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Choosing a personal trainer can feel like guesswork. Many people sign up because they want fast results or because they like a trainer’s physique on Instagram. Others choose based on price or convenience. But the right trainer may not be the one who looks the fittest. It is the one who understands your lifestyle, your physiology, and your personality.
A trainer who fits you can change how you feel about your active lifestyle. After more than a decade in the industry, here is my honest perspective on what truly matters when choosing a coach you can trust.
Why choosing the right PT matters
A trainer influences your mindset, your habits, and how you relate to your body. Yet many people choose based on surface-level ideas like “fitter-looking means better coach” or “their client lost 10kg in 2 months”. These assumptions often create mismatched expectations and disappointment.
A good coach supports confidence and sustainable progress, not just a burst of motivation at the start of the year. They make decisions based on your experience, stress levels, responsibilities, and physiology. Women and men respond differently to training load, recovery, and fatigue. Parents often have different time and energy demands than those without kids. A trainer who understands these differences can support you without pushing past your limits.
Five criteria to look for in a PT
1) Education and ongoing learning
Qualifications are not everything, but they do matter because they show what a trainer has studied and where their strengths lie. Equally important is whether they continue learning and keep up with current research.
2) Communication style
You are not hiring a drill sergeant. You are hiring someone you will speak to every week. Pay attention to how they communicate in your first conversation. Do they listen? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your goals, schedule, injuries, and stress? Do you feel comfortable being honest with them? You may talk to your trainer more often than your family, so working well together is essential.
3) Ability to tailor to your physiology
Bodies respond differently to training. Age, hormones, menstrual cycles, sleep quality, and recovery capacity all influence progress. A trainer who recognises these factors and adjusts your program accordingly will help you train safely and sustainably.
4) Mind–body awareness
Good trainers pay attention to what you carry mentally, not just physically. They notice when stress affects your energy, when you need encouragement, or when motivation dips. Training is never only physical. You want someone who sees the full picture.
5) Adjusting to your lifestyle
Life has seasons. Some months feel smooth and predictable. Others feel chaotic. A good trainer helps you maintain your habits through both. When your workload spikes or unexpected challenges appear, your trainer should know how to pivot your program without dismissing your reality.
How to spot a PT that fits you
Here are practical ways to evaluate a trainer before committing.
• Check their social media Not to judge their body, but to see how they communicate. Do their tone and values match what you need?
• Watch them on the gym floor Are they present and engaged? Do their clients look safe, supported, and genuinely enjoying the session?
• Ask for recommendations Word of mouth is honest. People will tell you whether a trainer is consistent, reliable, and genuine.
• Speak to a Personal Training Manager They understand each trainer’s strengths and can help match you with someone aligned with your goals.
A personal story about mismatching with a client
Early in my career, a client wanted rapid weight loss before her wedding, only two months away. Physically, I knew the extreme approach required to make that happen. Ethically, I could not support it.
With my own lived experience of an eating disorder, I understood how damaging short-term crash goals can be. Saying no was uncomfortable, but it protected both of us. I explained why, offered a healthier way I could support her, and encouraged her to choose what felt right for her.
A trainer’s job is not to make your dream body come true at any cost. It is to support your wellbeing over the long term while helping you reach your fitness goals. The right trainer values your health more than quick wins.
Start the year with the right support
If you are considering personal training this year, start by reflecting on what you want. Strength? Confidence? Better habits? A healthier relationship with movement?
Then speak to a Personal Training Manager at your local Les Mills. They can help match you with a coach who fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your personality.
A good match can change how you feel about training and help you begin the new year strong, steady, and sustainable.