So you’ve made the decision to get into better shape. You may be looking to accomplish weight loss, muscle building, or any other fitness goal you have in mind. A gym or a personal trainer will be great ways to help you get to your desired fitness level. Aside from losing weight, physical activity can also help with mental health and reduce the risk of diseases.
Before you start, it’s important to do your due diligence to find a trainer or gym that’s right for you. Here are six things to consider when choosing a personal trainer or gym.
1. Their Location Is Convenient for You
The location will be a critical factor in your decision. If you go to the gym after work or class, it will be helpful to become a member of one that’s situated nearby.
On the other hand, if you choose a trainer or gym that’s across town and takes a while to get there, you may be more prone to skipping your fitness class. You want to get the most out of the classes you pay for, so be sure to consider location when choosing your gym.
2. Their Hours Work for Your Schedule
In addition to the location, the hours of operation or the times for your trainer’s classes play a big role. These days, not everyone works the same hours. You may work a 9-5 job, an evening shift, or an overnight shift. Then, take into account your other responsibilities, such as children, other loved ones, household chores, or college classes.
Your availability matters, as does your trainer’s and gym’s. Some gyms are open 24 hours on certain days or all week. The trainer you’re aiming to hire may only offer classes in the morning or time slots in the evening. The class you want to take may only be available on a particular day of the week.
Finding a gym that works for your schedule is critical because it’ll promote your ability to stick to your gym routine. If you’re a morning person, an early-morning class may suit you. If you have more energy in the latter part of the day, try to find a gym or trainer with time slots in the evening.
3. Their Costs Are Affordable
The cost of your gym and your personal trainer will be an essential factor in your decision. You don’t want membership fees or session costs to be a burden among your other financial responsibilities like rent and other bills.
Personal trainers may charge by the session or by the week or month. Ask if you can participate in a try-out class or individual session to see if you enjoy it before you commit yourself financially. One-on-one sessions with a trainer can be expensive, so be sure the cost fits your budget before making a decision.
At our studio we offer a variety of options including full hour, half hour, and two person training sessions. Not only that, there are no additional fees for nutrition guidance, gym access, and workout plans. If you are training with us, we've got everything covered!
4. They’re Well-Qualified
While costs are an important decision factor, the qualifications of your trainer are paramount. It is often worth spending extra for a high quality trainer, and they are usually not the cheapest option. But, learning from somebody with a proven track record of helping their clients goes a long way. You also want somebody who knows how to prevent injuries during your time at the gym. Injuries can be an unfortunate setback, so make sure your instructor knows what they’re doing.
In some cases, physical activity can even benefit an injury, such as when recovering from a spinal cord injury. Look for trainers with certifications from organizations such as the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, or another accredited body. Your trainer can also help you learn new recovery techniques that can help with aches and pains that life brings. Our studio provides many recovery options that the trainers can help you with, like our Normatec compression therapy sleeves.
5. Their Reputation Fits Your Needs
The reputation of the gym or trainer will play a key role in your fitness experience. If you’re starting a new fitness routine, you may want to consider going to a gym known for accommodating beginners. Some gyms tend to be a place where people with an advanced exercise regimen like to work out. Surrounding yourself with people at a similar fitness level can be a motivating factor to avoid intimidation.
The same goes for the classes you want to take with a personal trainer. Does your trainer typically work with beginners? Do they have separate classes for beginners and people who are more advanced? These will be key factors when choosing a personal trainer.
You’ll also want to take into account the trainer’s teaching style. Do you want a trainer who’s going to be positive and uplift you like a cheerleader? Or do you want somebody who will push you and motivate you like a football coach might? Everybody responds differently to different forms of teaching and criticism, so find a trainer who’s going to suit your personality the best.
6. They Share Your Exercise Preferences
What kind of exercises do you like to do? Some people enjoy weight training. Other gym goers may prefer to do cardio. Your friend may like to do yoga. You may like to do a mix of everything.
When searching for a gym, select one that’s going to provide the facilities for the workout you want to do. A fitness center with a variety of workout options may be best so you can switch up your exercise routine whenever you’d like.
When choosing a personal trainer, it’s important to know what types of exercise they specialize in so you can fit that to your needs.
Also, how does the trainer organize their classes or individual sessions? Are they doing the same exercises every week? Do they like to switch up the exercises to work on a different muscle system? Asking these questions will help you find the trainer best suited for you.
Schedule a Consultation Session Today
If you want to lose weight or you’re struggling to lose weight on your own, then you’re making a great first step in researching gyms and personal trainers. Finding the right fit for you can take your fitness journey from being a burden to a worthwhile experience you can continue to build on. If you’re ready to get started, click here to book a transformation session today.
About the author: Beth is the content manager and Managing Editor at Body+Mind and a lover of all things health and wellness. She shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to fitness, nutrition and disease prevention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys trying out new fitness trends.