Gå ubegrenset med Magzter GOLD

Gå ubegrenset med Magzter GOLD

Få ubegrenset tilgang til over 9000 magasiner, aviser og premiumhistorier for bare

$149.99
 
$74.99/År
The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

How to pick a personal trainer

The Straits Times

|

December 04, 2024

NEW YORK - A few years ago, one of the trainers at my local gym approached me during my workout with an enticing offer: Would I like a free personal training session?

- Talya Minsberg

How to pick a personal trainer

Why not, I thought. As a marathoner, I'm always looking for advice on how to improve my strength routine.

We talked about my goals for a minute before he asked me to step on a scale. I paused. Why did I need to weigh myself?

He seemed surprised - didn't I want to lose weight? It was quickly clear that this was not the right fit.

At big-box gyms, it is common for personal trainers to approach people as they exercise to find new clients, and some gyms offer free training sessions for new members.

But many fitness experts say you would be better off considering your fitness goals and what kind of support you want before making an appointment.

Trainers can be expensive, and if you are going to hire one, make sure they are a match for your goals and motivational style - rather than letting one come to you.

Here is what to look for, according to personal trainers, coaches and gym owners.

IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS

You will get the most out of a personal trainer if you outline some tangible goals ahead of time.

Are you looking for instruction, such as how to lift weights with proper form? Are you looking for coaching and accountability before your first race? Or are you coming back from an injury and looking for specific guidance on how to exercise safely?

Once you determine your goal, look for a trainer whose specialities align with your needs.

Mr Rene Wiley, a Nike trainer, recommended discussing your goals with potential coaches or trainers, and asking them about their relevant experience. If they do not have the right background to help you progress, they should be able to direct you to someone who does.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Lee Si Song recovers from cerebral haemorrhage, back in Singapore

Homegrown songwriter-producer Lee Si Song, who suffered a cerebral haemorrhage in Beijing, China, in September, has returned to Singapore.

time to read

2 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Singapore welcomes 2026 with dazzling fireworks, heartland cheer

Massive crowds throng Kallang Basin and Marina Bay waterfronts to ring in new year

time to read

4 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Europe can't afford to squander many more chances

20 per cent of its territory, currently occupied by Russia.

time to read

3 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Hot duo lead Spurs' comeback over Knicks

Julian Champagnie rattled in 11 three-pointers and Victor Wembanyama scored 31 points, as the San Antonio Spurs came from behind to defeat the New York Knicks 134-132 in a National Basketball Association (NBA) New Year's Eve thriller.

time to read

2 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

ANCESTRAL LAND HARD TO BEAT IN KING KHALED UNI

Last season’s sprinting star to get on front foot at first outing of new Saudi campaign

time to read

2 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Wall Street ends year's final session lower but posts big annual gains

Double-digit gains in 2025 for S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq despite Trump turmoil

time to read

3 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Rosenior in the frame to replace sacked Maresca

Chelsea dismissed manager Enzo Maresca on Jan 1, after widespread reports that the club’s board had met to discuss his future.

time to read

2 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Chronic underemployment driving youth overseas

(VISLA) that advocates migrant rights and ethical recruitment practices.

time to read

6 mins

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Injured dancer Li Kai Yin shares clearer photo of himself since Mirror accident in 2022

Hong Kong dancer Li Kai Yin has shared a clearer glimpse of himself on social media.

time to read

1 min

January 02, 2026

The Straits Times

Japanese businesses fear losing foreign workers

The workers keep factories afloat, but are increasingly drawn to other countries

time to read

4 mins

January 02, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size

Holiday offer front
Holiday offer back