Things to LOOK FOR when LOOKING FOR a trainer

My clientele is primarily people between the ages of 35 and 55, 90% women. Is this you? Listen up for some free advice if you're looking for a trainer/coach/fitness pro (I don't care what you call us).

Chances are if you're reading this on MY page, you're not a power lifter, so don't get "boxed in" to that mindset when working with a trainer. Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in squats, deadlifts and bench presses and understand the science behind building muscle mass through compound movements and the factors of progression. It is completely 100 percent necessary! But if that's all you're doing or worried about, you're missing out. You're missing out on truly MOVING your body and ENJOYING a variety of fitness techniques through a more specialized functional fitness program. Without adding in cardio endurance, plyometrics and flexibility/yoga training you're just a one man band, who is very likely to get injured.....and bored. Therefore, it's unlikely you'll continue with your journey or your trainer. Find a trainer that will challenge you between heavy lifting days and HIIT days. Or better yet, combining them both into the same one hour session, like we do at Debbie Reichert Fitness. It IS possible to build muscle and lose body fat simultaneously, when done correctly. When you're a busy person with a ton of responsibilities, it's about being efficient. You're lucky to get in three workouts a week....don't waste time.

Did you know that the amount of certifications next to a trainer's name mean very little when it comes to deciding who you should work with? True story. While I do have quite a few credentials next to my name, don't get me wrong, if we don't connect on a personal level, chances are the relationship isn't going to work for either party. And you'll know judging by the amount of time a trainer spends actually talking to you versus just counting your reps or looking at his/her phone.  My clients are counting their own reps while I'm taking the time to discuss nutrition with them, injury prevention, etc. It's called multitasking and giving YOU the most of your time with me. Chances are we'll be doing a little bullshitting too....because life's too short to be serious 100% of the time.

There's no quick fix pill, wrap or drink to make you lose weight and if a trainer tells you that they are crazy and most likely just want to take your money! (WHAT? But Debbie, you're a Gold Star leader with Advocare??) Yep, and we have amazing supplements that will help ENHANCE your performance, which will in turn speed up your end goal. But if you don't put in the consistent work into both your diet and your exercise, you won't have anything to enhance. 

A support system is HUGE! Find a trainer that offers a support system for you outside of the gym. For my business, for example, I have a private Facebook page set up for just my clients. That gives them all access to me, and each other 24/7. We share motivation, inspiration, accomplishments, frustrations, workouts, recipes and laughs. This is what keeps the community strong.  It is very important to talk to your trainer regularly when you are NOT in the gym. Accountability is key. If you are aligned with someone who isn’t responding quickly to your messages or texts, find someone else. Again, this is a relationship business, and should be constantly growing and evolving. The more your trainer knows you and about you, the more they can help you reach your goals.

I hope this helps you if you are on the search for a trainer. If I can answer any of your questions, feel free to reach out to me through my website at Debbie Reichert Fitness.