What questions should I ask during a personal trainer interview?

Below you'll find some useful questions to ask the trainer before you hire him/her:

Is the personal trainer certified by a national organization (i.e. American Council on Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, etc.)?

What type of people has the personal trainer worked with before in an exercise setting?

What times does the personal trainer have available to work with a new client or group of clients?

How much time do I need to set aside each week to help me effectively reach my goals as your client?

Kristen, when we ask questions, generally there is something that precipitated the thought.

I personally, don't think it is a good idea to have prepared questions that someone else suggests that you ask because it is not being authentic. When we have conversations and ask questions, the questions asked should be relevant to the conversation.

I encourage you to listen well during the interview (be present), allow the conversation to develop naturally and you'll do just fine.

Whatever you do, be your authentic self!

All the best!

Kristen,

If you are for a trainer to work with the most important questions would be:

1.) Are you certified and through what organization?
2.) What is your background/experience?
3.) How can you help me to reach my goals?

Now, how do you know if he/she is credible?
1.) Check the Certifying organization and make sure that they are being truthful and that their credentials are up to date.
2.) Ask around, word of mouth will always be a trainer's best sales point.
3.) Go with your gut. If the person seems to be just telling you everything that you want to hear or may be giving you reasons that make you un-easy then walk. The connection between a trainer and their client IMO, is the most important determinant when establishing any successful working relationship. If they can't connect with you, then how can they truly help you?

Hello Kirsten,

I assume that you are the person to be interviewed for a personal trainer position, and that you are wondering which questions you should ask of your potential employer.

I would suggest that - prior to the interview - you try to find out all you can about the company who may become your potential employer. That even includes checking the Better Business Bureau to see whether there are any complaints filed against them and, if yes, for what reason.

What you find out during this search will largely inform your questions that you may ask of the interviewer. I like both LaRue's and Shawn's answers because they give you two sides of the spectrum. You should be prepared to ask the ones and answer the others. Particuarly the one of 'What are your weaknesses?' which is ever so popular with potential employers.

I think the questions aren't as important a the rapport you create with your trainer so when interviewing a trainer, I think your best bet is to find one that you have good communication with, enjoy being around, respect their expertise and education level and can develop trust with. You are potentially planning to spend a lot of time with this person so you want to be able to understand them and be understood by them. Yes, the trainer should also be certified by a reputable company and they should also come highly recommended by their clients!

Ask the trainer how long they usually work with a client. Try to find out if they are personable and good at what they do. I think retention rate says a lot. Training should be a fun and positive experience. Being physically active is a lifelong endeavor. :)

Hello Kristen,
Alot of great answers added here. I would simply add that a one on one PT session/s would be required. Have your potential new trainers program a workout and train you and evaluate their skills and communication.

Sincerely,
Michael

As is suggested in the previous answers, I'm not sure if you're interviewing to become a personal trainer or if you're interviewing a potential client.

Credentials, experience, previous client recommendations and academic preparation are all important in either case.

To me the most important consideration is that you emphasize that your focus is to help your client reach her/his fitness goals in the most safe and effective way possible.

What is your certification?
Are you CPR certified?
How many years have you been a certified personal trainer?
Do you have any referrals and or testimonials
Why should I hire you as my personal trainer? What makes you stand out infront of other personal trainers?
Please tell me how many success stories you have had.
How do you define goals for me?
Do you have a program specifically for me?
For more medically challenged clients
Do you have any experience training individuals with: ________ your condition
Do you have any education in training individuals with: _____________ your condition

so many trainers, especially ones just getting into the field, have no experience training individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, injuries, etc. Or even the older population that is the largest population in the US now.

I remember my second trainer, before I was a personal trainer, had read my file. At the time I was 60 pounds overweight, high blood pressure, had a herniated disk in my neck..and the young man wanted me to do decline bench press! I ask him if he knew anything about training people with HBP, herniated disks, arthritis, and going through menopause. He said "no".. I should have asked him BEFORE I hired him. I fired him and found a much more educated and experienced trainer who safely help me lose 60 pounds and motivated me to become a personal trainer who works with special population clients.

Everyone here has suggested really great questions to ask your trainer, but I would pay a lot of attention to the questions they ask you. Trainers should ask for a complete medical history, discuss your individual goals (both long and short term), ask about past physical activity/exercise, and ask what kind of training or workouts you like/don't like.

If your new trainer isn't asking you these questions, they are probably not really looking at you as an individual and are probably not going to be able to help you meet your goals.

Good luck and stay healthy!!!

Above questions + be ambitious. No club wants to not make money, and every trainer is a sales person.

Let them know that you know its a numbers game, you're willing to make the calls because you know you'll be helping people better themselves.

Clients reach their goals, you stay busy, you and the club get a fat paycheck at the end of every month.