If getting fit was an easy task, we’d all be walking around looking like a bodybuilder, but that isn’t the case. A fitness journey is long and hard, and sometimes we need help. The first place we go to for some help is personal trainers, but it can be hard to know which one is right for you. You need a personal trainer that will fit your personality, your needs, and motivate you to become better. So here’s what to look for in a personal trainer. 

Look at credentials

With so many people out there claiming to be personal trainers, looking at the credentials is super important. You want to look for someone that is certified by an organization that is reputable. The reason this is so important is that organizations can make sure that the trainer acts professionally and will not push their clients to do unhealthy things in both diet and exercise. Plenty of personal trainers out there aren’t certified, so they are not held responsible for how they treat their clients. If your trainer is helping you with nutrition, make sure they are also certified or well-educated about food and diet as well, because nutrition is actually a huge part of the fitness journey. 

Look at experience

Another way to make sure your trainer will be able to meet your needs is to look at their experience. If their client base is similar to yourself and the trainer has good reviews, they are likely to be a good fit for you. You want a trainer that is experienced because no amount of textbook knowledge can replace the practical challenges of training. An experienced trainer will be able to point out any mistakes you are making, they will know how to deal with a busy schedule, and they’ll know how to support a variety of people with different needs. Studies actually show that teaching is a great way to learn, so the more a trainer has taught, the more they know. They should also be able to recognize when to push you and when to be gentle. 

Look at how they deal with injuries

If you plan on training a lot, it’s going to be inevitable that you may have an injury at some point. Age is a big factor in risk for injury, and some of us even start a fitness journey with recurring injuries to begin with. It is important to find a trainer that knows how to work around injuries both small and big. They need to know multiple varieties of the same exercise so that they can work around whatever joint or muscle is aching on any given day. This will help keep your fitness journey on track as you won’t have to skip training days due to injuries.

Look at cost

It’s great finding a trainer that meets your athletic and personal needs but they have to meet your financial needs as well. Getting a trainer should not make you broke, nor should you have to sacrifice a meal just to get consistent training. If you really like a trainer but cannot afford them, look into other options. Some trainers offer discounts if you work out in a group or they offer classes which are bound to be cheaper than hiring them privately. 

At the end of the day, finding a good trainer may take some time. They have to be just as dedicated as you are and they have to know how to manage you on your worst days. Fitness can take a long time, so remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with this person and you have to make sure they’re the right fit for you.