The beauty of having a personal trainer is that it allows for bespoke, one-on-one access to training and fitness tips that are wholly curated to suit a particular moment in one's life. As our bodies and expectations change, so too should our workout routine. Having a trainer who understands and can work with to adapt to an evolving fitness journey is crucial, according to Jen Dugard, founder of MumSafe, a platform that connects expecting and new mums with certified trainers who partner with pelvic health physiotherapists.
Pregnancy, says Dugard, is just one of the many moments in life where fitness needs will shift. No training programme is one size fits all; despiting seeing success with a trainer, it might be wise to seek new help and opinion as fitness goals and one's body changes. "The first thing to understand when looking for a trainer is what you want and need right now," she says.
From choosing the right trainer to knowing when to let go and seek new help as fitness goals evolve, Dugard shares tips on finding the right coach to boost results and when to part ways with an old trainer.
#What are some questions trainers will ask during the first consultation?
#What should someone seeking a trainer have in mind heading into the first consultations?
#What are some signs that the trainer is not the right fit?
#Are trainers usually able to offer nutrition advice as well?
What are some questions trainers will ask during the first consultation?
Every trainer has a duty of care to do a pre-exercise medical questionnaire with their client before they start training. If your trainer does not go through this process with you, they cannot possibly know everything about you; they need to create the best exercise prescription possible.
If you are a mum, they should ask questions about your birth experience, pelvic floor, abdominal wall and more!
What should someone seeking a trainer have in mind heading into the first consultations?
This is such an individualised question. Yes, your trainer may suggest the best possible training plan, but it's important it fits within your lifestyle and that you both manage expectations.
If you want to train for a half marathon and say you can only run once per week, you will find it hard to reach your goals. But if you clearly state you have limited time to work with your trainer and they say you 'need' to work with them, make sure that whatever you sign up for is right for you.
For those who do not have solid goals or ideas of what they want to achieve going into a consultation, what are some things a trainer will look for to determine a realistic goal?
A trainer will always ask what someone's goals are; however, knowing that you want to move your body regularly is also a great goal. It does not need to be tied explicitly to performance or aesthetic-based goals.
What are some signs that the trainer is not the right fit?
One of my goals is to empower people to seek out the trainer that is right for them in each season of life. So, take some time to brainstorm what you want and what you need.
For a postpartum woman, she would benefit from finding a trainer qualified in pre and postnatal exercise, has experience working with mums, is partnered with a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and understands each postnatal woman's situation is unique. If you approached a trainer who had no idea what you were talking about, you might choose to move on to someone else.
The same goes for any circumstance; if you want to train for a bodybuilding competition, you won't seek out a Pilates instructor.
Should individuals seek out trainers as a way to achieve their short-term goals, or are most who train with a professional able to establish a routine with their trainer that they can eventually apply on their own?
Everyone is different. Some people will want to work with their trainer for a short period and then go out on their own, but I know of many people who train with their trainer for years, which is the last thing they would give up. Like anything in life, when you gain support and guidance from someone who knows more than you, you often get better results and stay more on track. Also, having someone else to think about your programming can be a huge relief in our busy lives!
Should individuals train with more than one trainer at a time for variety, or is it generally recommended that they stick with one?
It depends! The most important thing is knowing that your trainer is right for your circumstance. If you fall pregnant and your trainer has no training or education in working with pregnant women, it might be wise to work with someone that does for a while. Similarly, if you have a specific goal and your trainer has no experience or education to help you work toward that goal, seeking someone who does will always be a better option.
Are trainers usually able to offer nutrition advice as well?
Unless a trainer has specific nutritional certifications, they can only offer basic nutritional advice; if you want more in-depth guidance or meal planning, check their qualifications and consider working with a nutritionist or dietician.
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