{"id":4656,"date":"2022-06-15T05:38:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T05:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/?p=4656"},"modified":"2022-06-16T02:47:52","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T02:47:52","slug":"how-to-find-a-good-personal-trainer-or-coach-5-mistakes-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/everything-else\/how-to-find-a-good-personal-trainer-or-coach-5-mistakes-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568571\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/legos-training-together-713x297-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two Legos about to workout together.\" width=\"713\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/legos-training-together-713x297-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/legos-training-together-300x125-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/legos-training-together.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/legos-training-together-600x250-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Before you fork out some cash for a personal trainer, read this guide!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019ll help you spot the difference between a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bad personal trainer and an AMAZING trainer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And trust us, having the right trainer can make ALL the difference in the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s nothing worse than <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">spending 6+ months in a gym (and thousands of dollars) with a trainer<\/span>, only to step on the scale and realize that you haven\u2019t made any progress.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3985938\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/the-worst.gif\" alt=\"someone singing &quot;The Worst&quot;\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>I\u2019ve worked with good trainers and bad trainers over the past 16 years, have worked with the same online personal trainer since 2014, and we have a team of 15 personal trainers on Team Nerd Fitness.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Long story short, we know our stuff, and we&#8217;ll give it to you straight. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>Whether or not you want to check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\">1-on-1 Online Training Program<\/a>, this guide is going to help you with all the details.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLearn how an online personal trainer can change your life :\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p><b>In this guide we\u2019ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to personal trainers &#8211; both in-person and online:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#what_do_you_need_from_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#1) What do you need from a personal trainer?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#how_to_find_a_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#2) How to find a good personal trainer.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#signs_of_a_bad_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#3) What are the signs of a bad personal trainer?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#certifications_for_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#4) What certifications should a personal trainer have? <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#costs_of_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#5) How much does a personal trainer cost?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#should_i_hire_an_online_personal_trainer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros and cons of hiring an online personal trainer.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#how_to_hire_a_personal_trainer\">How to hire a personal trainer: next steps.<\/a><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"more-956782\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a name=\"what_do_you_need_from_personal_trainer\"><\/a>What do you need from a personal trainer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Find the Right Personal Trainer (for You)\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RjPjZoxXwIQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>As Coach Matt explains in the video above, the first question you need to ask when hiring a personal trainer: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">do they match up with your goals?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And yep, that means we&#8217;re going to have to pick some goals in the first place!<\/p>\n<p>So start by picking your goals and then determine if the trainer you\u2019re paired up with is the right fit for you. Like dating, you can meet somebody who&#8217;s amazing but not right for you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3903299\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/kill-me.gif\" alt=\"A gif of Chandler saying &quot;kill me&quot;\" width=\"331\" height=\"276\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If somebody is a competitive marathon runner, they might not be a great powerlifting coach, and vice versa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So, start with your goals <b>for finding a personal trainer<\/b>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Are you trying to lose 300 pounds? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/losing-the-last-20-pounds-7-lessons-learned-while-still-eating-carbs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">20 pounds<\/a>? Get to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/body-fat-percentage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10% body fat<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Are you trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">get stronger<\/a> or hold your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-handstands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">first handstand<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Do you want to become a competitive powerlifter?<\/li>\n<li>Are you looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/couch-to-5k-crucial-things-to-know-before-you-start-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">run your first 5k<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Do you just want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/get-in-shape\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">get in shape<\/a>, feel better, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/25-ways-to-exercise-without-realizing-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">enjoy exercise<\/a>?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These goals will largely determine the type of trainer you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MISTAKE #1<\/span>: Not making sure your trainer has expertise in the area you want to train in. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Expertise in one area does not necessarily make them a good fit in another!