Help me find a good personal trainer!

September 11, 2007 4:52 PM

How do I find a good personal trainer?

I have read other posts on this and I feel like I need more info. I would like to lose about 40lbs, the right way, through exercise and diet. I feel like getting a personal trainer could be really helpful, especially because weights are so intimidating to me. But, I have used two personal trainers at two different gyms, and they were not that good. I mean, one was barely interested in what she was doing. The other ended in this really awkward sales pitch that was ridiculous and really turned me off. He also didn't even know my name or ask me what I wanted. The gym I am currently using (and really like) LA Fitness have a bunch of guys who all look the same, it doesn't seem very personal at all to me.

I really want to find someone good, and preferably a woman. Any suggestions? Also, I'm looking for a person in central NJ.

posted by hazyspring to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Start by just chatting with the personal trainers that operate out of that gym. If you get a good vibe, then ask for a complimentary one on one session for maybe fifteen or thirty minutes to see if the rapport is still there. If so, hire on for a few full sessions on a provisional basis. You shouldn't have to pay anything to "test drive" the trainer and if they do ask for something, they're probably not going to be any good (i.e. interested only in the cash)

If that doesn't work, I'm afraid I don't have any experience with searching online or through craigslist or something (seems kinda shady) for personal trainer services. Good luck!
posted by wangarific at 5:33 PM on September 11, 2007

If you're looking for a woman, you might try calling a local dance studio and asking if they have anyone they work with that they could refer you to.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:05 PM on September 11, 2007

I found mine by going to his class. I like him because 1) he's very committed (and hence choosy about his clients), and 2) he doesn't let you off if you don't feel like doing something. We worked our way through all of my psychological hang-ups and now I train great!
posted by cogat at 8:17 PM on September 11, 2007

Response by poster: What kind of class was this? A class offered at a gym?
posted by hazyspring at 5:02 AM on September 12, 2007

I asked a similar question and got a few responses. My own recommendation: ask around, try a few for a one-time session, and don't get a massive package the first time around. Then you can always switch after a few sessions if it's not working out.
posted by barnone at 9:23 AM on September 12, 2007

Here are some certified by the ACE in your area. If that doesn't work, fill in the info in this form. A certification doesn't mean that much, but I think it may be slightly better than the gym rats at places like Gold's and LA fitness...
posted by barnone at 9:29 AM on September 12, 2007

This guy, Bob Alessi, has a bunch of good reviews online -- not sure if it's self-promotional or genuine, but worth a shot.
posted by barnone at 9:32 AM on September 12, 2007

Response by poster: Just to follow up on this post: I ended up talking to a friend of mine who had worked at a gym. She told me to check on the ACSM site or also ask to talk to the head trainer at the gym.

I ended up getting two leads for personal trainers, one from a friend who is going to an endocrinologist (there is a nurse who does personal training on the side) and one who is in my area from the ACSM site.

I spoke with the person from the ACSM site. She has very good experience and references and I am going to use her.
posted by hazyspring at 5:38 PM on September 18, 2007