How to Choose A Personal Trainer

July 10, 2023

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Why is a personal trainer who co-owns a personal training business telling me how to choose a personal trainer? Surely, he’s going to be biased!”.

Well, on one side I would agree with you. But, my goal here is to ensure that should you (ever) wish to enlist the help of a personal trainer, you think through the points I’ve listed below to aid you in making that very personal, important, and expensive decision. Yes, I said expensive, because it’s true. But so is shopping at your favorite luxury brand store, flying business class (or better), eating at Michelin-starred restaurants, and staying at 5-star hotels & resorts. Yet when it comes to our long-term health, well-being, and quality of life, it’s expensive…

In addition to considering the factors mentioned above, it’s essential to recognize that personal trainers often specialize in various fitness areas to meet specific needs. Here are some common trainer profiles to keep in mind: for seniors, pre/post natal, ladies, diabetes, etc.

Here are some things to think about should you wish to get started with personal training. I must caveat this by saying that this is not a list in priority order, nor is it the be all and end all of lists of things to consider, nor is it a top 5/10 list of things to look for etc etc.. This is my opinion and anyone reading this has my permission to disagree with it.

THEY HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD
This is typically evident in two ways. Either they have a number of results from previous clients that they can share with you (that you can hopefully connect with), OR, someone you know referred you to them.
THEY PREACH WHAT THEY PRACTICE
If this was in priority order, this would be first on my list. What irks me the most is when any trainer has their client doing things they’ve never experienced. Imagine a trainer asking you to go “low carb for a month” when they’ve never made it past 3 days. Ask your prospective trainer what their philosophy is with all things fitness (training, nutrition, sleep, supplementation, etc), and see if it resonates with you.
THEY PAY ATTENTION.
This one is a bit more difficult to gauge BEFORE you get started, although, during your first conversation with them, you find that they’re asking you questions for answers you’ve already given, it’s usually a bad sign. However, if you find that your trainer cares more about the LIKE they just received on their Instagram post or replying to their Friday night group chat on WhatsApp than watching you during your set, please do yourself a favor and sack them.
THEY HAVE A PLAN.
You’re going to have a goal (maybe more than one). You’re going to have an ideal timeframe in which you wish to achieve that goal. Your trainer should be able to effectively communicate how they intend to help you achieve those goals and support you in executing them.
THEY’RE (BRUTALLY) HONEST.
Again, another one would likely be at the top of any top X list of things to consider. It’s essential to have someone tell you straight to your face when something is unrealistic, untrue, unhealthy, un_____ (fill in the blanks). If you find that your soon-to-be trainer only cares about selling you a big package, or sugarcoating things so your feelings don’t get hurt, then you’ll never get any results.
THEY WORK AT SURGE.
Yes, this is my shameless plug of the business that I proudly co-own and run in Singapore. I would confidently back any of my team to help you achieve the results that you’re looking for with your health and lifestyle.