<\/p>\n<p><strong>After that, you\u2019ll want to think about what you NEED from your personal trainer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Are you looking for a powerlifting coach<\/strong> to show you the basics (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">squat<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-deadlift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">deadlift<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-do-you-bench-strength-training-101-the-bench-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bench<\/a>) so your form is right? Just a few sessions up front and a few later down the line to confirm you\u2019re on the right path might suffice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Are you new to working out or looking to kick start your first 2 months of training<\/strong> with 2 sessions per week to keep you disciplined?<\/li>\n<li><strong>What type of person are you?<\/strong> Do you need more hands-on guidance throughout your workouts, or more space to take ownership and thrive on your own? Do you need somebody who will cheer you on or do you need tough love from somebody to call you on your bullshit?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you set proper expectations with what you want and how long you need a trainer for, then you can pick out one that hopefully will work for you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tGet matched with a coach that fits your personality!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"how_to_find_a_personal_trainer\"><\/a>How to find a good personal trainer<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568579\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch-713x535-1.jpg\" alt=\"A personal trainer stretching out a client.\" width=\"713\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch-713x535-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch-300x225-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch-768x576-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch-600x450-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-stretch.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Once you find a trainer you are considering working with, the next step should always be an in-depth conversation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MISTAKE #2<\/span>: Blindly accepting what your trainer tells you without making sure you fit together!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They <strong>SHOULD<\/strong> be listening to you completely and hear your full story.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They <strong>SHOULD<\/strong> ask about any past issues with injuries or experience with exercise. If you\u2019re injured or have any deficiencies, they should know this so they can create a great program for you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They <strong>SHOULD<\/strong> ask you about your nutrition. If they don\u2019t ask about your nutrition, you\u2019re going to be wasting your time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They\u00a0<strong>SHOULD<\/strong> practice what they preach. They don\u2019t have to be an Olympian, but should have a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They <strong>SHOULD<\/strong> tell you about their expertise and how they can help you. They should be able to share past successes of clients with you or point to their credentials and history of success.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">They <strong>SHOULD<\/strong> set proper expectations. You won\u2019t get ripped in a month, but they can let you know it could take many months to get in shape or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-build-healthy-habits-that-stick\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">build the right kind of habits<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>That\u2019s what to look for.<\/strong> These are the things we specifically focus on with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1-on-1 online coaching program<\/a>. We love helping people in a way that fits their lifestyle, at a pace that they feel great about, while actually having fun.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tExercise doesn&#8217;t need to suck! Click to learn about our Online Coaching program:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><b><a name=\"signs_of_a_bad_personal_trainer\"><\/a>What are the Signs of a bad personal trainer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568581\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer-713x473-1.jpg\" alt=\"Our Lego friend is terrified of bad personal trainers. \" width=\"713\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer-713x473-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer-300x199-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer-768x510-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer-600x398-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-is-afraid-of-bad-personal-trainer.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beware the \u201centertainment exercise\u201d trainers with a routine that isn\u2019t catered to your goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MISTAKE #3<\/span>: Thinking a workout is more effective because it&#8217;s confusing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many trainers just try to confuse you with needlessly complex movements, and put all their clients through roughly the same cookie-cutter plan.<\/p>\n<p>Why? because they know it makes them <em>look<\/em> knowledgeable without actually needing to do something effectively:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>\u201cNow balance on this bosu ball while doing these dumbbell squat lunge curls and standing on one foot with your tongue out! Muscle confusion!<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>I hope you saved some energy for the row machine.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3610402\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/weird-workout.gif\" alt=\"Make sure the training from your PT matches your goals!\" width=\"339\" height=\"190\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tough workouts are great, but remember that while it\u2019s easy to get someone tired (&#8220;go do 100 burpees!&#8221;), it&#8217;s harder to help someone slowly improve and build momentum.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sure, it might elevate your heart rate and tire you out, but if it\u2019s not building towards your goals in a way that you couldn\u2019t do at home, what are you paying for?<\/p>\n<p>They might also have just obtained a basic certification and stopped their education there, relying on \u2018conventional wisdom\u2019 rather than doing the research and building the experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If your trainer says any of the following phrases, run for the high hills:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>&#8220;<\/em>Yeah you don&#8217;t want to squat too low &#8211; it&#8217;s bad for your knees.