Finding the Right Personal Trainer - For Your Sport

While a personal trainer with a combination of professional certifications and academic background may seem 'perfect', an important question to consider is whether that fitness professional has the experience, skills and resources necessary to help you achieve your goals.

The key is finding the one who has the skill set you need.

This is particularly critical if you are training for an explosive sport such as olympic weightlifting or basketball.

I give the example of olympic lifting first because it is such a technical sport that requires precision. You are going to need a coach and/or trainer with first-hand knowledge and experience of the sport. A trainer that is a 'jack of all trades'--a generalist rather than someone who specializes and is vested in the sport of olympic lifting will not be able to help you. They will end up only wasting your time and money.

For instance for olympic lifting, you may want to ask them if they are currently coaching other lifters, and if they do any lifting themselves. For Olympic lifting, you may also want to ask if your coach is affiliated with any teams or other coaches within the sport. This is not a sport where you want your trainer to be an 'island' unto himself--or herself.

The same holds true for other sports. If your goal is to become a competitive body-builder, you may want to search for a trainer that has the experience and passion for the sport. Perhaps a trainer that is a body-builder will be better equipped to help you reach your goals.

Feel free to ask a prospective trainer if they have the specific experience you need for your sport.

My best to you all.

Linda Kravitz, CEO
TheFitWoman.com