Choosing a personal trainer or strength coach requires more research than just walking into your nearest gym and asking for the next available trainer.  This is a major “Stupid Gym Shit” topic because there are way too many individuals paying for a training service that is completely unjustified.  I’ve been astonished by what I’ve witnessed during a client’s training session in gyms across the country, and I often question why they ever return for another round of Stupid Gym Shit!

Before you jump into a training program with the next available trainer, take a second and conduct a small amount of research.  The internet is great way to look at the qualifications of a fitness professional.  Before embarking on any exercise program, you’re most likely going to have a consultation with the potential trainer.   During these consultations is when the trainer asks the bulk of the questions, but I encourage you to show up prepared with your own list of questions.  Anybody can be a personal trainer and the scary part is that anyone can give themselves a “certified” personal trainer title.  All you have to do is go on the Internet and buy one of these B.S. certifications, and the next thing you know, you’re printing business cards with title of “certified” personal trainer under your name.  I strongly believe this is why many trainers get a bad reputation. It’s just way too easy to get into the industry. Below is a list of what is important to know before hiring a fitness professional/trainer.

  • Education: Degrees in an Exercise Science related field is always a plus.
  • Experience: How long have they been a trainer?
  • Certifications: What current certifications do they hold (they do expire)?
  • Client Testimonials: You want to see before and after pictures here.  Written testimonials are good, but the pictures speak for themselves.
  • Personal Experience/Accomplishments: What fitness related goals has the trainer personally achieved (awards, completing a marathon, fitness competitions, workshops, etc.)?

*    Personality: Does their personality work with yours?

There are only about 4 nationally recognized personal training certifications. They require a trainer to have a strong foundational understanding of health and fitness.  The certifying organizations are listed below and within each certification there are usually specialty certifications as well (corrective exercise, weight management, etc.).

1)   National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

2)   American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

3)   National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

4)   American Council on Exercise (ACE)

There are many other advanced and specialty certifications out there besides the 4 listed above, but these are the basic 4 national certifications that you want to look for when hiring a fitness professional.

Many people already have a trainer and I’m sure they’ve done their research before any hiring took place.  But this wouldn’t be a Stupid Gym Shit article if I didn’t point out what doesn’t fall into the category of being an ACTUAL fitness professional.  Now of course some trainers will do a few of these here and there, but if you find a pattern forming, I question how well your money and time is being invested.

  • If your trainer doesn’t have a workout program for you, they’re not a professional.
  • If your trainer doesn’t regularly measure your progress and share it with you, they’re not a professional.
  • If your trainer puts you through the same workout routine as the other 6 people they trained for the day, they’re not a professional (workouts should be specific to each individuals goal and level of experience).
  • If your trainer walks into work with a McDonald’s cup or potato chips, they’re not a professional (we all splurge, but NEVER at work)!
  • If your trainer texts or answers a call during your session, they’re not a professional (most professionals don’t keep their phones on them during a training session).
  • If your trainer never corrects anything you ever do, they’re not a professional (trainers are not professional rep-counters and I guarantee your form isn’t always perfect).
  • If your trainer is late, cancels on you, or is consistently rescheduling you, they’re not a professional.
  • If you workout more frequently and are in better shape than your trainer, they’re not a professional (there are some exceptions to this, but not many).
  • If your trainer doesn’t motivate, inspire, and set achievable goals, they’re not a professional.

There is so much more I can add to this list, but these are the main faults I see which separate personal trainers from fitness professionals.  To be a professional you must first be an expert in your related field, and then deliver outstanding service.  There are plenty of trainers out there with a master’s degree and every certification you can list, but for some reason they can’t effectively put all that knowledge to use and inspire someone to outstanding results.  Knowledge is great, but motivation is what’s going to get results.  Does your trainer motivate and inspire you?  If the answer is no, I welcome you to fall under the category of Stupid Gym Shit because you’re the one contributing to their paychecks.  Never settle for anything but the best, and you deserve just as much commitment form the trainer as they do from you.  Don’t be a bargain shopper when searching for a trainer.  I can almost guarantee that you’re going to get what you pay for.  Quality fitness professionals are probably going to cost you between $60 – $100 per session, depending on the experience and location of the trainer.