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Use this machine; it&#8217;s safer for you than free weights&#8221; (unless you have an injury)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Yes, you should be using mostly your back. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s called the back squat&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThese (ab) exercise will burn fat from your stomach in no time\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2009\/08\/24\/why-you-cant-spot-remove-fat\/\">You can\u2019t spot reduce fat<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>I have overheard all of these sound bites\u00a0from real trainers in real gyms, and it made me weep like the Native American in the 1970s pollution ad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Crying Indian - full commercial - Keep America Beautiful\" width=\"950\" height=\"713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j7OHG7tHrNM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Your trainer should be results-focused,<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0not focused on scheduling you a new session and keeping you around.<\/p>\n<p><em>I often see clients working with trainers for months and months and that client never looks any different.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>The trainer is just interested in cashing another check.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Remember,<\/strong> <strong>your personal trainer works for YOU<\/strong>: Don\u2019t let them build a program that doesn\u2019t actually fit your needs!.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Do they adjust your workout to take care of any pre-existing injuries you may have<\/strong>, or do they just give you a cookie cutter workout?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Are they encouraging or helping you succeed in the way you want to be encouraged<\/strong>, or are they scrolling through Instagram models on their phones while you\u2019re doing your sets?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Are they putting in the time so they can see you get results, <\/strong>or are they putting in the time so they can check the box and collect your money?<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re paying money for this person\u2019s expertise and attention &#8211; it\u2019s not too much to ask to find somebody who\u00a0takes those things seriously.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3603508\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/clever.gif\" alt=\"Getting in shape requires you to go when you don&#039;t feel like going\" width=\"498\" height=\"288\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><a name=\"certifications_for_personal_trainer\"><\/a>What certifications should a personal trainer have? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568590\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork-713x473-1.jpg\" alt=\"A personal trainer high-fiving a client. \" width=\"713\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork-713x473-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork-300x199-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork-768x510-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork-600x398-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/personal-trainer-teamwork.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>There are a wide variety of personal trainer certifications and other \u201ccredibility indicators.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The more traditional path &#8211; a degree in exercise science or kinesiology may mean the trainer in question is knowledgeable about the human body.<\/p>\n<p>However, that doesn\u2019t speak to any experience they may or may not have coaching in real-world circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6 of the most popular personal trainer certifications are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsca.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>NSCA:<\/strong> National Strength and Conditioning Association<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acsm.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>ACSM:<\/strong> American College of Sports Medicine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasm.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>NASM:<\/strong> National Academy of Sports Medicine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acefitness.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>ACE:<\/strong> American Council on Exercise<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalpti.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>NPTI<\/strong>: National Personal Training Institute<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/certifications.crossfit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CrossFit<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.t-nation.com\/living\/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer\">T-Nation provides<\/a> a rundown of the pros and cons from a trainer&#8217;s perspective that we feel is also useful insight from a client\u2019s perspective. Be sure to check them out if you want to learn more about what\u2019s behind your trainer&#8217;s certification.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CrossFit certifications<\/strong> are completed in a single weekend. While a CrossFit certification does not make a trainer bad (there are <em>plenty<\/em> of excellent CrossFit coaches out there!), it does not guarantee excellence either.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/2012\/03\/01\/a-beginners-guide-to-crossfit\/\">Here are our thoughts on CrossFit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A certification from NPTI<\/strong> &#8211; the National Personal Training Institute &#8211; is a credential gained from going to a full school on personal training (rather than attending a class or taking a test).<\/p>\n<p>While no certification can fully promise excellence, we believe trainers with NPTI certifications are worth your consideration.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CAVEAT TO ALL OF THIS<\/span>:<\/strong> Plenty of trainers who have NO certification are incredible, and plenty of other trainers have the most elite certifications and are terrible trainers.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MISTAKE #4<\/span>: Blindly accepting a trainer&#8217;s credentials or discounting a trainer without certain credentials.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Certifications can be a starting point, but it shouldn&#8217;t be the determining factor.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>One of the most important things to look for in your trainer isn\u2019t a credential or certification at all, but real experience and an enthusiasm for helping you reach your goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">powerlift<\/a> or get into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/olympic-lifting-run-faster-and-jump-higher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Olympic lifting<\/a>?<\/strong> Look for someone who has successfully competed in their fields, or someone who actually coaches athletes who do compete!