It can be difficult to navigate the personal training and fitness landscape when searching for a personal trainer in New York City. There are just so many gyms, so many private fitness studios and independent trainers, not to mention all of the group fitness classes to choose from. Therefore it's important to know what your goals are, what type of trainer you are looking for, if the trainer in question is properly certified and how much is in your short and long-term budget.
Solution # 1: Know What Your Goals Are
What do you want to get out of working with a personal trainer? It's a commitment - time, energy, money. The more specific you can be with yourself and with a potential personal trainer, the better. Knowing what your fitness goals are enables yo to find a good personal trainer match, come up with a solid, concrete fitness plan and hold both yourself and your trainer accountable.
What are your goals?
Weight Loss
Muscle Tone
Burn Fat
Increase Muscle Mass
Improve Balance
Increase Energy
Get rid of low back pain
Train for a Triathlon
Learn how to box
Run a sub 7-minute mile
Reduce Stress
Mental Health
General Health
As you can see, there are just so many different goals you can have. And what is your timeline? Are these short, mid or long-term goals? How will you know if you've reached your goals? This doesn't have to complicated, but it can be. So really ask yourself what you want from personal training. You'll get so much more out of it if you take the time to do so.
Solution # 2: Find Your Match
Finding the right match for you may be more complicated than it sounds. This is in part because you have so many options in New York City. In addition, there is a broad range of personal training styles and personalities.
Do you want a drill sergeant? Someone to push you hard, be super tough with you, maybe even yell at you when you slack off, have low energy or at the end of a set or workout?
Or do you want a personal trainer who has a more gentle touch, someone who is encouraging but more chill, soft-spoken and quietly motivating?
Do you prefer a male or female personal trainer?
Do you want a social butterfly who you can talk with throughout the workout or do you prefer your fitness workouts to be less verbal?
Does your trainer have the experience and knowledge base to help you with your specific goals? There are a lot of great personal trainers in NYC. But not every personal trainer is for every person. A boxer, running coach or power lifter, for example, may not know enough anatomy to work with you if you have low back problems or if you have had a stroke. If you're pregnant, make sure a trainer has that experience and expertise.
Solution # 3: Check for Certifications
Having a personal training certification, even if it is from a reputable personal training association, does not by default make one a qualified personal trainer to work with you. But it does give insight into a trainer's background, expertise and commitment to the field. If a personal trainer does not have any certification, this should be a non-starter for you.
You should want someone who has proven to have a baseline level of exercise science and personal training knowledge. You should also want a personal trainer who has invested the time, effort and money to get certified. It reflects a dedication to the profession and to being educated.
The most reputable certifying bodies are the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE). There are others.
Solution # 4: Know Your Budget
This might seem obvious but it's important to know. Are you in it for the long haul? Can you only do it for 3 months in preparation for a wedding or competition? How many times per week would you ideally like to train, given your schedule and budget? Even though 'you get what you pay for', in most situations, perhaps for your particular needs you don't need an expensive trainer. I
f you are injury-free and find a trainer who doesn't charge a lot, it doesn't mean he or she is bad. Alternatively, many trainers offer semi-private sessions to help clients share and thus reduce the costs. In short, there are many price points. Decide what you can afford before you sign on with a trainer so that you don't have to stop abruptly or get stressed about it. Personal training should be a positive and supportive process and experience. It shouldn't break the bank and thus cause stress.
Fitness NYC can help you navigate the vast fitness landscape of NYC We can help you quickly and easily find a certified, specialized and affordable personal trainer to help you reach your unique fitness goals.