Have you ever done a personal-training session and left thinking:
a) โWhatโs the point of paying $90 an hour for someone to tell me to do five more push-ups when I can barely do one?!โ
b) โIs not being able to hold my fork to my mouth because last nightโs PT session tore my arms apart a good thing?โ
c) โIf only I could walk to workโฆ Oh wait, I can barely lift, well, any limb after that brutal PT session from four days ago.โ
If you answered YES to one or more of these scenarios, itโs 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.
Donโt believe us? Read. This. Now.
1. Figure out what you want
According to Donhardt, ensuring that you know exactly what youโre looking for in the area and especially type of fitness regime you want to take on.
โGet your goals down on paper and try to match them with the personal trainers you have in mind,โ 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, youโre more likely to enjoy doing that third set of burpees and, ultimately, reach your fitness goals.
โAlways choose a PT who has a personality compatible with yours,โ Donhardt tells us. โThatโll will make the sessions fun and never boring.โ
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.
โI believe great communication is a must when hiring a PT,โ Donhardt explains. โThis way, if youโre 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.โ
On top of this, Sascha Meyer agrees, adding that if a PT youโre thinking of employing hasnโt offered you a try-before-you-buy training session, you should think twice about training with them at all.
โI believe that every gym or PT should offer you the first session for free,โ he says.
โThis 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.โ
4. Although, you also want a listener โ 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.
โWhen it comes to the best kind of personal trainer,โ he begins, โyou should select someone who listens more than they talk.โ
โThat way, they will be able narrow in on what your goals and needs are, then develop the right program accordingly.โ
Not only that, but Meyer recommends keeping an eye on your PTโs time in order to get the best value for your money.
โBeing professional means always being on time,โ he says. โYou 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 youโre looking for.โ
5. Identify a connection
Along with liking them as a person, itโs important to find a connection with your PT that goes further than a mojito-infused D&M with a Tinderfella.
โYou should feel comfortable around your PT and have some sort of connection with their style of training and way of living,โ Donhardt asserts.
โItโs 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.โ
If youโre thinking about changing your fitness routine in any way, be sure to speak to a personal trainer or GP first.