Introduction
Hiring a trainer or coach is a GREAT way to fast-track your progress to get the results you’re looking for safely, quickly and more easily (and even have a lot of fun along the way).
But the truth is, finding exactly the right trainer or program for YOU can be pretty confusing. It can also feel a bit intimidating, especially if you’re new to fitness studios and gyms.
What questions should you ask? How do you make an informed decision? How do you know you’re making the right investment in your health and fitness?
This guide will arm you with the questions to ask so you feel CONFIDENT when it comes to hiring a trainer and choosing a program. You’ll know exactly what info you need so you can get the most VALUE for your money, time, and effort.
The Dos and Don’ts
❌ Don’t hire based solely on price (more on that below!)
✅ DO get referrals and do pay attention to world-of-mouth
❌ Don’t hire the first trainer recommended by the fitness facility simply because it’s the easiest choice
✅ DO ask a lot of questions … and most importantly:
✅ DO listen to your gut instincts!
Ultimately, you want to hire a trainer who:
✅ Is experienced helping people like you get the results you’re after
✅ Is a good fit personality-wise
✅ Will push you and challenge you to be your best, even when you “don’t feel like it”
✅ Will be there for you when you need it most and hold you accountable
✅ Truly cares about YOU
✅ Provides a high value for their time and expertise.
7 Things You Need To Know Before Hiring A CrossFit Coach & Trainer
1) WHY DO YOU WANT TO HIRE A TRAINER?
There are a lot of GREAT reasons to work with a CrossFit trainer or fitness coach, but before you hire one or join a transformation program, be sure you have a clear idea of what you actually want from the process.
A great coach can help you formulate your specific goals and a timeline for achieving them, but you need to know the basics first.
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- Do you want to lose weight?
- Are you coming back from an injury?
- Do you want to become stronger?
- Are you looking to improve your skills or fitness for a specific sportor event?
- Do you just want to feel better and have more energy? Get better quality sleep?
- Is putting on muscle a goal?
- Do you have any medical conditions?
Some trainers and coaches will be more equipped to help with certain goals than others, and the truth is, some enjoy working with specific populations more than others, because of their background and interests.
In addition to having the expertise necessary to help you, you also want your trainer / coach to enjoy working with you as much as you enjoy working with them!
As an example, if you’re new to working out or you recently had a baby and need to work on core strength and stability, hiring a coach who focuses on youth athletes might not be the best fit.
It’s worth the time to think about your goals and then seek out coaches who have demonstrated experience in helping others achieve the results you’re looking for.
2) DO YOU WANT A TRAINER OR A COACH?
This might sound like semantics … but it can be make-or-break when it comes
to getting real results. It boils down to whether you want:
A complete program to help you achieve your goals, or A great workout
A PERSONAL TRAINER will put together workouts for you and guide you through them, counting your reps and correcting your form. A trainer will also provide encouragement to push you through your workouts – “great job!” “you can do it!” “awesome!”
And that’s fantastic – if that’s all you want.
BUT … a COACH will do all of that, PLUS provide you with guidance that reaches far beyond your workouts.
This can include accountability, support for building a healthy lifestyle, self- development and mindset coaching, and all the “extras” you need to create real shifts and lasting RESULTS in your life.
At Glen Burnie Fitness, we’re proud to take a coaching approach and offer a complete program that will get you results faster than any other using tough workouts and sustainable nutrition habits.
3) DO THEY HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF RESULTS?
First, if you have a chance to see your potential trainer / coach in action at the gym or studio, do your own reconnaissance and watch how they interact with their clients during sessions.
Are they attentive and do they offer form correction? Or do they seem distracted, on their phone, and disengaged?
Another thing to notice: Do all their clients seem to do the same basic workout, or does each client appear to get a personalized workout with exercise modifications?
If it’s not possible to watch the trainer interact with their clients, get references and/or talk to 2-3 current clients about their experience and results.
4) WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS?
Here’s a weird fact: almost NO ONE ever asks trainers about their certifications and credentials.
