Finding a fitness instructor whose style suits your personality and fitness goals can be a challenge. In general an instructor that’s able to communicate with you on your level will always motivate you to achieve more in terms of your fitness goals. Whether you’re undertaking a fitness instructor course in Melbourne, or seeking some new classes to attend yourself, see below for the most common things that clients should ask before they start a new workout regime.
What Is Your Experience In?
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As a client, asking this will give you a much better understanding of the types of methods that your trainer will most likely promote. A former elite level runner might use elements of this sport in their programming and a yoga trained instructor will have a working knowledge of increasing ROM. Depending on your goals, you may want to seek out specialized instructors in areas such as weight training, rehabilitation or extreme weight loss. However, don’t let an instructors specialty put you off it you don’t know all that much about it, cross training is a fantastic way to complement a workout from a beginner to elite level.
There should also be a frank discussion about the qualifications your instructor has, however this can be a grey area. Depending on the style of fitness, they may not yet be nationally recognized certification available in, say, cardio-hip-hop hula hooping. However, although there is not a license that is required for people to teach fitness, it is unlikely for a trainer to be hired if they do not have a minimum certificate 3 in fitness. Asking first up about qualifications is sometimes not the best way to discover if a trainer will work for you, it will be more informative to get an overview of their professional history and passions in fitness and if no specific training is mentioned, then slip it into the conversation.
Are You Insured?
These days it would be pretty rare to find an exercise professional that is uninsured, however, you don’t want to be the person who finds one!Typically this information can be found in the terms and conditions of any enrollment information that you’ll provide prior to commencing a class or session. Ask for clarity if you don’t understand any waivers you’ve signed, but even if they limit your ability to litigate if you get injured, there is always a duty of care that must be exercised towards you as a client while on the premises. This will provide you with some protections especially in instances of negligence on a trainer or facility’s behalf.
Do You Work With People Like Me?
Change this wording to suit your circumstances, perhaps you want to lose weight, become more flexible, have injury issues or want to achieve a certain goal (like chin ups). It’s a good sign if your trainer has experience in your specific requirements, or in a facility with several trainers, they should be able to refer you to a colleague that has the most expertise in a certain area. If you have a complex injury or medical condition this can be a little tricker , and you may wish to phone ahead and provide details to give a head ups. A good trainer will do some prep work so they can understand how to best assist you. In this instance, it is highly advised you also obtain a referral from a physio or exercise physiologist that provides an overview of your condition, its effects (if any) on your movement and most importantly any exercise contraindications. If it’s a long term condition, ideally you’ll want a tailored management plan in place that’s updated as your requirements change and you get stronger. A good trainer will check in with you and adjust your workout accordingly and you should alert them to any new information surrounding your health.
How Can I Maximize My Workouts?
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Your trainer wants to help you achieve results, so if you see them only once a week for example, work on the more complex exercises and combinations in person and then do cardio on your own time. Building fitness into your everyday and attending some structured sessions is a great way to start.
