Despite what some people on social media would have you believe, getting in shape is far from easy. Sure, on paper it’s one of the easiest things in the world, but as you know, the real world is anything but black and white. For those of you that have decided that 2018 is your year – the year that you finally get into shape, perhaps you’ve considered hiring a personal trainer. Personal trainers, or PTs, as they are sometimes known, can be incredibly instrumental in regards to getting in shape and helping people reach their fitness goals and targets. The problem however, is that there are some PTs out there that are simply not up to the task at hand. If you’re looking to hire a trainer to help get you in shape for the upcoming year, here are 3 important qualities to look for in a personal trainer.
Passion for health and fitness – As you may have heard, fit is not simply a destination, it is a way of life, and when searching for a trainer, you need one that has embraced this very lifestyle. One of the most important qualities to look for in a PT is a passion for health and fitness. You want a trainer that absolutely loves what they do for a living, rather than one that is simply looking to make a quick buck. Look for a PT that talks passionately about health and fitness, where you can see their eyes light up at the mere mention of the word ‘exercise’. Their passion will motivate them to beast you into bettering yourself, which is exactly what you will need.
Knowledge – Next up we have knowledge. When we say knowledge, we don’t mean general knowledge, or a basic understanding of particle physics, we mean knowledge regarding sports, fitness, health, and nutrition. Try to find out what experience and qualifications relevant to their profession that they possess, and don’t be afraid to ask them a few questions to see how they respond. They don’t need to know every single in and out of the human anatomy, but a more advanced grasp of human physiology and sports science is certainly recommended.
Self-discipline – Although they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you can tell a lot about a personal trainer by looking at what kind of shape they themselves are in. When hiring a PT, ideally you want a PT that is in pretty good shape at the very least. If you come across a PT that is clearly out of shape, and trust us, there are plenty out there, this is worrying. The reason it’s worrying is because if they can’t be bothered to even take care of themselves, why should they be bothered to take care of complete strangers. You don’t need a PT that looks ready to step on stage and challenge for the Mr Universe title, but at the same time, look for a trainer that is at least in good shape, as this shows they have self-discipline, which means they will likely have the discipline needed to help get you fit and healthy.