How to Hire a Personal Trainer
Hiring a personal trainer is an investment in your health, fitness, and overall well-being, so it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully. Jumping into it without proper consideration can lead to wasted time and money.
To set yourself up for long-term success, take the time to assess qualifications and compatibility.
To simplify the process, here are two critical factors to consider:
Is the trainer qualified?
Are you comfortable working with them? Do you vibe with them?
While vibe is subjective and unique to you, determining a trainer’s qualifications can be more complex. Below, we’ll explore key steps to help you confidently select the right trainer.
Hiring a Personal Trainer: Questions to Ask
1. What Certifications Do They Hold?
Certifications are an essential starting point when evaluating a trainer these days. While not all certifications are created equal, having one signals that the personal trainer has met a baseline standard of professional knowledge. This is particularly important in an era where unqualified influencers often offer fitness advice.
“Experience is not notoriety or followers.”
Certifications demonstrate:
A commitment to maintaining professional standards.
A willingness to engage in continued education to stay current in the field.
High-level certifications, such as the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), require significant education and expertise. However, the right certification for your trainer depends on your needs. If your goals are specific (e.g., weight loss, strength training, or athletic performance), ensure their certification aligns with those objectives.
The only thing that I consider more important than certifications is if the trainer is of such great renown that their experience supersedes any other expectations you could derive from a certification. For example, an athlete who wants to qualify for the Olympics. If you have a coach in your area who has actually trained and sent people to the Olympics, that alone supersedes certifications in my eyes.
2. Can They Show Proven REsults?
Former DiSalvo Performance Training client Marcos Tinoco celebrating a win
A great trainer should be able to demonstrate their ability to actually help clients achieve results similar to your goals. Ask for testimonials, before-and-after photos, or references if available. While privacy laws may prevent trainers from sharing detailed client information, many will happily provide general results or connect you with a past client to discuss their experience.
Proven results show that the trainer has practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge. It shows they can tailor their approach to individual clients. Here’s mine: High achievers and successful clients. I can provide references readily. In a city like New York, any trainer you want to hire should be able to provide the same.
3. Is Training Their full time Profession?
When someone works full-time as a personal trainer, they dedicate their career to helping clients reach their fitness goals. This focus often translates to greater expertise, consistency, and professionalism. Trainers who treat fitness as a side gig may lack the commitment or longevity needed to support you in the long term. This is important because training with a fitness trainer is no short endeavor. Having a model of consistency and a literal “rock” is very important to succeeding with a trainer.
To gauge their dedication, ask questions like:
“How long have you been training professionally?”
“What led you to pursue this career?”
Reputable training studios or private gyms often employ personal trainers who are committed to the profession and have undergone a rigorous vetting process.
4. How Much Experience Do They Have?
Experience matters, especially in a competitive and fast-paced environment like New York City. Personal trainers with many years of full-time experience bring a wealth of knowledge and adaptability, having worked with a wide range of clients.
“If it’s a place with a great reputation, you are very likely in good hands.”
However, don’t dismiss newer trainers entirely. Early-career trainers often have more availability and may be more motivated to go above and beyond for their clients. At reputable studios, newer trainers are typically supervised or mentored to ensure quality service.
This won’t always be the case though. You’ll have to use a bit of good judgment here about the gym, other employees, and fitness trainers there. If it’s a place with a great reputation, you’re very likely in good hands.
Additional Considerations
While certifications and experience are crucial when thinking about hiring a personal trainer, other factors can influence your decision as well:
Educational Background: Advanced degrees or specialized training can enhance a trainer’s ability to address your specific needs.
Specializations: If you have unique goals—such as training for a sport or recovering from an injury—look for a trainer with expertise in those areas.
Good luck with your search and please reach out to us if you think we can help at DiSalvo Performance!
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Your trainer should not only help you achieve short-term goals, but also guide you in building sustainable habits for lifelong fitness. Consistency is key, so choosing a personal trainer who aligns with your vibe will foster a successful partnership.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The right trainer can make all the difference in your fitness journey.
*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on Certifications
A note on certifications and what they communicate:
The highest and most difficult to obtain certification available for trainers and coaches is the NSCA’s CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist). The CSCS from NSCA communicates:
The trainer holds a bachelor’s degree.
The trainer passed a certification course and test that is 100 & 200 college level difficulty in many exercise physiology related courses.
The focus is on strength training and performance.
The trainer must re-certify every 2-3 years based on how long they’ve held the certification.
There are no other certifications that require the collection of knowledge and credentials as a prerequisite. This alone doesn’t guarantee success, but you can at least rest assured that your trainer has been exposed to a minimum of concepts required for success as a trainer.
It’s important to note that the CSCS was developed for strength and conditioning coaches in the athletic fields (professional, collegiate, and amateur sports), and while that doesn’t change the knowledge base, it may change what those trainers tend to focus on.
From the CSCS, the next tier of certifications are one of the 3 following:
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From the folks who brought you the CSCS is the exam that has a great deal of carry-over, but puts a bit more emphasis on personal training and doesn’t require the bachelor’s degree in other to hold.
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One of the most common certifications, NASM is a large organization that certifies perhaps the largest number of personal trainers. Their background and educational materials evolve with the times and is a good starting background for a trainer to hold.
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This was an early certification that dates back to the early 1990’s as it was created by one of the earliest and best contributors to the field, Dr. Fred Hatfield.
All of them focus on personal training specifically and teach the minimum skills you’d like to see at a ground-level with a personal trainer.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the CPPS (Certified Physical Preparation Specialist certification), as it was developed by two great trainers who understand the skills and education that needs to be synthesized for trainers. It’s usually a certification people carry in addition to one of the above and not typically on its own.
Hello! I’m Mark DiSalvo, CSCS
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I started DiSalvo Performance Training in 2015 with the desire to bring a higher level of instruction and training to New York City.
I have over a decade of experience training clients and athletes of all backgrounds. Additionally, I’m the strength and conditioning coach to grapplers of all levels and disciplines from youth to professional to Olympic-level.
I’m currently a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu myself, with 10 years of experience in the sport. You can read more about me here.
A graduate of Northeastern University, I’m an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Sports Performance Expert with a specialty in combat sports. I’m also a Steve Maxwell Certified Kettlebell Instructor (Levels 1 & 2).
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