Have you ever done a personal-training session and left thinking:
a) “What’s the point of paying $90 an hour for someone to tell me to do five more push-ups when I can barely do one?!”
b) “Is not being able to hold my fork to my mouth because last night’s PT session tore my arms apart a good thing?”
c) “If only I could walk to work… Oh wait, I can barely lift, well, any limb after that brutal PT session from four days ago.”
If you answered YES to one or more of these scenarios, it’s time to break up with your trainer and start treating your search for the right PT as seriously as you would your love life.
Trigger-heavy, us? Well, allow us to continue.
Because, as personal trainers Benji Donhardt and Sascha Meyer remind us, finding a bang-for-your-buck, experienced PT is pretty similar to the basic principles of dating: nutting out what you want from this (plank-filled) relationship, finding someone with a personality compatible with your own, working on open communication and, most importantly, respect.
Don’t believe us? Read. This. Now.
1. Figure out what you want
According to Donhardt, ensuring that you know exactly what you’re looking for in the area and especially type of fitness regime you want to take on.
“Get your goals down on paper and try to match them with the personal trainers you have in mind,” he explains.
This includes comparing their experience and philosophy towards fitness with the goals you want to achieve.
2. Always go for personality
Just like you would when dating someone new, if there is ~platonic~ chemistry between you and your PT, you’re more likely to enjoy doing that third set of burpees and, ultimately, reach your fitness goals.
“Always choose a PT who has a personality compatible with yours,” Donhardt tells us. “That’ll will make the sessions fun and never boring.”
3. Communication is key
Similar to navigating the rocky terrain that can come with dating (le sigh), being able to talk through what you want to get out of your PT sessions with your trainer will put you on the fast track to kicking your fitness goals.
“I believe great communication is a must when hiring a PT,” Donhardt explains. “This way, if you’re not happy with how your training is going or not seeing the results you want, you talk to them about it, reassess the regime in place and make the appropriate changes.”
On top of this, Sascha Meyer agrees, adding that if a PT you’re thinking of employing hasn’t offered you a try-before-you-buy training session, you should think twice about training with them at all.
“I believe that every gym or PT should offer you the first session for free,” he says.
“This will give you the opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with the PT before getting you to sign a contract that you might regret down the track.”
4. Although, you also want a listener – not just a drill sergeant
As Meyer puts it, along with opting for a trainer who actually practises what they preach (meaning: they teach you tried-and-tested fitness techniques), you also want someone who is a good listener.
“When it comes to the best kind of personal trainer,” he begins, “you should select someone who listens more than they talk.”
“That way, they will be able narrow in on what your goals and needs are, then develop the right program accordingly.”
Not only that, but Meyer recommends keeping an eye on your PT’s time in order to get the best value for your money.
“Being professional means always being on time,” he says. “You want someone who is punctual, passionate about what they do, as well as a great fitness mentor and role model to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.”
5. Identify a connection
Along with liking them as a person, it’s important to find a connection with your PT that goes further than a mojito-infused D&M with a Tinderfella.
“You should feel comfortable around your PT and have some sort of connection with their style of training and way of living,” Donhardt asserts.
“It’s important to always feel motivated by your PT and that the two of you have a mutual respect for each other from the very beginning.”
If you’re thinking about changing your fitness routine in any way, be sure to speak to a personal trainer or GP first.
