Finding a personal trainer that you connect with can sometimes be challenging. There are many different fitness styles and approaches and each person has unique needs. Navigating this can be challenging and women can sometimes feel intimidated or socially pressured to act a certain way.
It can be hard for anyone to find a personal trainer that fits their needs but especially for women. A woman should feel very confident and comfortable with her trainer. She should feel that she is being listened to and her voice is respected. A qualified trainer has a large amount of knowledge and understanding of common issues people face when on a fitness journey. The right trainer will also understand individual needs and how to customize workouts and communication.
Outline personal goals either before looking for a trainer or with one. Identify all desired outcomes and realistic expectations surrounding exercising and eating. Be honest and open to help the trainer identify the best way to reach these goals. As a woman, it should be noted to follow any gut instincts and respond accordingly. If the connection is not right, move on and try someone else. This will not hurt anyone’s feelings and since you are paying for a service you should be happy and confident. Be strong and never allow yourself to be lead in a direction that is uncomfortable. If it feels right, only train in areas that are public and make you feel secure.
The Why
Take a moment to sit down and think about why you want a trainer. What are the specific goals and what kind of activities will take you there? Some people prefer a softer relationship than others and some desire to push their limits farther than others. This will dictate the style of the trainer you are looking for. A trainer is meant to offer guidance, support, and knowledge to ensure that all of these aspects are going to be filled. Just start off with a few rough ideas on paper about interests, weaknesses and strong points. These ideas can be used later on to formulate a routine that is more enjoyable and more likely to become a lifestyle. Before you start reaching out, have some ideas about why.
The Where
The best places to look for a personal trainer are at local gyms, community events, word-of-mouth or trusted online sites. A large number of trainers have social media outlets so it is worth looking on Instagram, Facebook or even Youtube. Remember to think of this as a job position that you are hiring for. Feel free to put out some advertising of your own and either inquire with the Facebook marketplace or post an ad.
- Local gyms
- Community classes
- Community centers
- Community boards at local shops
- Social media
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- YouTube
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- Family/ Friends/ Word-of-mouth
- Trusted online sites like:
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- Thumbtack.com
- Acefitness.org
- Fitnesstrainer.com
- Findyourtrainer.com
- Ideafit.com
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The Who
No matter if you prefer a male or female personal trainer, you need to be heard, understood and respected. Communicate all goals and current areas that need strengthening. Make sure the trainer understands and can help guide successful change. Look for someone who is in relatively good shape and can identify qualifications either through references or knowledge. Trainers have individual styles so it’s worth noting that one style may work better for you than another. Never become discouraged if the first few aren’t a match. Stay focused on personal goals and maintain a clear mind.
With the amazing powers of the internet, it is very possible to find a virtual personal trainer. Sites like Udemy.com, mypthub.com, virtual-personaltrainer.com, and ifit.com offer online courses, instruction, meal plans, support, and many other trainer benefits. To reduce the risk of uncertainty, most of these sites offer free trails an/or money-back guarantees. A lot of people might prefer this type of training because it is more convenient, 100% safe and guaranteed.
Things to look for:
- Identify goals and current health
- Conversation about injury or past issues
- Respectful and courteous
- Customized routines
- Guidance on form
- Meal plan or guidelines
- Encouragement
- Engaged interaction
- Dependable and punctual
It is advisable to have at least 1-5 sessions together before deciding if this is the right person. Expect to pay anywhere from $40-65 per session or hour in person or $15+ per month for virtual training. However, do not just jump to the conclusion that the cheapest option is the best option. With cost comes quality and the personalized attention and form correction of a one-on-one session is not duplicated virtually.
*Pro Tip* – A trainer might lightly touch certain areas of the body to help with form or focused concentration. Note that this is not necessary or required and you can ALWAYS ask not to be touched. Even if it is done in a professional way, no one has to touch you if it creates discomfort. A woman should always feel respected and secure especially in a fitness setting.
Red Flags
- Unprofessional demenor
- Pushy
- Unconcerned with feedback
- Too touchy
- Overly aggressive
- Sexual comments or jokes
- Unrealistic goal projections
- Preoccupied during sessions
If a trainer exhibits any of the above traits then it is time to find someone else. Never ignore these warning signs or feel obligated to finish any pre-purchased sessions. Simply explain that you will no longer be requiring their services and request a full refund. Women possess an immense amount of inner strength and being subjected to ill behavior is far below her worth.
The Foundation
Building a professional relationship with personal trainers aids in the success of goals. If the trainer is trusted, understanding, supportive and dependable then it will be easier to reach certain goals. You should feel supported and encouraged but most importantly, empowered. Anything is possible and any goal is obtainable as long as the passion, drive, and support are available. Lean on these resources and watch as you begin to thrive.
It is essential to communicate any problems, weaknesses or dislikes. This will help the trainer to alter or address these areas of concern. Maintain an open conversation about what foods are triggers, how hunger is managed during the day, how sleep and recovery are and also which exercises are enjoyed the most. Candidly having these types of conversations will further ensure success because the trainer will have a full understanding of personal fitness needs.
The Future
Personal trainers can be relevant to your needs for months or even years depending on goals and training. It might be the same trainer or it might be a combination of a few. The knowledge and skillset that they offer are highly valuable and well worth the investment. After all, it is actually an investment in personal growth and there is no capped number on that. As long as the relationship is sturdy and communication is open and honest a trainer can quickly become a top asset.
Start looking around for the trainer that suits you best and never stop obtaining new goals. Do not allow anyone to negatively influence these goals no matter who they are. Reach high and far and utilize the tools others graciously lend along the way.
