Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I work with a Personal Trainer?

A Personal Trainer provides the guidance and motivation to keep your fitness results coming. Being held accountable to a person who cares about your success helps with motivation--this is one of the advantages of having a Personal Trainer.

How do I know if my Personal Trainer or Coach that is keeping up to date on the latest fitness information?

The best way to do this is to ask questions and better yet, observe a coach or Personal Trainer in action. Some things to consider, is your coach willing to help expand your knowledge of functional fitness, cycling, ultra distance sports, weight training and nutrition? Is she or he willing to get continuing education to keep up to date on the latest information? Does your coach share this information with you and give you the newest information available from continuing education? Your coach should want you to succeed and do whatever is necessary to help you succeed.

How do I know if my Personal Trainer cares about my success?

Does your Personal Trainer or coach believe in you or do they just want your money? Are they more worried about losing you as a client than telling you what you need to hear? Honesty is an integral part of the coaching relationship. Your coach should be your mentor. You should trust your coach enough to discuss concerns you have related to your progress or even your coaching relationship.

Should my Personal Trainer or Coach be supportive or should I be looking for a Drill Sergeant?

Training and sports are hard enough without the added pressures of someone being hard on us! Most athletes are hard enough on themselves without having a coach add to the problem. One of the reasons many people hire a coach to begin with transcends the simple need for a plan. Coaches are our mentors, friends, and an ear to listen to. If your coach isn't supportive of you and your goals, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Do I have to already be in shape or already know what my goals are before I start working with a Personal Trainer or Coach?

No, in fact, you want a Personal Trainer or coach that knows how to build in the basics. Basics are things such as form, efficiency and core strength. Once you have the basics down, your Personal Trainer or coach can then add intensity and volume to your workouts knowing that you've built a strong foundation. Those who are already in shape will also benefit from having a Personal Trainer or coach with knowledge and experience with basic foundation skills.

Why hire a Personal Trainer or Coach instead of reading books and learning on my own?

Hiring a Personal Trainer or Coach provides the assistance for people/athletes to identify specific goals and then reach these goals faster and with more ease.
A Personal Trainer or Coach works towards your future goals systematically to provide you with innovative ways to fit the science of coaching into your own personal life and goals.
Many people are tired of doing what they think they "should" do and are ready do what they "want" to do. Hiring someone with experience helps you make less mistakes. Look for a Personal Trainer or Coach that understands your goals or has had similar goals in their own past.

How do I decide how much to spend on a Personal Trainer or Coach?

It is not always as simple as "you get what you pay for".
Fees will vary with the contact hours you have with them, the amount of experience they have, the amount of email contact each month, and more than likely, the hourly time spent writing training plans.
You want to hire a Personal Trainer or Coach that has the experience level to match your goals and expectations. This experience and knowledge comes from certifications, licenses, continuing education, hands on experience, personal racing and event experience, and mentoring from other related industries, such as, orthopedics, physical therapy and rehab.
Look for a Personal Trainer and Coach that cares about their profession and are professional at what services they will offer you.

Once I hire a Personal Trainer or Coach, how long do I stay with them?

The best way to decide how long to stay with the Personal Trainer or Coach you have hired is to first make your choice carefully.
Have you hired your Personal Trainer or Coach with a short term goal in mind or are you looking at changing habits, lifestyles and longterm goals?
Short term goals may require a few visits or a couple of months with a Personal Trainer or Coach. A few changes to a program can add a new approach or added pizzazz.
Long term goals may require a 5 year relationship with your Personal Trainer or Coach. These goals require changing many aspects of your life and require the assistance of a professional to help keep your enthusiasm and momentum going.

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