Let’s be honest: most of us want a Personal Trainer so we can say we have a Personal Trainer. They’re the latest must-have accessory: the perfect accompaniment to flawless style, perfect fashion and for those who have everything – they’re the new bling. What better way to raise eyebrows than a casual drop of your PT’s name or a flick of their business card. It connotes a lifestyle of leisure and a full wallet. But after a couple of months of name dropping, and not flab dropping, your friends may start to wonder about the quality, or even existence, of your trainer. So to help you along your road to flab-u-lessness, a few pointers to finding the perfect PT.
Unfortunately most people treat choosing a PT like a casual fling. They head straight to the hottest tightest butt and talk their way into an experience that doesn’t last much longer than a one night stand. It doesn’t take long to realise that more is required from a PT than looking like sex on a stick. A good PT is in it for the long run and will go the extra mile to ensure a strong relationship that lasts the rigors of getting fit and fighting flab. Your PT will be the first to know about any of your medical conditions, about the frays between you and your partner, and if you miraculously get pregnant, so you really want to have a good rapport with them. You know you’re with a winner if your PT a) remembers your name b) remembers your dog’s name and, most importantly, c) remembers the name of your mother-in-law.
Have a look around your gym and watch how the PTs operate; most are like vultures slowly circling the gym floor waiting for a chance to strike at any poor drowned rat panting for their life on the treadmill. When they finally go in for the kill they shower their prey with forced smiles and lures of free sessions if you sign up with them today. The good PTs are rarely seen: they occupy the gym in the wee hours of the morning in the peak times 6-9am. They’re always busy with clients and they wait for people to approach them attracted by word of mouth. You’ll be lucky to snag one of these big guns; they usually have a waiting list: so get to the gym early, introduce yourself and bribe them with songs of good feedback. Chocolate also works well, and I love a good bottle of Cab Sav.
You get to try on your clothes before you buy them so insist on a test drive with your PT before you commit. Take careful note of the following: do they make you carry your towel and water? Do they pay more attention to other people in the gym than you? Do they answer their phone and/or text while training you? Do they flirt with you? If you answered yes to any of the above dump them immediately, give them your number and suggest taking the workout to the bedroom.
Some people were born to PT and others most definitely weren’t and having a PT that knows what they’re doing is rather a vital prerequisite. You’ll know if your PT is hitting the mark if you are stiff and groaning 2 days after your workout; despite what they look like. As you know, looks and size don’t matter; it’s what they do with you that counts.
Then again; going with the hot PT with killer arms may be the safest way to go: even if they’re shit, at least you’re paying for a good perve.
Nathan Keene
Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer
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