Personal Trainer Personality Types - Part III

Selecting Your Trainer

Now we have determined that you have a professional, caring, well-meaning and highly-educated trainer in front of you. There is one more thing left to determine if they are the right trainer for you. Do you like them? Personality types should not be ignored, especially in the instance that you will spend your money to spend two to six hours a week with this individual. I have listed a few personal trainer personality types so you can familiarize yourself and be well armed to make the best decision for yourself.

• The Enabler. This type of trainer makes everything OK for you. They do not try to push you too hard and they will listen to you for minutes between exercises. This is the trainer for you if fitness goals are not your priority but you need a good listener. This is more of a “rent-a-friend” than it is someone totally absorbed in your success.

• The Drill Sergeant. As the name implies this is an individual who will motivate you through constant pressure to succeed and achieve more every time you are with them. This is a person in control of the session. Some of us need this as we are incredibly powerful, busy people and sometimes we just want to be told what to do. Results are the cornerstone of this individuals focus. This person was well … a drill sergeant in a past life.

• The Analyzer (Also called The Technician). This trainer carries a clipboard, two different color pens and a highlighter. They will make sure that you are in the exact position that you should be before you are allowed to move. Be sure not to deviate as this person will stop you, reset you and do it all over again until it is perfect. The Analyzer studied engineering at some point in their life.

• The Olympian. A former athlete who thinks you were too! You will lift heavy things that do not need to be moved, run to nowhere; perform feats of strength seen on "American Gladiators" re-runs, do sprints, box and anything else you can possibly think of. It may not be the best structured workout you will ever experience but make no mistake–it will be an experience. Hint: Bring an extra towel!

• The Coach. This is a very fun-loving but intense type of trainer. Chances are this is the only profession this person has ever known and they have been doing it for a long, long time. This trainer understands that there are many parts to a successful fitness plan and they want to teach you how to do it all with or without them. You will be sure to get little pearls of wisdom daily and be encouraged to do your best. Your success will be measured and there will be an action plan for everything.

• The Cheerleader (Also–The Motivator). This Cheerleader is fun and you will be sure to laugh during your session. This is a trainer who will be vocal, loud, exciting and in your face. They will get you to let loose and try dance moves, Pilates, yoga, stretching, and balance on weird fitness gizmos. You will be so caught up in the moment that you will not believe that you just had a personal training workout. This person is bubbly and always smiling and you will be too.    

• The Prima Donna. This is the trainer that thinks they are more important than you are. My suggestion: Stay away! Warning flags:

• Ignores or dismisses your questions.
• Works you so hard you are in pain for days. Soreness is normal, but you should still be able to get out of bed.
• Neglects any part of a complete program or recommends a level of training that is too hard for you.
• Diagnoses injuries or illnesses instead of referring you to a doctor.
• Thinks they have the magical workout or diet plan.
• Interrupts your session to talk to friends or take phone calls (unless it is an emergency or can not be avoided).
• Does not return phone calls or emails.
• Likes looking in the mirror a bit too much.

Remember, you are spending your money and your time. You should have a trainer that you like, that cares about you and knows how to help you achieve your goals.

To your health,

-Robert