A good trainer can save you a year of guesswork. A poor one costs you money and, sometimes, an injury. The difference is rarely visible on day one, so it helps to know what to ask before you commit to a three-month package.
Certifications: a floor, not a ceiling
Look for a recognised certification such as ACE, NASM, ACSM, ISSA or an Indian equivalent like K11 or a REPs India-registered course, and basic first aid. These show a trainer has studied the fundamentals. They don't show whether that trainer can coach you.
Six questions to ask
- What would my first four weeks look like, and why?
- How do you track my progress between sessions?
- What do you do when I miss a week?
- How do you handle pain or an old injury?
- What does your plan look like for food, if anything?
- Can I speak to a current client?
Good answers are specific and adjust to you. Watch for the opposite: the same plan for everyone, guaranteed results by a date, or supplements sold before you've trained together.
Red flags
- Pressure to buy a long package on the first day.
- No plan written down, or a plan you never see.
- Advice that contradicts a doctor's.
- Progress measured only by the scale.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, speak to a doctor before changing how you train or eat.
