.

However, with a large number of fitness coaches to choose from, there is the possibility that you could end up hiring someone who does not ‘fit the bill’. To reduce your risk of hiring someone inappropriate follows these 4 quick tips to find the right coach for your needs.

1. Know Your Objectives

Before searching for a fitness coach, consider your main objective(s). Will you be focusing more on losing weight? Perhaps, you would like to strengthen your core or increase your stamina? Knowing your goal(s) will make it easier for you to find a fitness coach who can help you achieve them. Every fitness coach specialises in certain areas, so it is advisable to hire one who is an expert in the type of workout you want to follow. For instance, if you are planning to start high-intensity interval training, select fitness coaches that specialise in this area. Doing this could also help you avoid wasting time on a fitness coach with a skills mismatch.

2. Get Recommendations

It could take some time before finding the fitness coach you want, but you can fast-track the process by asking people you know for referrals. For example, you can reach out to family members, friends, co-workers, and other exercisers for recommendations of fitness coaches that fit your needs. The best part about this is that you do not need to do any extra background checking (other than credentials, see below). You can simply ask the people close to you about their experiences and the highlights of working with the fitness coach they recommended.

3. Interview Past Clients

In addition to asking for referrals from your closest social connections, you can also locate past clients and learn about their experiences. You may get a balance between positive and negative opinions, but that is okay because you will need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each fitness coach you are planning to hire (a negative opinion does not necessarily mean a bad fitness coach, and vice versa).

You can also check out reviews and testimonials on their professional websites. Doing so will help you get a clear idea of what it is really like to get them as your personal coach.

4. Look at their Credentials

Not all fitness trainers offer legitimate services. Some may even be unqualified to provide professional advice while others will only seek to scam you by letting you pay high fees for low-quality services. Make sure to review a trainer’s professional credentials before hiring. Whether it is a degree in sports science or an online bachelor degree kinesiology, having a trained professional will help you make the most out of your time and money.

Summary

If you are looking for a fitness coach to help you build an effective workout plan, consider these tips and start finding an expert you can trust.