Hiring A Personal Trainer? Here’s What You Need To Know

This article was originally published on November 1, 2019, but was updated on August 11th, 2025, with new information.

There are many things you need to consider when hiring a personal trainer. From simple things like making sure the two of you get along down to some of the more technical aspects like making sure they’re certified, it’s important to consider your options before choosing the right trainer for you.

As a locally owned gym in Troy, Michigan, Peak Physique takes a personal, no-cookie-cutter approach to training. Whether you’re new to exercise or ready to break through a plateau, our goal is to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be.

Before hiring your personal trainer, be sure to ask these essential questions.

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Trainer

Before you start interviewing trainers, it’s important to understand why hiring one can be such a game-changer. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

• Personalized programs: Your trainer designs workouts for your body, goals, and schedule.
• Better technique: Proper form reduces injury risk and makes every rep count.
• Accountability: You’re more likely to stick with it when someone’s waiting for you.
• Plateau-busting: Trainers know how to adjust your plan to keep you progressing.
• Nutrition support: Many trainers offer guidance to help you fuel your workouts.
• Confidence boost: Progress in the gym often translates to more confidence outside of it.

When you find the right trainer, you’re not just paying for workouts; you’re investing in a coach, motivator, and guide who can help you reach your goals more effectively.

What Are The 12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Trainer

Choosing the right trainer is part interview, part gut feeling. Use these questions to help you make a confident, informed choice.

1. Do You Have a Personal Training Certification?

You want to be sure that the personal trainer you’re working with has been certified by an accredited class. Certifications from accredited organizations, like NASM, ACE, or ACSM, show that a trainer has the proper education in exercise science, safety, and program design.

If they don’t have any certifications or professional training, it might not be a good idea to work with that trainer.

Why it matters: Without certification, a trainer might unintentionally create unsafe or ineffective workouts.

2. What Other Education or Specializations Do You Have?

This may seem like a weird question to ask since you’re trying to hire a personal trainer. However, it might be a good idea to see what other areas your trainer is educated in. Especially if they aren’t certified, because they might have a degree in physical education, which would help offset the fact that they aren’t certified.

If you’re not satisfied with the certifications, your potential personal trainer may or may not have, ask them what other education they do have.

Some trainers have degrees in kinesiology, physical education, or exercise science. Others pursue specialties like corrective exercise, prenatal/postpartum fitness, sports conditioning, or nutrition coaching.

Why it matters: Specializations can be crucial if you have specific goals, injuries, or health conditions.

3. How Long Have You Been a Trainer?

Experience isn’t everything, but it can make a difference. Trainers who’ve worked with a wide range of clients often adapt faster and anticipate challenges.

Pro tip: Ask if they’ve worked with people in your age group or with your goals before.

4. What Type of Training Do You Offer?

Some trainers stick to machines, while others incorporate free weights, resistance bands, functional training, or bodyweight exercises.

Why it matters: If you want to improve functional strength or train for a sport, you’ll want a trainer who uses more than just machine-based workouts.

5. Will I Work With Just You or Multiple Trainers?

This is important! Different trainers tend to work out differently, meaning they train their clients differently.

If you’re choosing a personal training gym where all they do is personal training, like Peak Physique, then having multiple trainers could be a huge advantage. So just ask who you’re going to be training with, and talk about what your options are.

6. How Will We Measure Progress?

Scales don’t tell the whole story. Look for trainers who track progress through:

• Body fat percentage
• Muscle mass measurements
• Strength milestones
• Before-and-after photos
• InBody 770 scans (available at our gym in Troy)

7. How Long Will It Realistically Take to Reach My Goals?

When you ask this question, you’re looking at how long you’re going to need to make a commitment to the trainer for. If you’re hiring a personal trainer to reach a specific goal, then it’s fair to ask how long you can expect it to take to reach that goal.

If you don’t have a goal in mind, then talk to the trainer about how you can set goals for yourself that you can work towards.

