When looking around for a personal trainer, coach or fitness program there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Lets take a look at fitness classes first. These are great to meet new people, being motivated by other member’s fitness levels, and some friendly competition to push you to that next level. There are a variety of these classes to choose from: spin class, aerobics, pilates, yoga, bosu ball, CrossFit, etc, etc… An endless variations and types of classes for almost all fitness levels and goals.

Which one is right for you? Start by write down a list of your fitness goals and then see which classes line up with them. Also, go take a look at one of the classes running. What do the members look like? What does the instructor look like? If you’re goal is to take a fitness class to lose weight, and the instructor (who teaches it three times a day every day) is overweight, do you think it is going to help you achieve that toned body? Are the members that have been at it for a while seeing the results you hope to achieve by taking the class? Ask them.

Instead of blindly believing that a certain type of class will get you the results you want, check the data and come up with an actual conclusion as to whether or not it is effective.

Now lets think about what to look for when finding a coach or personal trainer. Does your coach have a background in sports and fitness? Is it a background in something you are interested in? Is his experience valid? Does your trainer have the fitness you want to achieve? Does he himself train in the same manner that he is training you?

I believe a coach should be just that… a coach. He should be on you about proper form, and making sure you’re driving the proper intensity. He should be looking out for your best interest; namely, you achieve your goals and get the results you’re after. No compromising.

Does he spend more time on his cell phone then he does checking your form? Maybe this trainer likes working out side by side with you, rather than standing by demonstrating, spotting and critiqueing. If that’s the case, you’ve just hired yourself an expensive workout buddy.

Ultimately it comes down to a couple of things. Are you comfortable with your coach? Do you trust his abilities, knowledge and advice? And lastly, are you happy with the results? Because you can’t argue with those…
Chris Walls is a Personal Trainer at the Crossfit Kelowna training centre.  For more information on Crossfit, please visit http://www.crossfitkelowna.com