1. How long did you study for to become a Personal Trainer?

It is all too easy to become a Personal Trainer, anyone can call themselves one without having to be qualified. Many PTs will have opted for the shortest courses out there to become qualified; there are far too many courses that allow individuals to be certified as Personal Trainers having completed just six weeks of study. Would you want these people to be responsible for your well-being? This is how clients end up with injuries so instead look for a trainer who’s studied for several years.

2. What is your experience in the industry?

Working in a gym as a Gym Instructor before becoming a free-lance Personal Trainer is the ideal way to gain experience and knowledge from others who have been in the industry for longer. We recommend that PTs work for at least 2 years in a gym before setting up on their own. They are likely to come across a wide variety of clients with different requirements and gain knowledge of injury rehab at the same time. A good gym will also send their Gym Instructors on training courses to further their knowledge. Ask your potential trainer for specific examples of when they have worked with other clients with similar requirements and goals to you. Be warned though, just because a PT has lots of experience does not mean they are good!

3. What is your strategy for preventing and dealing with injuries?

A good Personal Trainer will carry out a screening questionnaire which covers your medical history and previous injuries. They should be able to give examples of when they have dealt with specific injuries so a PT that dodges this question and who is very vague probably doesn’t have enough experience. Injuries can happen with training and it may not necessarily be the trainers fault, but you’d want to hear a trainer talking about warm-ups/cool downs, stretches, gradual increases in intensity and balancing muscle groups to be sure they know what they’re talking about. Ask them if they have a referral scheme too for occasions when you might want to see a specialist such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor.

4. Can I see your certificates of qualification, including First Aid and professional liability insurance?

If a trainer makes excuses for where their certificates are, find yourself another trainer! Every good Personal Trainer should be fully insured and be able to produce all of their certificates for you during your initial consultation.

5. Can I speak to one of your clients for a reference?

Ask your potential Personal Trainer how long some of their clients have been training with them as someone who keeps clients for several years must be doing something right. Asking to speak to a client is better than just reading testimonials as you never know if they’re genuine or not. A trainer who is busy (which is always a good sign) is likely to have a range of clients; ask to speak to those, for example, that are the same age, have similar goals to you or have worked through similar injuries. If a PT has produced good results and built strong relationships with their clients they should have an abundance of them waiting to sing their praises. Run for the hills if they can’t put you in touch with any of their clients!