10 Questions to ask your PT!

So, you're seriously considering some dedicated one-on-one personal training to finally get your fitness on the fast track. Well if you're about to sign up, this probably means you have have focus, clarity and single-minded determination, but don't forget, you still need to be armed with the right information. It's easy to forget to ask your new trainer some of those essential questions before your training sessions start.

When you're first looking at the merits of personal training it all seems like you're getting into a win-win situation fitness-wise. But it is worth weighing up all the elements before you sign on the bottom line. We've  all been in that situation when you commit to something, be it a purchase or a training program, where you suddenly realize that you're missing some pretty vital information. So follow our simple check-list of 10 questions to ask your personal trainer to ensure he/she is going to help you get the results  you are looking for:

1. What fitness goals can I achieve? Besides what you think you're capable of, (or not as the case may be), knowing what a personal trainer thinks is do-able and realistic is going to help you along the way and create a better synergy in training sessions.

2. When can I reach my fitness target? You won't ever get an exact date of course, but be wary of the personal trainer who isn't able to give you some idea of when you are going to reach your goals, or at least reach certain milestones along the way.

3. Do you create a strategy with mini-goals? A fitness program without a clear strategy can leave you meandering off target and weaken your resolve. You don't just need a fitness aim but to be able to see the trajectory as you travel to your end point. Having smaller targets can keep you going and can be much more effective than some far-off future ideal.

4. How do you monitor my progress? Ask about fitness and health assessments, records and logs, and feedback. It's important that the training program with your personal trainer continuously progresses but you do need some way of appraising how well you are performing along the way.

5. What is your fitness philosophy? With so many ideas about health and fitness floating around it is imperative that you have some understanding of the basic beliefs of your would-be personal trainer. You need to look out for a clear, knowledgeable response and an approach that makes sense to you.

6. What do you expect from me? Don't presume that you know what a personal trainer is asking you to commit too. This can lead to misunderstanding that can grow into total miscommunication. Be clear from the start and decide if the level of effort and commitment required fits with what you can give and what you want to put into the sessions.

7. What can you deliver for me? Personal training is not a one-way street and while you need to be prepared to put in some hard work and rise to the challenge, the role of a personal trainer is far from passive. You don't have to interrogate a personal trainer but there's no harm in asking questions so that they sell themselves and what they can give to you.

8. Can you tell me about your background? First off you might want to know if a personal trainer is certified and experienced. Do they work full-time as a trainer, compete as an athlete, or is this an add-on to another career? A fuller picture of what they are about can lead to other questions, such as how they will avoid burnout with so many students, or whether they are going to be reliable and fit in with your schedule too.

9. Do you offer nutritional support? Exercise without the backup of a healthy diet is counter-intuitive. However, many people do struggle with working out what to eat to support their personal training and in creating an appetizing yet healthy meal plan. If there's no diet advice to match the training then you might want to find another avenue to support this side of your healthy lifestyle journey.

10. Are you certified in CPR and AED? Health and safety is of paramount importance and a personal trainer is going to respect you for understanding this. If a personal trainer cannot perform CPR or use an AED (automated external defibrillator) then find out if anyone in the training vicinity can.

A good personal trainer will welcome your questions as a sign that you are serious about getting fit in the right way. We're also here to answer any of your queries so get in touch and benefit from personal training that promises results!