First of all, do you need a personal trainer? Most likely, but finding the right one that fits your personality, goals and, of course, your pocket is a challenge. However, once you’ve made the choice and start to work, it makes things easier if you and your trainer come to a mutual understanding, so here are some tips on working with a personal trainer so that you can achieve your best results.
5) Reach on time – As mentioned in my Personal Trainer exposé, a personal trainer has his/her own life, as well as other clients to see. This is why we organise our client-training in time slots. They are usually 1hr long, but the time can vary based on your needs and how the trainer decides to organise his/her time. This means that when your time slot is over, he/she may need to move on to the next client(s) or personal business and he/she may not be able to extend your time. If you reach late, you are only cutting your own time short (this is usually covered in a contract you may have to sign).
4) Be clear about your goals – Most trainers will have a pre-training consultation. This may take the form of a full-on interview and fitness assessment, or it may just be a few quick questions. The important thing is to be honest and as thorough as possible during this consultation. If you want to lose weight, get a big booty, gain weight or be able to run a marathon, the trainer should be able to design a programme for you, but if you are not clear, you’ll find that the programme is left wanting.

3) Communicate, communicate, communicate – Does this stretch hurt? Say so. Did you get injured over the weekend? Say so. Trainer getting too close or too personal? Say so. You absolutely LOVE this exercise? Say so. You find you’re getting great results? Say so. Your goal has changed? Say so… you get the point. A trainer can only respond to what you tell him/her. Having open channels of communication are the key to having a good working relationship with your trainer and this can lead to better results.

2) Those weights don’t lift themselves – Trainers are, basically, guides. We design routines for you. We show you how to do exercises. Some of us, once we have the knowledge, even advise your nutritional habits/diet. However, you still have to put in the work. If you train hard and burn 500 calories and then go home and eat 1500, we can’t do anything about that. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, you can’t blame us if you don’t build muscle. If you can’t make it and we send you a workout, then you have to commit to doing it. This is why I say “working with” as opposed to “hiring” a personal trainer. It’s a partnership. You pay us to do our part and then you have to do your part.
1) Know when it’s time to find a new trainer – Not every trainer is a right fit for every person. A trainer may prefer to do outdoor workouts while you want someone who just tells you to lift weights. A trainer may push you hard when all you wanted was to just get slightly more active. Note, also, that this involves setting boundaries (something I mentioned above). A trainer should, at no point, make you feel uncomfortable. A trainer should always ask permission before touching you (to assist with an exercise or stretch). A trainer should NEVER touch you in certain places. A trainer should not hit on you, make comments about what he/she wants to do to you, ogle your body, take pictures of or comment on your butt (or anywhere unless it is with SPECIFIC reference to muscular development), or anything along those lines. If a trainer crosses a boundary, tell him/her (communicate). If the trainer continues to cross boundaries, then it is time to leave and find a new trainer.
So, there we have it. Maybe doing this article first was backward, but look out for my post on “how to choose a personal trainer” coming soon. I hope this leads to better relationships with and, therefore, better results from your trainer.