ML Coaching
In my opinion, there are a few very important qualities a personal trainer should have. And I don't mean professional qualifications or practical experience, although those factors are of course important too.
No, I'm talking about certain character traits that the best personal trainers should have. You won't recognise these from a CV. They won't necessarily stand out to you until you start training with them. Nevertheless, these qualities are just as important, if not even more important, than references and years of experience.
Personal trainers with these particular qualities not only achieve the best results with their clients - training with them is also far more fun.
So if you're planning to hire a personal trainer in the future, you should try to look out for these character traits, so that your workouts are as efficient and pleasant as possible.
1. They are excellent listeners
Some of the most experienced and qualified personal trainers may look good on paper, but are they able to listen to you?
Do they take the time to really understand what you have to say and exactly what you're looking for? Or do they cut you off and follow their fixed plan without engaging with you further?
For the best personal trainers, it's the top priority to listen to you attentively and give you the chance to talk openly and honestly about your challenges, wishes and problems.
That your coach takes the time and repeatedly asks for feedback should actually be a fundamental part of your personal training.
2. They are very analytical
A large part of good personal training consists of solving problems.
Yes, to see results you have to train consistently and eat consciously. Over time, however, you'll inevitably run into challenges that can impair your progress - no matter how hard you try.
Whether it's about your strength not improving at a certain point or your weight not coming down - you should work with someone who has the analytical ability to look at the big picture and then determine where the root of the problem lies.
Having an analytical personal trainer is priceless. It will save you a lot of stress and worry that inevitably arise when you make an effort but still don't achieve the expected results.
3. They are empathetic
Many people who decide on personal training carry a lot of emotional baggage. That's only understandable, because most people don't hire a personal trainer straight away on their first attempt to get fit.
In most cases they've already made numerous attempts of their own beforehand, often over years, and simply couldn't achieve the desired results.
Many begin personal training with very low self-esteem and complexes about their body that have developed over years. They're simply not happy with how they look and feel.
So most people bring a lot of emotional issues with them when they start working out. A good personal trainer is able to recognise this, deal with your personal challenges understandingly and adapt their coaching to it.
4. They are adaptable
Personal training should never be a one-size-fits-all solution.
Of course, many personal trainers follow their own approach that works well from experience, and build their training on it.
That's absolutely fine too, as long as your personal trainer doesn't rigorously use the same routine for all their clients. If your trainer doesn't take your personal limits and wishes into account, that's a clear warning sign.
The best coaches adapt your routine entirely individually to you. That applies to the number of training days as well as the choice of exercises and the number of repetitions.
If your personal situation changes, your trainer should be attentive and adjust your training plan accordingly. After all, if you simply wanted to follow a fixed training plan, you wouldn't have needed to hire a personal trainer. The internet is full of free training plans - the value of your own coach lies in adapting the training to your individual situation.
5. They communicate effectively
Having a lot of knowledge is one thing. Conveying that knowledge to others in an understandable way is a completely different thing.
The best personal trainers don't just know how to help you build muscle and burn fat. They're also able to explain it to you in a way that's easy to understand and logical.
If your coach can teach you their extensive knowledge in a way that you can easily understand and apply, then you've found a good one.
Summary - important qualities of a personal trainer
Perhaps some of the qualities I've mentioned surprise you. Most people think a personal trainer is merely there to push you to train.
Even though that's an important task of a personal trainer, the best coaches are all in one: fitness and nutrition advisors, psychologists and motivators.
Working with a trainer really is a collaboration. You should invest your time and energy in someone who understands you, supports you and helps you master all the challenges on the way to a fitter body.
So when looking for a personal trainer, you shouldn't just pay attention to experience, awards or references, but also to these character traits.
If you'd like to try personal training in Zurich sometime, I'd be delighted to meet you. If the chemistry is right and you feel understood, we can create an individual training and nutrition plan for you together and get you into top form in no time - far faster than would be possible on your own. Just send me an email. I look forward to it!