It’s a question that’s definitely worth asking.
Why? In the U.S., personal trainers don’t have to be licensed OR certified in order to work with clients.
Basically, anyone can call themselves a “trainer,” so it’s important to take some time to do your research.
Compounding the confusion, there are literally DOZENS of companies that offer personal trainer certifications. Some offer certifications after a one-day training program while others require months of study or even a four-year degree.
Top certifying agencies in the U.S. include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
While being certified isn’t required and might not even predict whether a trainer does a good job, it DOES indicate a level of professionalism.
Plus, certified trainers must take continuing education classes in order to keep their credentials current, which ensures they stay up-to-date with current research and keep their skills sharp.
Two other things you should ask about, both of which show a commitment to professionalism: current CPR/AED certification and liability insurance.
5) DO YOUR PERSONALITIES “CLICK”?
This is an intangible quality, so you’ll have to trust your gut on this one.
It’s important that you and your coach enjoy each other’s company, since you are going to be spending a lot of time together!
This doesn’t mean you need to be BFF’s – but you should find them motivating, inspiring, and knowledgeable.
You also need to be able to trust them because they will be pushing you out of your comfort zone on a regular basis (that’s part of getting results!).
Also: think about what motivates YOU. Do you need a cheerleader or a drill sergeant? Or a little of both? Will the trainer be able to deliver?
You should feel confident that they can motivate and support you as you reach toward your goals.
6) ARE THEY AVAILABLE WHEN YOU WANT TO WORK OUT? WHERE DO THEY TRAIN CLIENTS?
There are 3 things to make sure about here:
- Many clients want to train either before or after work, so check with your potential trainer that they’re available during the times you want to work out.
- Do some careful thinking about the fitness studio’s location. If you have to drive a half-hour out of your way a few times a week, it might be harder to regularly attend sessions.
- Does their training style suit your likes and personality? For example, some people prefer to work out in a large group, while others prefer fewer people.
Here are some other considerations:
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- What is their cancellation policy? Most trainers have a 24-hour cancellation policy. It’s a good idea to know upfront what to expect.
- Also, does the trainer or studio guarantee results to people who follow their program? What happens if you don’t get the expected results after truly following their guidelines for a set period of time?
QUICK NOTE – If fat loss is a goal, your nutrition will play a major role, so be sure to ask about that, too!
7) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The price of training should play a role in your decision … as should what you’re actually GETTING for your money.
Remember that committing to a program is an INVESTMENT in your health, quality of life, and longevity, and should never be looked at as an expense.
A great coach has the potential to change the course of the rest of your life… your self-confidence, health, the way you look and feel, longevity, and the list goes on!
Ask about rates and any special packages for new clients. Some trainers charge per month; others, per session or per program.
The investment for our CrossFit Program here at Glen Burnie Fitness starts at $127 depending on your level of commitment and what your specific goals are.
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- We’re proud to be able to offer a COMPLETE PROGRAM that includes more than just what happens during your sessions.
- Workout is already determined
- We walk you through every part
- We teach you movements every session We help you pick your weights
- We watch the whole time to ensure you are getting a good & safe workout
- Customized nutrition coaching
- Regular body composition scans to measure fat loss and/or muscle gain
MAKING YOUR DECISION
Once you’ve gotten answers to all your questions and concerns, it’s time to put it all together and figure out which coach and fitness program is the best for YOU and your goals.
Your choice will likely depend on a variety of things including their ability to get results, availability, investment, location AND also your instinct about who will be the right fit for you.
Hiring a coach is a reflection of your commitment to your goals. It’s also an investment of your TIME, ENERGY, and MOTIVATION!
Here at Glen Burnie Fitness we’re 110% committed to our clients to achieve the best possible results … while having FUN in the process!
If you have made it this far into this ebook, I don’t believe it is by accident! You obviously take your health and fitness seriously, and are thinking about making a change in your life!
Ready to find out if working with a coach is the right fit for you? Book a day and time HERE to come meet your new Fitness and Nutrition Coach!
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