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/why-cant-i-lose-weight-heres-the-truth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lose a lot of weight<\/a>?<\/strong> Ask a trainer to share with you success stories from people who are like you.<\/p>\n<p>In our view, finding a trainer with proven experience and a track record of performing or coaching (or both) in the area of your goals is the most valuable step you can take to ensure quality.<\/p>\n<p><em>The credential is only a starting point.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainers aren\u2019t cheap, but the\u00a0benefits can be priceless.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Remember, you aren\u2019t paying simply for their time with you. You&#8217;re paying for the years and years they\u2019ve spent learning, training, and coaching.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the years behind the certification that makes their time so valuable, so expect the cost of a trainer to be significantly more than the cost of a basic membership at your gym.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLearn more about our Online Coaching program!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"costs_of_personal_trainer\"><\/a>How much does a personal trainer cost? Are Personal Trainers Worth it?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568612\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried-713x475-1.jpg\" alt=\"This Lego wants to know how much personal training costs.\" width=\"713\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried-713x475-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried-768x512-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried-600x400-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-worried.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The cost of a personal trainer can vary dramatically depending on:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Where you live (in an expensive city, small town, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>The quantity and duration of your training sessions.<\/li>\n<li>What kind of training you are looking for.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But you want specifics. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average North American trainer charges $55 for an hour session.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-1\" id=\"refmark-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s an \u201caverage\u201d so let\u2019s break it down a little.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are the prices for working with a trainer in various capacities at my generic commercial gym in the NYC area (definitely on the more expensive end):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>4 sessions per month:<\/strong> $95 per session = $380\/month<\/li>\n<li><strong>8 sessions per month:<\/strong> $85 per session = $680\/month<\/li>\n<li><strong>12 sessions per month:<\/strong> $79 per session = $948\/month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3570111\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pic-from-gym-713x535-1.jpg\" alt=\"This is what one can expect to pay for personal training near NYC.\" width=\"713\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pic-from-gym-713x535-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pic-from-gym-300x225-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pic-from-gym-768x576-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pic-from-gym-600x450-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is this pricing more or less than you expected?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here is how much a personal trainer costs at:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Global Gyms: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most big box gyms offer personal training: <\/span><\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">LA Fitness<\/span>: you can expect to pay about $60 per session. <\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">24-Hour Fitness<\/span>: it\u2019ll be about $80 per session. <\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Anytime Fitness<\/span>: as little as $35 a session.<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Luxury Gyms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you go to a more upscale gym like Equinox, expect to pay \u201cluxury\u201d prices of $110+ an hour.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>In-Home Personal Training. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t want to head to the gym, you can actually have a personal trainer come to your home. The cost on this could be all over the place, but a rough average would be about $65 for an hour session.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different trainers will have different qualifications and expertise, leading to vastly different training <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experiences<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can be really important.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MISTAKE #5<\/span>: Thinking &#8220;more expensive&#8221; automatically means &#8220;better results.&#8221;\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Cost is not the right metric. VALUE is the right metric! <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your goals and the results you&#8217;re after:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">$30 per session<\/span> might be overpaying for a crap trainer who gives you a generic workout and doesn&#8217;t care about you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">$100 per session<\/span> might be a STEAL if it&#8217;s an amazing trainer that gets to know your life and your personality, motivates you in the way you need to be motivated, and helps you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-you-hit-a-plateau\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">get past a plateau<\/a> when you stall.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>That\u2019s why remembering your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/get-in-shape\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8220;get in shape&#8221; goals<\/a><\/strong> is critical when buying a personal trainer. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re looking to do 5 sessions to improve your powerlifting technique, that&#8217;s different than hiring a trainer to be with you in person 3x a week to get you to the gym. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">HOW TO THINK ABOUT HIRING A TRAINER<\/span>:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re not just paying for an hour of somebody&#8217;s time.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re paying for their years of experience, schooling, training, and expertise.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re paying to outsource ALL of your fitness questions to somebody who knows what they&#8217;re doing.<\/p>\n<p>Somebody who gives you the confidence you&#8217;re training correctly.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3581841\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/muppet-strength-training.gif\" alt=\"This Muppet knows strength training will help him gain muscle and lose weight.