Mistake #1: Hiring an unqualified Personal Trainer
It’s possible to become a personal trainer in as little as a weekend. Which is scary! (I can’t tell you how many certified trainers I’ve interviewed that don’t know basic anatomy or injury-prevention principles.) So it’s important that your trainer have more than a basic certification – look for someone with a college diploma or university degree in a health-related subject, and the more additional/specialized training the better. Also, CPR certification is a must.
Mistake #2: Hiring a Trainer without a Plan
A plan, with mini goals plotted out along the way, is critical for long-term success. Which is why we track, measure, and goal-set on the regular over here. So ask your trainer how all that works. Will you start with a goal-setting session? How often will you be re-assessed? What does success look like?
Mistake #3: Hiring a Trainer you end up not liking
This one’s a question for you, as opposed to them. And it’s a simple – but oh, so important – one: Do you like the person sitting in front of you? Are they respectful? Do you feel understood? Are they friendly? If all goes well, you’ll spend a fair bit of time with this person, so you want to choose a person you’ll look forward to seeing, who makes you feel comfortable.