Finding A Personal Trainer

Not all trainers know what they’re doing. This checklist of key points will ensure your coach isn’t wasting your time—or money.

- Andrew Gutman

Personal training is a huge business, and it’s only getting bigger. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 300,000 “fitness trainers and instructors” and that the field was expected to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026. Not to mention that Instagram and YouTube have given way to a slew of influencers, many of whom sell programs to their millions of loyal followers.

With so many options, it can be tough to know who is worth your hard-earned cheddar. So to help you find the ideal muscle guru, we’ve consulted a pair of experienced personal trainers, grilled them on what makes a good trainer (and a good client, more on that at right), and then came up with this five-point checklist. You’re welcome.

TRAINER TELLS LOOK FOR ANOTHER TRAINER IF...

1 THEY DON’T HAVE A CERT

“Having a certification doesn’t mean you’re a great trainer—that’s not true—but if you take your career seriously, then you’ll have one,” says Brad Baldwin, C.S.C.S., M.S., an NYC-based personal trainer and owner of Brad Baldwin Fitness (bradbaldwinfitness.com). “It’s just one aspect of it.” As for which certifications to look for, Baldwin says the NSCA-C.P.T. (National Strength and Conditioning Association– Certified Personal Trainer) and C.S.C.S. (Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach) are solid, as well as either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise science or physiology.

2 THEY’RE NOT LIKE YOU