Wanting to Hire a Personal Trainer in Los Angeles? Here’s What to Look For
In years past, hiring a personal trainer was something reserved for the rich and famous. These days more people have access to trainers, which we find incredibly exciting.
Hiring a personal trainer in Los Angeles is one of the best things you can do to achieve your personal fitness goals. If you want to lose weight and keep it off – a trainer can help.
If you want to take your fitness to the next level or take part in a fitness competition – a trainer can help. Even if you just want to tone up and get a little bit stronger, a personal trainer can help you reach those goals.
But you have to make sure you choose the right trainer. One trainer does not fit all when it comes to compatibility and goals in this situation.
8 Characteristics to Look for in a Los Angeles Personal Trainer
When hiring a trainer, check for these eight characteristics.
1. Constant Encouragement
Your new trainer should be a source of constant encouragement. Yes, some will offer up a good dose of tough love every now and then. For the most part, though, your trainer should be your biggest advocate, encouraging you to continually reach your goals.
2. Similar Goals
What are the goals or expertise of the trainer you’re considering? This is important because some trainers love helping people with general goals, like losing weight, toning up, and gaining strength.
Others are more specialized. They want to work with people who want to compete in marathons, triathlons, bodybuilding competitions, or other fitness-related contests.
We know from experience working with a trainer whose goals are similar to yours will do much to ensure your success and prevent frustration on all sides.
3. They Fit with Your Personality
In addition to having similar goals, it’s important you and your trainer have personalities which mesh. Believe us – if you don’t feel comfortable with your trainer or always seem to butt heads with them, your progress is going to be minimal.
4. Clear Communication
As with any relationship, clear, open, regular communication is vital to its success. Right from the very start, we encourage our clients and trainers to be open with each other.
We believe in fostering an environment where communication is always encouraged.
5. They Exercise Patience
Reaching fitness goals isn’t always easy. We all hit plateaus, lose encouragement, and slip back into old habits. This is why patience is a key factor in achieving success. Not only do you need to have patience with yourself – your trainer needs to be patient, too.
A trainer who doesn’t have patience and pushes too much can actually lead you to burnout, injury, exercise addiction, or never wanting to exercise again.
6. They Have Credentials
Just as you would want to be sure your doctor has the proper credentials – you want to make sure your personal trainer does, too. The highest level of certification for a personal trainer would be a Bachelors or Masters degree in an Exercise Science related field such as Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, BioMechanics, or Physical Education.
Only personal trainers who have obtained a Bachelors Degree can be certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Certification). Lower levels of certifications such as ACE (American Council on Exercise), or NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), require your trainer has some basic knowledge of personal training. It’s also important they stay current with the latest trends and current scientific research.
7. They Create a Personalized Program
No two bodies are identical, and no two people have the same goals. The right trainer will take this into consideration and create a program which is ideal for your body, fitness level, and goals.
8. The Trainer Has a Good Reputation
One of the best ways to choose a trainer is to ask around. Those with glowing reputations will make your needs and safety a priority.
Choosing the Right Personal Trainer in LA – Important for Your Fitness Success
Achieving your fitness goals – whether they include weight loss, building strength, or training to compete in an athletic competition – isn’t always easy to do on your own. This is one of the reasons why athletes have coaches.
Fitness is more than just physical – it’s mental and emotional as well. At times, trying to deal with all of this on your own can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re having a hard time finding the motivation to start on your own, or you want someone to help you up your game and kick some butt, choosing the right trainer will definitely help.
Our Los Angeles personal trainers can help overpower the voice in your head which says you can’t do it or your goals are too hard to achieve. And when things get tough – our trainers will be there to help you push through those mental and emotional walls.
Hiring the right trainer is the extra oomph you need to realize all of your fitness goals. Are you ready to change your life? Sweat Equity Fitness offers a complimentary fitness assessment and training session to all new clients, schedule your session today.