Choosing a Indianapolis personal trainer is a little more involved than signing up with the first personal trainer that you come across. Taking the time to interview a few trainers before starting to work out can help you find a trainer that will be willing to take into consideration your special needs, which will make the difference between reaching your fitness goals and being frustrated or discouraged. Don’t be discouraged if the first couple of personal trainers you meet don’t shape up to your expectations. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing the right Indianapolis personal trainer for you.
Your Specific Needs
Whether you are recovering from a heart attack, suffer from arthritis or diabetes, or are pregnant, your personal trainer should be able to take your medical situation into account when creating your fitness program. One way to find out if a personal trainer is trained to work with your specific medical issues is by asking about his certification. While there are any number of certifications available for personal trainers, there are a few that are accredited for helping specific issues. For example, trainers that have a certificate from the American College of Sports Medicine are trained to work with those that have suffered from a heart attack or stroke, while the International Fitness Professionals Association offers certification for working with both children and seniors.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask a potential Indianapolis personal trainer if they have experience in training someone with your condition, and if the answer is yes, ask if you can contact their clients for a recommendation.
Your Schedule
Have you met a trainer that you feel you could help you reach your fitness goals but isn’t available during your preferred workout time? Don’t be tempted to change your schedule, unless your lifestyle is flexible enough to warrant the change. While many of us have to try to find time to exercise in our already busy schedules, thanks to work or family commitments, adding a fitness routine to the mix shouldn’t have to mean turning your whole life upside down. Consider both your schedule and how you feel at different times of the day when looking at the calendar with your personal trainer. It might be that early morning sessions are the best time in your schedule, but will you be willing to get up an hour earlier three times a week to meet your trainer? Be honest with yourself when considering your workout schedule and find a Indianapolis personal trainer that will best work in your lifestyle.
Your Relationship with Your Trainer
Everyone needs a different level of motivation and a good personal trainer will recognize your needs to keep you coming back for more. Be wary of personal trainers that push you so hard that you’re in pain for days after (but be honest with yourself – are you sore, which is normal, or genuinely in pain?) or leave you feeling discouraged. Not every personal trainer will make you feel like you’ve just started basic army training, but if that’s what you need to keep you going, your personal trainer should be able to give that to you. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential Indianapolis personal trainer how he plans to keep you motivated while you’re still in the interview process.
