You get what you pay for.

I have a client who I take running on Friday’s at a nearby oval.  When it is wet my trainers often come away soaked and then I am working in wet shoes or need to change them if I am going into a gym. 

I was trying to come up with a solution when I came across my old football bag and wondered if I could use my old football boots for the run round the oval and then change back into my trainers after.

I was sceptical as I haven’t played football for 4 plus years and the boots themselves came to Australia with me when I moved here some 15 years ago.

The good news is as you can see from the photo they still fit me, but better than that they are in great condition.  Now I did look after them when I was using them ensuring they were clean every week, but still leather boots after a few years of neglect to be in match ready condition speaks to the quality of the boot.  These are Adidas Copa Mundial’s and they’ve been making them for nearly as long as I have been alive and they are expensive and always have been.

This got my thinking about the saying “You get what you pay for” in the case of my boots this is great quality, very comfortable and long lasting so the price is well worth it, but does that always ring true. Sadly not always, but here are five things to look for in a Personal Trainer to make sure you’re getting not only the quality your money deserves, but also ensures your workout is going to be safe and effective.

1.        Every Personal Trainer should conduct a thorough health screening with you before commencing any exercise program.  This should include going through an APSS screening questionnaire (https://exerciseismedicine.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/New-ADULT-PRE-EXERCISE-SCREENING-SYSTEM-APSS_FINAL-1.pdf)  and taking some basic measurements like height, weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate.

2.        At the outset of any program, specific goals should be set and should be aligned with the SMART goal-setting tool, allowing the trainer to set you a specific program tailored to you and to give you a means of tracking progress.

3.        A static posture and functional movement assessment should be conducted prior to commencing.  This allows the trainer to work out if there are any postural issues, how you move, and if there are any areas of weakness that need to be addressed so that their program can address these whilst still working towards your goals.

4.        Once you start training, the trainer should be looking for and encouraging you to give feedback on the exercises and the overall program.  The trainer's job is not just to throw you into a bunch of exercises and make sure you’re doing them right.  They should be ensuring that you enjoy your workout.  If it’s a chore, you’re less likely to stick with it.

5.        The trainer should explain not just how to do the exercise but how it is related to your goal.  If you are paying for personal training, it should be exactly that, personal, and tailored to your needs.