HOW TO FIND YOUR FIT

SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT PERSONAL TRAINER IS LIKE FINDING THE PERFECT PARTNER ... IT’S HARD BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT. ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS WILL HELP YOU MEET YOUR MATCH

With an image-conscious culture fed by images of washboard abs, it’s no wonder the fitness industry is thriving. While those looking for support in achieving their goals are spoiled for choice, how on earth do you sift through the masses to find the right gym or personal trainer for you?

There are a number of things you need to take into account before you can start to explore, including the location of the gym or trainer, the facilities and services and of course, price ... although when you find “the perfect fit” that can fly out the window; you can never put a price on your health or quality of life.

So, what do you need to look for first, is it the gym or the personal trainer?

Finding an awesome personal trainer is like finding an awesome partner — they are few and far between and you are only going to like them if they tick all your boxes.

Looking for your personal trainer first can be beneficial because they are going to play a major role in your health and fitness journey and keep you accountable when you make the right and wrong decisions. The best way to track a trainer down is often by personal referral.

If your friends or family members have gotten along with them, then there is a good chance you’ll get on with them too.

Just make sure you do your research and find out if they are knowledgeable in the areas of health you wish to improve.

Finding a gym that caters for all of your requirements is important too.

Is the gym close enough that you’re not going to use the “I don’t have time” line every four out of five days?

Does the gym offer a creche to help you out if you’re a hardworking mother or father who just wants an hour a day to themselves to exercise and not stress about the little one?

Does it offer quality classes that push you and challenge you to get better and achieve your goals? Do you need 24-hour access and if so does the gym offer this?

And finally, does the gym have a friendly and positive vibe that makes it easier for you to enjoy yourself and have a good time while you train?

You could always end up winning the jackpot: finding a gym that fits your lifestyle and a personal trainer in that gym that is ideal for you.

Whatever you decide to look for first, do your research, ask questions and make sure you have common values with any prospective partner on your fitness journey.

Joel is a personal trainer, health and performance coach and owner of JB Health and Performance. He holds a Cert III and IV in Fitness, Strength and Conditioning Cert, Advanced Nutrition.

READ HIS COLUMN EVERY FORTNIGHT OR GO TO jbhealth.com.au