How to choose the right trainer for you?

In the previous article we opened up a controversial topic: whether sport is a road to permanent disability. We know that factors such as the anatomy of our body, our injury history and the kind of job we do will radically shape how we move. If you are just starting to train, or coming back to sport after a long break, I recommend reaching out to a professional who works in training – whether that is a strength and conditioning coach, a personal trainer or a physiotherapist. These are the questions we often ask ourselves when choosing a trainer.

Isn't a PDF programme or online training enough for me?

No. The answer is a clear no. Many trainers who run sessions have plenty of enthusiasm for exercise, but they have no ambition to get to know you and your needs. They never find out whether you are in pain or how much you sleep, or whether, how and when you eat on stressful days at work. That kind of training can be too demanding or, on the contrary, too easy, and it won't deliver the progress you are after.

If they have a sexy physique, they must know what they're doing

The fact that someone looks great and has a six-pack doesn't mean they are an expert at working with people. A passion for fitness is, of course, what you are looking for in a trainer. However, it is important that the trainer takes a genuine interest in you. In how you feel and what your goals are. The shared journey of a trainer and their client is a unique relationship that calls for empathy and knowledge.

So I shouldn't train with anyone online?

These days there are incredible opportunities to work together online. An individual approach and programme are perfectly fine online too. What matters, though, is that such a programme includes regular consultations and is tailored to the client's needs on a weekly basis.

Is a physiotherapist the best choice?

Yes and no. As a physio, I am aware that we physiotherapists often practically bully clients towards perfect movement and create dogmas about what functional and “healthy” movement is. Perfect movement doesn't exist. What does exist is movement that you can manage without the risk of getting injured.

If they train athletes, will they want to help me?

A common worry: if they train stars, they can't train me. In fact, professionals are often grateful for clients who don't want to make it to the Olympics and would rather take better care of their health and enjoy moving. Equally, though, watch out that the trainer doesn't have star airs and a big ego, and that they show interest above all in what will help you.

Can I train in a group?

Group training is a great motivation to show up regularly. The risk, however, is that the trainer cannot target it equally to every member of the group. There is a way, though, to form smaller groups of people whose members share similar needs and demands for movement and sport.

What kind of trainer should you look for?

• Simplicity is beauty, whether ONLINE or in person. On the first phone call or meeting, go with your gut. How you feel around this person will be key to working together long-term.
• If they are interested in you, they will ask you plenty of questions, including ones beyond training.
• If they also take an interest in your lifestyle, your work and your mental (dis)comfort, that is a guarantee they won't burn you out in the first week of training.
• They will test how you move; for example what your squat, forward bend and running look like, or how long you can hang from a bar. That way they make sure you won't be doing things that carry a risk of injury.

We wish you the best of luck in choosing your trainer.