In Need of a Personal Trainer or Coach? What to Look for Before Committing

Did you know that approximately 88% of all New Years resolutions typically fail? "I want to get in shape" is a common goal that most of us have at the start of the year, but tend to neglect at the end of 12 months. The daily changes, the weekly challenges, the busy schedules and the countless excuses can easily be prevented by hiring yourself a coach or personal trainer that should hold you accountable. What makes some of us better than others? I will feed you my thoughts:

- QUALIFICATIONS: Please make sure your coach or personal trainer has a good understanding of fitness, exercise and most important, nutrition! Weigh training and cardio, although very important to transforming your body, makes it a lot harder to reach your goals with the lack of education to proper diet, nutrition and the correct supplementation. This important factor is often very underestimated when reaching your goals.  

Questions you should ask your coach or trainer before you begin (after you discuss your fitness goals in full detail) is: How many calories should I be eating? What and when should I be eating these foods? How many meals should I be eating throughout the day? How much water should I be drinking? What supplements should I be taking? ...and WHY? You deserve an explanation to all of these questions.

- EXPERIENCE: First, does the coach or personal trainer even look the part? If so, review their resume. What have they done in the past to prove to you that they know what they're doing (both in and out of the gym)? For me, I walked-on the football program at the University of Arizona at the Division I level before I started personal training. I would take before and after pictures with all of my clients and would later use them to help build my business. Shortly after, I started competing. Sculpting my own body and pushing my own limits, I have worked with some of the best in the business that has helped contribute to my online coaching and one-on-one personal training services. 

Ask for feedback! What do other people have to say about the individual you're considering? Would they recommend them? If so, why? How has that trainer, coach or nutritionist helped reach their goals? ...or are they still at a standstill? These are all very important questions I strongly suggest you get the answers to before making a final commitment to live that happier and healthier lifestyle. Proper direction, instruction and guidance is essential to better prepare your road to success. 

- AREAS OF FOCUS: Most coaches and trainers have a specialty. Mine is motivation, weight loss, lean muscle mass, strength, endurance and sports specific type training for all ages, sizes and levels of fitness. Others for instance, might not be as diversified or specific. Before you start, you may want to ask them "What is your specialty?" If the answer fulfills something you're looking for, maybe that trainer or coach would be a good fit to better understand your specific needs. Different techniques, equipment, tempo, rep range and the number or sets will always vary based upon your individual goals. 

I will always have a very detailed consultation with all of my clients before I begin working with them, strategizing a plan of action after discussing their short and long term goals. I can only hope that others will do the same with you to recognize any areas of concern or limitations to prevent injury. Measurements, pictures and body fat is usually taken during this time. Weekly adjustments to your program design should be made, if necessary. I suggest you ask your coach or trainer for a reassessment every couple months (if they don't already encourage) to help monitor your progress.

I hope that helps. I wish all of you a very happy, healthy and successful New Year! Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or areas of interest: Ken@KenRawlins.com. Thanks so much!