18 Questions to Ask a Personal Trainer Before Hiring Them

When you go for a consultation, find out more about your personal trainer to decide if they’re the right fit for you. Ask them these first:

First things first, before hiring a private trainer, make sure to verify their certifications and qualifications. A personal coach with the right credentials ensures they have the expertise to train you safely and effectively. 

Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), or the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). It’s also important to confirm that they are certified in CPR and first-aid to prioritize your safety during workouts.

In the UAE, a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification is required for gym work, but it doesn’t allow for personalized training programs. For tailored plans, ensure your trainer holds a Level 3 Personal Training qualification. Read here on how to choose the right personal trainer.

Having a trainer with experience in your goals can make a big difference. For example, a trainer experienced in post-injury recovery will know how to help you rebuild strength safely, while one focused on weight loss will have strategies to keep you motivated. 

Ask if they have worked with clients who have similar goals, like weight loss, injury recovery, or strength training.

Ask if the private fitness trainer can provide references or testimonials from past clients. Seeing the progress others have made can help motivate you as you start your fitness journey.

A thorough initial assessment is key to creating a personalized fitness plan. This should include evaluating your fitness level, health history, and goals. 

A good trainer will also discuss any physical limitations or past injuries to ensure the program is safe and effective.

Take some time to think about your specific fitness goals and ask the personal fitness trainer if they specialize in those areas. 

Training styles can vary widely depending on the trainer’s focus, whether it’s strength training, weight loss, injury recovery, or building endurance. It’s important to make sure their approach matches your needs

After confirming their qualifications, the next step is to discuss how your training plan will unfold. 

Before committing to sessions, it’s crucial to understand what your plan involves. If the structure doesn’t suit your preferences or fit into your schedule, it’s unlikely to be effective. Having a clear plan from the beginning ensures you're more likely to stay motivated and succeed in reaching your goals.

Once you find the right trainer, you’ll work together to set a workout schedule that aligns with your goals. Depending on how many sessions per week you plan to have, your trainer will create a supplementary training plan for your solo workouts. 

The frequency of your sessions will depend on your lifestyle, fitness objectives, and the length of each training session, ensuring a balanced and achievable routine. Your trainer will also help you combine your in-person sessions with other activities to ensure progress toward your goals.

The exercises your trainer chooses will depend on your goals. If you want to build muscle, weight training is key; if you aim for endurance, cardio will be emphasized. Your trainer will also consider any injuries, health concerns, or preferences to recommend the most effective exercises for you.

If an exercise is causing discomfort, it’s important to ask your PT if modifications are possible. A good private instructor will adjust the movement or suggest alternatives that still target the same muscle groups, ensuring you’re working effectively while preventing injury.

It’s always a good idea to ask your personal instructor for a sample plan that reflects your specific goals. A reputable trainer will be able to design a training plan tailored to your needs, whether it's weight loss, strength building, or improving endurance. 

Related: Does the Perfect Workout Exist?

It’s better to ask your trainer how they plan to track your progress. Understanding their methods for monitoring improvements will help ensure you're staying on track and reaching your goals. Here at Embody Fitness, we have our very own Embody App that our clients can use to provide them comprehensive tracking.

Ask about their methods for tracking your progress. Whether it’s through fitness tests, body measurements, or app-based tracking, monitoring progress is essential for staying motivated and on track.

A PT who doesn’t track your progress or keep notes won’t be able to clearly demonstrate your improvements over time.

If progress is slower than expected, it is important to have an honest conversation with your trainer. Reflect on your effort and consistency. Are you fully committed to your workouts and nutrition? If the answer is yes, it may be time to adjust your goals or try a different approach to your training.

Once you feel confident in the PT’s approach and how they track your progress, it’s important to talk about nutrition. Exercise alone won’t produce the results you want; a balanced diet plays a crucial role in reaching your goals. 

Trainers often provide valuable advice on maintaining a healthy diet, so consider asking them these questions to gain more insight.

Although personal trainers are not nutrition experts, many provide general dietary guidance to support your fitness journey. Be sure to discuss your nutritional preferences to ensure their advice fits your needs.

Your trainer can suggest the ideal pre-workout snack or light meal based on your training type and session length, helping you stay energized throughout your workout.

Supplements should be a small part of your overall plan, and you don't want a trainer who emphasizes spending heavily on them. You also want to ask if there’s any equipment you’ll need to purchase, like a fitness journal, heart rate monitor, or food scale, to ensure you're properly prepared from the beginning.

Related: Best Supplements For Men Who Train

Be cautious with packaged post-workout options, as many contain extra sugars and additives. Your trainer can advise you on the best choices to support your recovery and help you avoid products that might not align with your goals.

Finally, be sure to ask about their fees and recovery-related practices. It's important to understand their approach to recovery and how it fits into your overall plan.

If you have chronic conditions, past injuries, or special needs, it’s crucial to know how the trainer adapts workouts. Their ability to modify exercises safely demonstrates expertise and professionalism.

Trainers often operate on an hourly basis, so a missed session can lead to lost earnings. To protect their time, many trainers have a 24-hour cancellation policy. It’s important to clarify this policy before you sign any agreements. Make sure it aligns with your schedule and that you understand the terms to avoid any surprises down the line.