With the number of personal trainers in the UK on the increase, consumers need to be careful that they choose the right one. This article outlines 7 points to help ensure that you get one that is safe, insured and qualified.
1. Check certification
For someone to call themselves a personal trainer in the UK, they should be at least REPS level 3 qualified and be able to give you a REPS registration number. This number confirms that they have proved their knowledge and have been independently assessed across a national standard. Level 2 is Gym instructor level which is generic for working in a gym and writing basic programs and Level 1 is someone who can only work under supervision
2. Check insurance
A professional personal trainer should have public liability insurance to cover you in case of an injury. Ask for their insurance policy number and to have a look at their certificate of insurance. After all, it is for your protection that they have it.
3. Check past achievements with clients
What have they achieved in the past from other clients, a good personal trainer should be able to provide you with references and testimonials of past successes. Also, have they achieved with someone else something that you yourself want to achieve? However…
4. Be less concerned about personal achievements
Just because your potential personal trainer has run the London Marathon, it doesn’t make them the right trainer for you. Your trainer should be someone who is only concerned with getting you the results you want.
5. Check personality
Plenty of people skip this point. If you can’t get on with your trainer and build a relationship with them, they are unlike to inspire you to achieve the results you desire. Your trainer should be experienced enough and have the people skills to make you feel at ease, safe and secure and should also know how, when and how far to motivate you
6. Check fitness knowledge
Just because they are qualified, doesn’t mean they know everything. Sometimes the fitness world can be very subjective, but a few general rules apply. Get into the habit of jumping on the internet and doing some secondary research. This works two fold as you will be developing your own fitness knowledge. Try to use reputable sites though such as
7. Check alliances
In my opinion, a trainer should never tie themselves to one product (supplements, training aids etc). Different products work for different people with different goals so if your trainer seems to be pushing the same brand to you, you are perfectly within your rights to ask if they are obtaining a commission off the company. You can then make your decision based on their answer
For more fitness tips, Check out the Blog at [http://www.personalfitnesstrainerbristol.com]
