Red Flags to Spot When Hiring a Personal Trainer: Expert Advice

Choosing the Right Personal Trainer: Red Flags to Look Out For

• When hiring a personal trainer, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags.
• Avoid personal trainers who tend to enforce the belief of pushing through pain and insist on diagnosing it.
• Opt out of trainers who lack empathy or have an ego-driven approach to fitness training.

Finding a Personal Trainer for Your Fitness Goals

Finding the perfect personal trainer can have a significant impact on achieving your fitness goals. However, it’s crucial to choose the right professional to avoid wasting time, money, and energy.

Business Insider asked Dr. Susie Spirlock, a doctor of physical therapy and strength-training coach at Move Your Bones, and Ashley Hiben, a certified personal trainer at Future, to share their expertise on the red flags to watch for when hiring a personal trainer.

Experience Matters

Practical experience can help trainers hone their communication skills and provide expertise beyond just textbook knowledge. Effective personal trainers can read body language, adapt communication styles, and generate energy and engagement during training sessions.

The “No Pain, No Gain” Misconception

According to Spirlock, a personal trainer should not encourage clients to push through pain during workouts. Pain can indicate potential issues that may require reassessment of exercises and modifications to ensure comfort and safety.

Communication and Empathy in Personal Training

Empathetic trainers who effectively communicate and adapt their training style to each client’s unique needs can be more successful at coaching. Requesting a consultation or assessment before committing to a personal trainer can help gauge their communication style and ensure their approach aligns with your individual needs.

Personal Trainers are Not Medical Professionals

Spirlock emphasizes that diagnosing and treating pain is beyond a personal trainer’s scope of practice. If you have persistent pain that does not improve after modifying workout sessions, a responsible trainer should refer you to appropriate medical professionals.

The Rationale Behind Exercise Selection

Every exercise selected by trainers should be purposeful and aligned with your long-term health goals. If a trainer cannot articulate the intent of certain exercises, they may not have enough experience or not consider your specific goals.

Avoiding Ego-Driven Trainers

Ego-driven trainers who lack empathy can potentially disrupt your progress. In contrast, empathetic trainers who can adapt their coaching style according to your needs and who are open to feedback can be far more effective and supportive in your fitness journey.