Hiring a trainer can be one of the best investments you’ll make in your health, but gyms seem to be crawling with them, so how do you find the one for you?
Here are five things every great trainer should have:
#1 Solid qualifications
Of course, like most industries, being qualified is a no-brainer. But take a closer look at what exactly your potential trainer is qualified in. It’s not actually that difficult to get qualified as a PT trainer; certificates III and IV in fitness, and First Aid/CPR training are all that’s required.
For more complex conditions, an Exercise Physiologist will hold a four-year university degree and are allied health professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. AEPs provide support for clients with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health problems, cancer, arthritis, pulmonary disease and more. AEPs are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover and are claimable through private health insurers.
Don’t be afraid to ask where they’ve done further training and check that those qualifications align with your personal goals.
#2 They walk the walk
Look around your gym at the trainers – you’ll learn so much from the way they operate. How do they present themselves? A good trainer will lead by example. They don’t have to look like a body-builder, how buff you are is definitely not a sign of how good you are as a coach. However, trainers do need to be fit, healthy and clean. If someone has trouble getting them self into shape, how can they inspire you to do it?
#3 Proof of results
Okay, your potential trainer doesn’t need to be an Instagram star (that proves nothing!), but if someone is running a reputable business, they’ll have some kind of digital proof, whether it be a good website, Facebook page or recommendations from other clients. The longer they’ve been in the game, the more recommendations and proof of results they’ll be able to show you no matter what your goal is; managing your chronic condition, fat loss, posture correction, or movement correction.
#4 A thorough assessment procedure
If you launch straight into a workout in your first session, alarm bells should ring. Before you even pick up a weight the two of you should discuss in detail your health and Illness History, doctors communications (if you have any), goals and any concerns you might have. Your trainer should also do a full body assessment, posture and mobility assessment so they know exactly how you move, in order to keep you safe.
#5 A likeable and friendly personality
At the end of the day, you actually have to like your trainer. This person is responsible for motivating you when you’d rather be in bed or at the pub. They could have all the qualifications under the sun, but if you don’t actually like them as a human being, your sessions will feel lifetimes long. Rapport is just as important to training as the workout itself and great coaches care about their clients. They know your birthday, ask about your life outside the gym, check in on you regularly and sometimes even shout you coffee.
Your trainer should also be able to read you. Not immediately, but after a few months they hopefully know you well enough to understand when it’s time to push or time to lighten the load – without you even saying a word.
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Are you looking for a professional trainer who can help you go beyond your chronic health condition?
TPM Fitness
At TPM you will find our trainer to be an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) who will look after you if you have a Chronic health or Musculo-skeletal issues but also if you would like help beyond this scope. Sean comes from a Movement and CrossFit background, allowing you to keep moving well with limited Pain, longer term.
AEP vs. PT
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are allied-health professionals with Medicare Provider numbers and are trained members of the health and medical sector. Fitness professionals (e.g. personal trainers) are members of the sport and recreation sector.
Personal Trainer
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Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
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ESSA– AEP governing body explains some of the conditions an Exercise Physiologist can assist with:
- Overcome persisting pain caused by injury or overuse
- Improve your heart health
- Rehabilitate following a cardiac event
- Control your diabetes
- Prevent pre-diabetes from progressing to full diabetes
- Improve your recovery following cancer treatment
- Improve your general health and well-being
For the Month of January, TPM Fitness is offering You the opportunity to access a
FREE MOVEMENT SCREEN
with Sean to witness the benefits of an AEP
(No strings attached or obligations to re-book)
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5 Trainer Tips thanks to Cassie White
