How to Find a Good Personal Trainer: Your Complete Guide
- Jackson Adamowicz, CSCS
- Mar 22
- 6 min read
Finding the right personal trainer is like a cheat-code, and be a make-or-break point in your fitness journey, but it can feel overwhelming. With thousands of coaches and trainers popping up both online and offline, it can be challenging to figure out who actually knows their stuff and who’s just posting flashy Instagram content. But here's the thing: selecting the right personal trainer isn’t just about credentials or follower counts—it’s about finding the person who aligns best with you, your goals, your lifestyle, and your unique needs.
At Jackson Ryan Fitness, I specialize in online personal training, helping people achieve results through personalized coaching. But whether or not you decide to train with me, I’m here to make sure you know exactly what to look for when selecting a personal trainer.
In this article, you'll learn:
How online personal training compares to in-person coaching.
And ultimately, how to make the best decision for you.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Why Finding the Right Trainer Matters
A great trainer doesn't just count your reps or write your workout program—they become your ally. They understand your goals, motivate you, correct your technique, and keep you accountable. On the flip side, the wrong trainer can lead to injuries, demotivation, wasted time and money, and stalled progress.
Choosing a trainer is investing in your health and quality of life. The right guidance can accelerate your results, reduce your risk of injury, and give you confidence that you're on the right path.
Credentials and Qualifications to Look For
When researching potential trainers, certifications matter—a lot. Here’s what to look for:
Nationally Accredited Certifications
Look for trainers certified through reputable organizations like NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), ACE (American Council on Exercise), ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), or equivalent.
This tells you whether or not your potential trainer has the foundational knowledge necessary to provide exercise advice and prescription, along with a basic understanding of nutritional and coaching principles.
Education and Specializations
A degree in fields like exercise science, kinesiology, or physical therapy can indicate a higher level of expertise. For instance, my background in kinesiology with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology and my current Doctor of Physical Therapy training allow me to better understand the human body and create science-backed training programs.
Continuing Education and Experience
The best trainers never stop learning, and are passionate about the world of fitness and health. Ask about their experience, continued education courses, workshops attended, or conferences. This shows dedication to staying current with industry standards.
Coaching Style: Finding Your Match
Every trainer has a unique approach. Some push hard with intense energy, while others motivate gently and strategically. Finding a trainer whose style aligns with your personality will significantly affect your results.
Reflect on what motivates you. Do you thrive with enthusiastic cheerleading, or do you prefer a calm, focused approach? Ask potential trainers about their coaching philosophy. Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or client references to hear firsthand about their style and effectiveness.
It should also be worth noting that some online coaches don't provide any coaching at all — just a workout program. If you need that additional accountability or motivation from a personal trainer, avoid these "coaches" at all cost!
Ask the Right Questions (Don’t Skip This Step!)
When you meet with potential trainers (online or in-person), treat it like an interview—because it is! Here are a few essential questions to ask:
What certifications do you hold?
How do you track client progress?
How do you customize programs based on individual goals?
What’s your experience with clients who share my goals or situation (weight loss, muscle gain, post-injury rehab)?
How accessible are you for questions or check-ins?
Do you offer an initial assessment? (Hint: The best trainers always do!)
Can you share success stories from past clients?
A competent trainer will confidently and transparently answer these questions.
Red Flags: Spotting Warning Signs Early
Not all trainers are created equal. Keep an eye out for these red flags, and if you see any of them, run the away quickly:
Cookie-Cutter Programs
Good trainers customize workouts to your individual needs, rather than using the same program for everyone. Pre-designed workout programs can be great if you are just looking for a structure to follow, but if the personal trainer offers a "one-size-fits-all" approach to their workout programming... that's not exactly personal training.
Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
“Lose 20 pounds in one week!” These flashy promises are usually unrealistic—and potentially unsafe. Trust trainers who set realistic expectations, promote sustainable lifestyle change, and emphasize consistent effort.
Lack of Assessment or Follow-Up
An effective trainer should assess your baseline fitness, regularly track your progress, and adjust your training accordingly. If your trainer doesn't make time to discuss these things, that's a major red flag.
Excessive Upselling or Pressure
While making money is obviously a part of the trainer's livelihood, a trustworthy trainer provides value without being overly pushy about sales. Their priority should always be your well-being, not their bottom line. If you feel negatively pressured into working with someone, trust your gut and head in the opposite direction.
Offers Meal Plans or Prescribes Supplements
This is widely unknown by most, but personal trainers are not qualified to prescribe specific diets to their clients. Unless they are a registered dietician (which requires a masters degree, internship, and licensure), they should not be telling you what to eat.
A personal trainer is qualified to provide evidence-based information about nutrition or diets, can share their own personal experiences trying a diet/supplement, and help direct you to reliable sources of information based on your questions, but they absolutely can not prescribe a specific meal plan. This could lead to their loss of personal training certification because it is outside of their scope of practice.
Online vs. In-Person Training: What’s Best For You?
As an online trainer myself, I see immense benefits in virtual coaching: flexibility, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and customization. You can work out on your schedule, no matter where you live.
However, it’s not for everyone, and some people like the hands-on training style. Consider these points to help choose the right approach:
Choose Online Training If:
You have a busy or inconsistent schedule.
You prefer flexibility in training time and location.
You're comfortable using video demonstrations and online platforms.
You appreciate consistent communication through messages, emails, and video calls.
Choose In-Person Training If:
You prefer face-to-face interaction.
You need hands-on assistance with exercise form and technique.
You benefit from immediate, real-time feedback.
You require in-person accountability.
There's no one-size-fits-all. Decide based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Making Your Decision: Trust Your Gut
You've evaluated credentials, coaching style, asked questions, and assessed training formats—so now what?
Trust your instincts.
Your ideal trainer should motivate and inspire you, feel approachable, and give you confidence in their ability. The relationship with your trainer can significantly affect your fitness journey, so choose someone you genuinely believe in.
Putting It All Together: Your Action Steps
Ready to find your perfect personal trainer? Here's your action plan:
Define Your Goals Clearly
Know precisely what you want to achieve before searching.
Research Trainers
Look at websites, social media accounts, and online reviews. Check their credentials carefully.
Schedule Consultations
Talk directly with trainers, ask critical questions, and gauge your comfort and confidence.
Ask for a Trial or Assessment
Most good trainers will offer a short consultation or assessment to determine fit.
Decide and Commit
Make your decision and give it at least three months of a strong effort. Results take consistency and patience.
Final Thoughts: How To Find a Good Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer dedicated to changing lives through fitness, I encourage you to prioritize finding a trainer who resonates with your goals, personality, and lifestyle. Finding a good personal trainer will help you make significant progress along your journey, and you can also develop a tremendous friendship with your trainer along the way.
If you believe we might be a good fit, I'd love to chat! At Jackson Ryan Fitness, I provide personalized online training plans and consistent support, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and individual attention. I’d be honored to help you on your fitness journey.
Regardless of who you train with, my hope is this guide empowers you to make a confident, informed decision.
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