The world is opening up, although many of us are still working from home or more flexibly than ‘pre-Covid’. These are strange times – a big part of our current concerns may relate to work or finances, but our wellbeing and health should be right up there too.

As we enter what is usually a special time of year with the run-up to Christmas, now is a good time to ask yourself challenging questions, evaluate progress and what needs to change in order to achieve your goals.

Your choice of trainer is very important

Perhaps your ‘normal’ has been disrupted, or you’ve decided to freshen things up with a trainer? Life is about choices – whether it’s 1:1, online or small group training, your choice of trainer has as much bearing on outcome as how hard you work.

As a coach, it took a long time to come to terms with this. Not everyone who comes to me with a cheque book is necessarily a good fit for training with me. Good trainers probably feel like they’re the ‘right’ trainer for anyone, but the reality is they’ll never be right for everyone – and that’s OK!

Moving towards better health and wellness can be as easy as committing to specific actions. For example: regular exercise, journaling, nutritionally balanced meals, sufficient sleep. It needn’t be a big commitment to begin, time-wise or in terms of the training modality or nutritional methods. Beginning the journey and consistency will lead to positive change.

A key element when it comes to developing great athletes or helping ‘ordinary’ people achieve their desired fitness or wellness outcomes is timing and getting the right ‘fit’. There’s a saying in elite sport: “when the player is ready, the coach appears.” More often than not, the ‘right’ trainer isn’t necessarily the ‘best’ trainer; finding the right ‘fit’ can be the difference in achieving the athlete or client’s goals.

How to choose a good trainer for you

Here are some tips to help inform the choices you make in choosing a trainer to help you achieve your fitness and performance goals:
• What is your ‘why’? Being clear on your goal(s) will narrow down the field.

• Is there a ‘feel good factor’? Do you have good feelings or a connection with them? Is training with them fun?

• Trainers love helping people – make sure the one you choose is able to help you in a way that fits your lifestyle and meets your needs/goals.

• Beware of gimmicks, ‘entertainers’ and overly complicated training – nobody needs to do one legged bosu pistol squat overhead presses!

• It’s easy to make someone tired with 100 burpees! It takes real skill to develop a program that helps someone progressively improve and develop their fitness, performance and wellness goals.

• Experience and certification. A certification is an important starting point, but it shouldn’t necessarily be the determining factor – yes, you read that right! There are plenty of trainers who have no certification but are incredible, and many others who have the most elite certifications but are terrible trainers.

• Price – remember, you’re paying for years of experience, training and expertise alongside your progress and results. Make sure you get the most out of your money.