\" width=\"368\" height=\"207\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>So instead of &#8220;I am paying this trainer for 1 hour, this is too expensive,&#8221; what you&#8217;re really paying for is confidence, momentum, and (hopefully) results.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As somebody who has worked with an online trainer since 2014, I would pay any amount of money to my coach (just don&#8217;t tell him that) because I love getting results after years of struggle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How does an in-person trainer compare to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our online coaching program<\/a>? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our pricing comes in at a less-expensive price than 4 sessions per month with a trainer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">In addition to building you a workout program for the month, we also help you with your nutrition, mindset, and goals, and answer all the questions you have.<\/p>\n<p>There are very real pros and cons to <a href=\"#should_i_hire_an_online_personal_trainer\">hiring an online personal trainer<\/a>, so make sure you read that next section.<\/p>\n<p>So a trainer can be AMAZING and worth every penny, IF you have the right one who also takes an active role in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">your nutrition<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>After all, workouts only make up 1-3 hours per week. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>W<\/em><\/span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hat about the other 165? That&#8217;s where the progress happens! And your coach should be helping you there too!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLearn more how our Online Coaching Program can help you actually hit your goals!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"should_i_hire_an_online_personal_trainer\"><\/a>SHOULD I HIRE AN ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINER? WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AN ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINER?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3568592\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete-713x401-1.jpg\" alt=\"This Lego athlete is ready for his personal training.\" width=\"713\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete-713x401-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete-300x169-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete-768x432-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete-600x338-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-athlete.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning: I&#8217;m going to be slightly biased in this area, but I&#8217;ll share the honest pros and cons of online training:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>As I\u2019ve mentioned, I\u2019ve been working with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online trainer<\/a> since 2014, and it\u2019s allowed me to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/5-lessons-learned-from-a-skinny-nerd-deadlifting-420-pounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">prove an internet troll wrong<\/a>\u00a0and then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/losing-the-last-20-pounds-7-lessons-learned-while-still-eating-carbs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lose 22 pounds in 6 months<\/a> while getting super strong!<\/p>\n<p><b>Here are the Pros of Online Personal Training:<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#1) Freedom to fit your schedule. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an online personal coach, you can train when and where you want to fit your schedule &#8211; your coach builds the workout program for you ahead of time, so you can fit it in at your convenience. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare this to a traditional coach, and you\u2019re at the mercy of their busy schedule. If they only have time Friday morning at 8am, and you\u2019re not a morning person, conflict ensues. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#2) Persistent worldwide accountability.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> I\u2019m borrowing this phrase from a NF Coaching Client, Jeff (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-jeff-the-doctor-engineer-and-startup-junkie-finally-put-himself-first-a-success-story\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">his success story is great<\/a>). No matter where in the globe you are, your online trainer comes with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3608549\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jeff-Before-After-713x466-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"570\" height=\"373\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jeff-Before-After.png 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jeff-Before-After-300x196-1.png 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jeff-Before-After-600x392-1.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Which means the accountability never stops.<\/strong> If you travel for work, your coach can plan for that and build you a special travel routine. Getting relocated for work? No problem &#8211; your coach will still be there. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#3) Nutritional guidance. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With most traditional personal trainers, you engage with them only during your scheduled visits: they help you work out and that\u2019s about it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an online personal trainer, you\u2019re connected whenever you have access to the internet. And I would imagine that MOST online coaching programs, work with you on the most important part of the equation: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">eating healthier<\/a>! <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AKA everything that happens in the 23 hours outside of the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#4) More cost-effective. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most in-person personal trainers are expensive, especially if you work out with them two or three times a week. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s because if your trainer is working with you, they can\u2019t work with anybody else at the same time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you work with an online coach, because you aren\u2019t training with them 1-on-1 in the gym, they can provide more cost-effective guidance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you factor in their availability via chat and their help on habits and your nutrition, you\u2019re looking at a life-changing experience if you find a coach that fits your personality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#5) It might be the\u00a0<em>only<\/em> option.