What to look for in a Personal Trainer?

Having worked in the fitness industry for the previous 10 years and with my current role as Careers Advisor for Online Fitness, I often get asked by people – What should I look for in a Personal Trainer?  After doing a quick survey around the office, we have come up with the top 3 aspects to look for when thinking of working with a Personal Trainer.

1. Qualifications- always check to see that your trainer has the appropriate qualifications, registration and insurance to be training you.  This will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your training and achieve your results.  Ask around at a few gyms/studios to find out which Training Providers are being recommended and which ones to avoid.  You will always find Online Fitness being recommended.
2. Experience- what sort of experience does your trainer have?  Ideally you should be looking for the experience that your trainer has had working with clients that have had similar goals to yourself as you are the one wanting to achieve the results.  What sort of life experience have they had? You’ll be spending a fair amount of time with them!  If you have any physical or medical issues that limit your training, make certain that your trainer has had experience working with these issues.
3. Personality- make certain that you are comfortable with your trainer.  You will be sharing personal and sensitive information with your trainer so the need for comfortability is paramount.  Also, you need to enjoy training with them and look forward to spending time with them.  It’s easier to do this with someone you like.

There are plenty of other aspects to look at when finding a Personal Trainer such as client results, nutrition advice, their ability to look the part, training specialisations and the list can go on.  Essentially what it comes down to is what is it that you are looking for?  Make sure you have this set in your mind before you start your Personal Training journey.  Begin with the end in mind.

A story of hows

Often in the fitness industry, a new trainer or a student will ask me “how do I get into the fitness industry?” Is it a  “what you know” or a “who you know” type of industry?

Hopefully this helps shed some light on this question.

When I was attempting to get into the industry (many moons ago now) I was finding that personal training jobs were hard to come by. After all, I was a 20 year old kid, straight out of university, with zero work experience, and personal training was something only celebrities could afford. It had not yet become mainstream for the everyday Jo gym-goer.  It was those few words that kept coming back to ‘haunt’ me “zero work experience!” So whilst a lot of other graduates from my degree (Human Movements) were seeking employment in different fields, I was determined to make it in the fitness industry.

After yet another rejection, I thought best to fight fire with fire and I approached a small, family operated gym and offered to work for free. I figured that if they would not pay me for the experience, I would pay myself. Funnily enough, the gym agreed and I was officially an (unpaid ) staff member. I figured I was getting a free gym membership, so my annual salary was approx $1K.  Every Tuesday and Thursday night I would work in this gym, and do all the tasks of a personal trainer, without the pay at the end of it.

About 4 months went by and out of the blue, the manager called me into the office. I wasn’t sure why, I figured they could not fire me if they were not paying me, so I was a little curious. What he said next was probably what forged my career: “We notice you have come in every week, without pay, and without a moan or problem. You have never once asked for money and have showed you love this place. The qualities you have cannot be taught and you are exactly what we are looking for to move this gym forward.” With that he offered me the Gym Managers position. I had gone from volunteer to manager overnight, and you could not wipe the smile off my face.

During the next decade I was very blessed, working for some of the biggest gym brands in the world and running a very profitable and successful personal training business.

I guess I could go on with more detail, but that is for a later date. These days personal training jobs are a bit easier to come by, however, if (like me) you feel experience may be your downfall, don’t be afraid to put your hand up for some volunteer work. Who knows, it may just pay off for you like it did for me!!!

Until then, keep training hard!

Jeffrey

Location, Location, Location

Welcome to our new location.  Online Fitness is now conveniently located at the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Milton.  You may not know exactly where it is, however if we were to mention Lang Park or Suncorp Stadium….  We can hear the ‘ah’ from here. 

Our physical address is Castlemaine Street, Milton; a central location easily accessible by public transport (bus & train), car (on-street parking), and for the fit it’s a quick stroll/run/jog from the CBD.

Thank you to our friends at the PCYC. With their help, Online Fitness has been able to make smooth transition from our previous location.  Sergeant Tony Catania and his team, including the various community groups which use the centre, have been exceptionally supportive, welcoming and helpful.  From all the staff and students of Online Fitness we say Thank you. 

Our students will benefit from the fantastic facilities available to them for practical experience.  Fully equipped gym, cardio theatre, SPIN room, aerobics room, basketball court and boxing equipment are all part of the facilities.

Speak with PCYC reception, located on Level 3, to enquire about the minimal cost utilise the facilities outside of class hours.