There's no denying that the personal training industry is booming in Australia, with industry body Fitness Australia representing more than 20,000 registered fitness professionals.
And with the 2009 Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey revealing that almost 50% of Australians aged over 15 are now taking part in regular physical activity, it seems that more and more of us will be on the hunt for that special someone to help us get fit.
However, with so many personal trainers to choose from, how do you know who to work out with and most importantly, if they’re actually qualified?
We reveal the essential credentials of a personal trainer, what questions you should be firing before hiring and how to find your ideal match.
How to interview a PT
You wouldn’t take on a new employee or childminder without checking out their qualifications, experience and references first and it’s no different when it comes to allowing someone to take charge of your health.
According to Michael Cunico, a Personal Trainer at Fitness First, “A minimum qualification for personal training is a Certificate 4. This follows a set curriculum, which is governed by Fitness Australia.” If someone only has a Certificate 3, they’re qualified to be a gym instructor, but not a personal trainer.
After gaining the Certificate 4, personal trainers can continue to further their fitness education with diplomas, degrees and various courses. Once qualified, every trainer needs to cover 20 ongoing education points every two years in order to remain registered and insured.
When it comes to insurance, Cunico confirmed, “All trainers should hold current insurance, which provides them with public liability insurance. They should also have a valid First Aid certificate.”
Just as everyone provides resumes and references when applying for a job, the same stands when hiring a personal trainer. Ask to see a copy of their CV to check their qualifications and also their past experience within the health and fitness industry.
References are also a great idea but, as Cunico warned, “A trainer won’t give you references of people who will say anything negative.” It’s therefore sometimes more productive to go on a referral from someone who has achieved great results with their current trainer. Ask around at work and with friends to see if they can recommend someone. Still check their references though to get a feel for their training style and past experience.
If you’re looking at trainers within your gym Cunico advised, “Watch how they interact with their current clients while training. Are they on the phone, watching other people or worse still, checking themselves in the mirror?” Their attention should be solely on their client.
If you’re looking at independent personal trainers, a strong referral is advised and also check if they’ve helped people achieve similar goals to yours.
Make sure any potential trainer has the following credentials...
- Registered to Fitness Australia
- Certificate 4
- Current insurance and public liability insurance
- First Aid certificate
- Resume and references
Will you be compatible?
It’s all very well having the right qualifications and legal documents, but are the two of you a good match?
You will be putting your trust in this person, sharing a very personal journey with them and also training with them at 5.30am when you don’t look your best, so you need to feel at ease in their presence and know you can rely on them to guide you to your goal.
It’s therefore advised to talk with several trainers before making any decisions and keep looking until you feel you’ve found the right one. When you meet, outline your health and fitness aspirations and ask if they’ve helped many other people achieve a similar goal. It’s also important to feel comfortable in their company as you will be spending a lot of time together and getting on well will add some fun and make those early-morning sessions that little bit easier.
Don’t be afraid to talk money either. Everyone has a budget, and if they’re too expensive it’s best you both know. Cunico recommends outlining your goal so the personal trainer can provide a training structure to give you an idea of how many sessions you need and for how long. Once you know this, you will know what it is going to cost and if you can afford the training program they’re suggesting.
Although Cunico believes it’s beneficial to have a personal trainer as much as possible, he said, “As your dedication to your training becomes second nature, the frequency might not need to be as high, but it’s always handy to have someone else providing accountability and motivation.”
So if you are on a tight budget, ask the trainer if they can alter the program slightly towards the final stages of your goal to keep within your budget. Also ask if they do any discounts for long-term bookings – if you’re going to be a reliable client for quite some time, you’re in a position to barter a deal.
When sussing out your compatibility, check any potential PT has the following...
- Experience in achieving similar goals to yours
- A manner that makes you feel comfortable
- An affordable rate
It’s important to remember that once you have a personal trainer, this is when the hard work begins. This is not the time to sit back and think they’re going to do all the work for you. Turn up on time, don’t cancel sessions unless absolutely unavoidable and work your hardest when you’re training with them.
A personal trainer can only be as good as their client’s dedication and determination. Find the right trainer, follow their advice and you will reach your goals. It might be up to the personal trainer to guide you to your goal, but it’s up to you to get yourself there.