\u00a0<\/b>With so many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/should-i-go-back-to-the-gym-when-it-reopens-is-going-to-the-gym-safe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gyms closing because of the pandemic<\/a>, you might not even have much of a choice here.\u00a0<em>Here&#8217;s our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stay-in-shape-without-leaving-the-house-the-ultimate-guide-for-getting-fit-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">staying in shape (while staying inside)<\/a> if you need to train from home.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When comparing online coaches versus regular coaches, I\u2019m going to share the cons as if you have the option between a GREAT online coach and a GREAT in-person coach. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither of those is guaranteed.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are the cons of an online coach when compared against a real-life equivalent:<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#1) Your coach can\u2019t do the work for you. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s nothing stopping you from skipping a workout and lying to your online coach that you did it. Nobody wins in this scenario, but I can totally see it happening. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So yeah, an online coach can\u2019t pick up the weight for you, and they can\u2019t yell at you to put down the donut. You have to do the work!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#2) No real-time feedback and instant form check.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re learning how to powerlift, or you\u2019re going for a particular heavy lift, having a coach right there is HUGE. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can tell you to move your squat slightly wider. They can guide you through the movement and consistently remind you &#8211; even when tired &#8211; to keep great form.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although we do form-check videos, where we have coaches and clients send clips back and forth to each other, it\u2019s not the same as having somebody critique you in real-time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to nail a particularly challenging lift, or learn a dangerous gymnastics move, working with a trained professional in person is invaluable. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b>#3) The value of sunk cost.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you pay for a month of online coaching, there\u2019s nothing inherently motivating you to go to the gym when it\u2019s cold and you\u2019re tired &#8211; your coach can\u2019t yell at you, and you\u2019re not letting anybody down in the moment when you don\u2019t make it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare this to working with a real coach in person. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You paid $100 for a session, and if you don\u2019t show up, that money is *POOF* gone. So you tell yourself, \u201cI already paid for this, and my coach is gonna be mad, I should probably go.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And then you go. And you\u2019re so glad that you did.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3602631\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/wayne-thumbs-up.gif\" alt=\"Wayne stoked he made it to the gym today to meet his personal trainer!\" width=\"378\" height=\"208\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although your online coach can notice that you haven\u2019t signed in on your app, and they can ask what\u2019s going on, this is after the fact compared to an in-person coach getting stood up. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>There\u2019s a lot to consider when debating in-person training vs. an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online personal trainer<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I wouldn\u2019t say one format is clearly better than or superior to another. It really depends on what you\u2019re after and the circumstances of your situation. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE<\/span>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ve been working with an online trainer since 2014, and it&#8217;s truly been life-changing for me. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I had some goals that had evaded me despite a DECADE of effort, and it took a great coach to coax out the right strategy. It\u2019s how I say (jokingly) that I went from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-tiny-changes-transformed-me-from-steve-rogers-to-captain-america\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Steve Rogers to Captain America<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And it was my coach\u2019s programming that got me a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/5-lessons-learned-from-a-skinny-nerd-deadlifting-420-pounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">420-pound deadlift<\/a> at a bodyweight of 172 pounds:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580373\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-deadlift.gif\" alt=\"Rebel Leader Steve showing how to do a 420 lb deadlift at the gym.\" width=\"512\" height=\"288\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>I\u2019m not gonna set any powerlifting records, but I\u2019m healthier, happier, and stronger each and every month, and I\u2019m damn proud of that. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For somebody that can\u2019t afford a top-of-the-line professional coach for each session, having an online coach to build your programming and guide your food choices is a verrrrry close second.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tStart training and get results today. Learn more about our Coaching Program!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><b><a name=\"how_to_hire_a_personal_trainer\"><\/a>How to hire a personal trainer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3797430\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store.jpg\" alt=\"It&#039;s now time to buy stuff!\" width=\"1109\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store-300x110-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store-713x262-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store-768x282-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store-1536x564-1.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lego-gym-store-600x220-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1109px) 100vw, 1109px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>HERE&#8217;S MY ADVICE:<\/strong> Give your new personal trainer 5 sessions before making a decision that things aren\u2019t working out (sessions are often sold at a discount in a package).<\/p>\n<p>The first session is often exploratory, explanatory, and introductory, and the trainer needs to test your limits and movements to build upon that.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t a \u201cget fit quick\u201d strategy, but rather one that could take months and months for you to find the right person\u00a0to aid you on your journey.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t expect miracles in a day!