Are you ready to scale back your fitness goals? Here’s how to choose the perfect coach for your trip

How important should academics and education be, or are personality and persuasive skills more important? What about the cost? And how often should you use your trainer? These are some of the questions that anyone looking for a coach should ask. Rubenstein asked: “How do you know who is the best?” “What works best for you is the best. But finding that is a challenge. ”

Education and qualifications

In the United States – and in many other countries – there is no state or federal agency that licenses coaches. Certification is usually issued by private organizations, some are more respected than others and many are more in the business of generating revenue than credibility. The American College of Sports Medicine is well known in the United States. In Canada, it is the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

“You should probably ask if the person is certified,” said Rubenstein, who runs STEPS Fitness. “I think that’s important, but I don’t think it’s important. And you should ask about training. ” He again gave a warning. “If someone gets all their information on the internet – as far as you can tell – I would avoid that person,” he said of a potential coach.

Personality and motivation

Guy Andrews runs Exercise ETC. from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Like Rubenstein, he says trainers and clients must jibe. Evidence is important, but personal game is important. “Mostly, it’s a service relationship,” Andrews said. “So, first you have to connect with the coach. You have to like them. My personality is important. I don’t care how qualified, how educated someone is. If you can’t enjoy working with them, the relationship is it will end.”

Asking friends or gym staff for referrals can help you in your search. A good indicator of a successful relationship is how many years has the referral been with their coach? “If clients have been with a trainer for eight or 10 years, that’s a good sign,” Andrews said. “Looking good on top of the tank is not enough.” Rubenstein added some truth and laughed: “Most people who work with a trainer at any given time will tell you that they are the best.”

Another good sign when instructors are offering rates is whether they are offering a “non-contractual relationship.” Meaning, you won’t lose money if you cancel the service. “Now you have a coach who has the integrity and confidence and maybe the knowledge to help you,” Rubenstein said.

There is also a coach’s approach to motivational thinking. Rubenstein repeatedly said the quality of “compassion” was the key to choosing the right person. But others may want a basic drill sergeant to push them. He said: “The attitude of the rah-rah army may work for the young, highly qualified. But for the average person that kind of behavior may not be motivating or inspiring.

What is the price?

The price is hard to put down. Costs vary between countries and within countries by region. In the United States you can expect to pay $100-150 an hour in larger cities, maybe $50-75 in other areas. Rubenstein also said the cost compares favorably with manicures and similar personal care services.

The cost can be overwhelming for some, Rubenstein said. It often excludes young people and may favor older customers who have more spending power and need more services. He said: “It sweeps people who want a coach away from those who need one.”

How often do you have a coach?

Andrews and Rubenstein say beginners should meet with a trainer two or three times a week for the first six weeks. After that, once a week may be enough, or once or twice a month for maintenance and inspection. “In terms of motivation, for the average person I don’t believe once a week is enough at first,” Andrews said.

Rubenstein elaborated: “If someone isn’t used to being in the gym, isn’t comfortable in it or doesn’t feel safe, twice a week with a trainer is a basic routine that will give them benefits—muscle, cardiovascular, balance, etc. they learn it, one can go once a week or once a month. But that means they have to be motivated.”

Setting goals

So, you’ve found your coach and you’re ready to start working. Now why? Set goals for yourself. There are four main goals – depending on the client: weight management, general fitness, special needs and general health. For each client, “common practices may overlap but often, the intensity and timing will vary.” Andrews said.

He said: “If both parties do not agree on what they want, they will not succeed.” A good coach will recognize unrealistic goals, Andrews said: “It often depends on what they want to look like. after hiring a personal trainer,” he said: “In my experience, a client whose focus is on how they will look after training – rather than how they will feel how – you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”