Not All Personal Trainers are Created Equal

I was at the gym this weekend and watched this poor woman doing lunges with horrific form, knowing her knees would be singing the next day.  The worst part was that she was working with a trainer and he didn't even correct her. 

There are some really great personal trainers out there, but there are also some doozies.  How can you tell which is which, especially if you are a gym newbie?  Here are some tips:

• Check out their physique.  Are they fit?  If not, move on.  My old gym had this male trainer who was obese...that is like a doctor who smokes.   
• Watch them, both while they are training a client and during their own workout.  Do you like the moves and exercises they use?  Do they push their clients?  Do they seem upbeat?   
• Some experts might say to check their personal training certification, but that isn't always a sure-fire bet.  There are many certified trainers that I wouldn't work with.    

Once you pick one and start working with them, 

• What is the initial meeting like?  Did they ask questions?  Is there a questionnaire?  Did they take stats?  Measurements?  Or did they just jump into a workout without any background?
• Did they help you set clear goals with time lines?
• Are you required to sign a long-term contract?  If so, don't do it.
• How do they prepare for your sessions?  Do they come to the workout with a plan?  If you hear "what do you want to do today?" walk away and find another trainer. 
• Do they talk about nutrition and diet?  Although personal trainers are not typically nutrition experts, they should at the very least discuss your diet and how it will impact your goals.  Most of us cannot achieve our fitness goals without altering our diets.    
• Do they focus on you?  Or are they looking around, chatting with others during your workout?

After workouts, 

• Are you sore, but not too sore? 
• Are they accessible outside the gym?  Cell phone, email?
• Are you seeing results?