<\/p>\n<p><strong>A few words of wisdom if you do hire a trainer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">DO NOT USE YOUR TRAINER AS AN EXCUSE<\/span>:<\/strong> Too many people will hire up a trainer and give no effort in the gym or the kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when they fail to see results they can turn to their friends and say &#8220;man, my trainer is terrible, THAT&#8217;S why I&#8217;m not losing weight\/getting stronger\/etc.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This happens so much more often than you&#8217;d think. A trainer is a guide, like Morpheus.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3610421\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/morpheus.gif\" alt=\"Morpheus is kind of like a personal trainer, he&#039;ll show you the way but you have to do the work.\" width=\"334\" height=\"197\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You have to take the pill and walk through the door yourself.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MAKE CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Often\u00a0when the trainer asks them to do something (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/walking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">walk every day<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">throw away junk food<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/vegetable-haters-how-to-start-eating-vegetables\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">eat a vegetable<\/a>), the client\/trainee comes back with 1,001 reasons why they can&#8217;t do that.<\/p>\n<p>No compromise or discussion of possible solutions. This stinks.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of saying &#8220;no,&#8221; offer an alternative solution and negotiate a plan: &#8220;I don&#8217;t really like broccoli, do you have a way to make vegetables taste better?\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, don\u2019t look for problems, look for solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">IF YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH YOUR TRAINER<\/span>:<\/strong> Let them know and continue working with them.<\/p>\n<p>The more information you can give them on your progress, the easier it will be for them to alter your program as you go on.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">IF YOU DON\u2019T ENJOY WORKING WITH YOUR TRAINER<\/span>:<\/strong> That\u2019s okay too. Not all relationships end in marriages.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-not-suck-at-a-first-date\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Some first dates suck<\/a>, and some trainers aren\u2019t what you need.<\/p>\n<p>I think you can be honest with them and let them know that it\u2019s not a good fit and you will not be continuing to work with them.<\/p>\n<p>Good trainers at this point will ask what they could have done better.<\/p>\n<p>Trainers who are simply after your money may guilt trip you or beg you to stick around. Try somebody new and keep the search going.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">REMEMBER: this is a lifelong quest<\/span>, and you\u2019re on the hunt for a great guide to help you on your journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>They won\u2019t do the work for you, and they can\u2019t work miracles.<\/p>\n<p>Have proper expectations, do what you\u2019re told, and this could be the best investment you\u2019ll make in your entire life!<\/p>\n<p><em>Trainers in the Rebellion, what did I miss?<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Those who have had experience working with Trainers, any wisdom to share from your experience?<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>One final note:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Going to a gym<\/a> is intimidating, especially if you&#8217;re starting out.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you are in a location where there aren&#8217;t any great trainers, you don&#8217;t have access to a gym, or you&#8217;re just not ready to work with somebody in person, consider checking out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Online Coaching Program<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Schedule a free call to learn more by clicking on the image below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2945420 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/coach-ad-8-713x296-1.png\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about what you need to look for when it comes to training with a coach in person, or even questions about working with an online trainer, leave them in the comments below so I can chime in!<\/p>\n<p><strong>-Steve<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>###<\/p>\n<p>photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/clement127\/27435831561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Decathlon<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Air_Force_personal_trainer_volunteers_to_get_others_in_shape_110713-A-YQ616-070.jpg\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery1\">wikimedia: high five<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/clement127\/27443677406\/in\/photostream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bicycle<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:JAVIER_LAYUS_PERSONAL_TRAINER.JPG\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery1\">Wikimedia: stretching<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/clement127\/29886225901\/in\/photostream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amazing playground: bicycles and football<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"footnote-list\" style=\"display:none;\"><span id=\"fn-heading\">Footnotes<\/span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;( returns to text)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"footnote-1\" class=\"fn-text\">Hat-tip to <a href=\"https:\/\/lessons.com\/costs\/personal-trainer-cost#rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lessons<\/a>, who provided the costs below<a href=\"#refmark-1\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-hire-a-good-personal-trainer\/\">How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid!<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\">Nerd Fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before you fork out some cash for a personal trainer, read this guide! It\u2019ll help you spot the difference between a bad personal trainer and an AMAZING trainer.\u00a0 And trust us, having the right trainer can make ALL the difference in the world. There\u2019s nothing worse than spending 6+ months in a gym (and thousands [\u2026]<br \/>\nThe post How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid! first appeared on Nerd Fitness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":""},"categories":[20,1,21,22,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4656"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4656"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4707,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4656\/revisions\/4707"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}