8. Can I Speak With a Current or Former Client?

Testimonials are helpful, but direct conversations give you the most authentic perspective on what it’s like to train with them.

9. What’s the Average Age and Fitness Level of Your Clients?

If you’re a beginner, you want a trainer who’s patient and skilled at teaching fundamentals. If you’re advanced, you’ll want someone who can challenge you.

10. Do You Offer Nutritional Guidance?

Workouts are only part of the equation. Trainers who offer nutrition advice (within their scope) can help you make progress faster.

At Peak Physique, we integrate nutrition into our coaching so you can align your training and eating habits for maximum results.

11. How Important Do You Think Diet Is?

If a trainer dismisses nutrition entirely, consider it a red flag. Fitness results come from both consistent training and mindful eating.

12. What’s Your Availability and Scheduling Policy?

If your trainer’s schedule doesn’t match yours, or they frequently cancel, it can derail your momentum. Look for reliability and flexibility.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Hiring a Personal Trainer?

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:

• Qualifications & Certifications: Are they trained and accredited?
• Experience: Do they have a track record with clients like you?
• Training Style: Does it match your goals and preferences?
• Specializations: Can they address your unique needs or limitations?
• Personality Fit: Do you feel supported and motivated?
• Progress Tracking: Do they measure results in a way that keeps you engaged?
• Convenience: Is their location and availability realistic for your lifestyle?
• Value for Cost: Are you getting meaningful results for your investment?

The Cost of Hiring a Personal Trainer in Troy, Michigan

If you’re local to Troy, Michigan, and wondering about the cost of hiring a personal trainer, we recommend budgeting around $300 – $400 per month.

At Peak Physique, we offer multiple package options so you can choose whatever sessions are going to fit your budget and goals. Our belief: the value is in the results, not just the session price.

The Peak Physique Difference: A Troy Gym with Personal Passion

We’re not a big-box gym. Peak Physique is family-run and rooted in the local Troy community.

Our philosophy is simple:

• Empowered, not exhausted: We build workouts that energize you.
• No cookie-cutter plans: Every session is tailored to your goals.
• Expert guidance: Certified trainers with years of experience.
• Community support: A welcoming space where everyone feels seen.

We also offer specialty training like prenatal and postpartum personal training, sport-specific training, and InBody 770 scans to fine-tune your progress.

How to Get Started

Hiring a personal trainer is about more than just credentials; it’s about finding someone who fits your personality, understands your goals, and knows how to guide you toward them.

At Peak Physique, we make that first step easy. We offer a free consultation and first workout so you can meet our team, ask your questions, and see if we’re the right fit.

Reach out to us today to get started with your fitness journey.

FAQs About Hiring a Personal Trainer

What Factors Should Be Considered When Hiring A Personal Trainer?

When hiring a personal trainer, look for certifications, experience, training style, personality fit, and progress tracking methods. You should also consider whether they offer nutrition guidance, their availability, and if their pricing fits your budget.

Do I Need A Personal Trainer If I’m A Beginner?

Yes! Beginners often see the biggest benefits because a trainer can teach proper form, build a realistic workout plan, and prevent common mistakes that can lead to injury or burnout.

Can A Personal Trainer Help With Weight Loss?

Absolutely. Our personal trainers can design workouts that burn calories, build muscle, and help boost your metabolism. Paired with nutrition guidance, this can be one of the best strategies for sustainable weight loss.

How Often Should I Meet With My Personal Trainer?

It depends on your goals, budget, and schedule. Most clients train 2–3 times per week for the best results, but even one session a week can help if you stay consistent with your workouts outside of training sessions.

Does Peak Physique Offer Personal Training For Specific Needs?

Yes! Our Troy gym offers specialized services including prenatal and postpartum training, sport-specific conditioning, corporate training, and senior personal training. We also provide InBody 770 scans for detailed body composition tracking.