Do you need a new personal trainer?

Here’s how to know whether you need a different one.

YOU NEED A NEW TRAINER….

If you have a personal trainer who:

Pushes you BEYOND your limits.
Makes you feel bad about your body.
Disregards your questions or concerns.
Compromises proper form for higher intensity or heavier weights.
Makes you feel guilty.
Behaves unethically.

A personal trainer should:

Push you out of your comfort zone, but not past your limits.
Help you appreciate your body for what it can do.
Listen to your concerns and educate.
Put safety, form, and technique first.
Motivate, inspire, and encourage you.
Maintain professionalism.

LET’S DIVE DEEPER

Pushing Comfort Zones vs. LIMITS

When a trainer pushes you beyond your physical or mental limits, you’re risking injury or burnout. A trainer should NEVER overlook clients' medical history or existing injuries.

INSTEAD, they should conduct assessments of your fitness levels, medical history, and goals, design a personalized workout plan that accommodates any limitations, then pay close attention to your concerns, preferences, and feedback.

Feelings About Your Body

A trainer should NEVER make you feel bad about your body. This is bad for your mental health, and actually perpetuates negative behaviors, because why would you take good care of something you hate?

INSTEAD, a trainer should help you see the positives in your body and help you see that what your body can do is much more important than how it looks.

Communication and Feedback

A trainer should NEVER disregard your questions or concerns. This is a sign that they are not paying attention to your needs.

INSTEAD, a personal trainer should provide you with comprehensive information about exercise techniques, proper form, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to support your fitness journey. A trainer should maintain open and clear communication throughout the training process.

Form and Technique

A trainer should NEVER overlook form and technique in an effort to make your workouts more intense or have you lift heavier weights. This can quickly lead to injury. A trainer should NEVER be on their phone or looking at any people or things other than YOU while you are actively performing an exercise.

INSTEAD, a trainer should always put form and technique above ALL other aspects of exercise. They should be watching you and only you while you are performing exercises.

Guilt vs. Inspiration

A trainer should NEVER make you feel guilty for anything, including not adhering to your plans, missing a session or two, or eating more than you “should have.”

INSTEAD, a trainer should motivate, inspire, and encourage you to push you to stay committed to your fitness goals, especially during challenging times.

Professional Behavior

A trainer should NEVER behave unethically or disrespect you or your boundaries.

INSTEAD, a trainer should maintain professionalism at all times, including punctuality, respect for boundaries, and adherence to ethical standards in the trainer-client relationship.

A GREAT PERSONAL TRAINER

A great trainer understands that every person’s journey is unique—especially for women who may face different challenges than men when it comes to fitness, body image, and mental health. Whether you're dealing with chronic back pain, recovering from an injury, or managing arthritis, your trainer should create a personalized plan that caters to your specific needs.

They should also take your nutrition into account, guiding you toward healthier choices that fuel your body, without overwhelming you with rigid diets or unrealistic expectations. A trainer who listens to your goals and supports your confidence is the kind of trainer who helps you build not only a stronger body but also a more resilient mindset.

Accountability plays a huge role in success, especially when navigating setbacks like rehab or working through emotional struggles related to body positivity. A trainer who holds you accountable in a compassionate way—not through guilt or shame—will empower you to stay on track, whether you’re aiming for improved strength, mobility, or mental well-being. They’ll celebrate your small victories and remind you that progress is a journey, not a race. Your trainer should make you feel capable and strong, not defeated or discouraged.

WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME, I MAKE SURE TO:

Listen Actively: I will pay close attention to your concerns, preferences, and feedback, and adjust your customized training program accordingly.

Educate: I will provide you with comprehensive information about exercise techniques, proper form, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to support their fitness journey.

Motivate: I will inspire and encourage you to push past you limits and stay committed to your fitness goals, especially during challenging times.

Set Realistic Goals: I will stablish achievable short-term and long-term goals with clients, ensuring they are challenging yet realistic.

Safety First: I will prioritize safety by ensuring clients perform exercises with proper form, using appropriate equipment, and avoiding activities beyond their current capabilities.

Provide Variety: I will keep workouts interesting and effective by incorporating a variety of exercises, training methods, and equipment.

Progression: I will gradually increase the intensity, duration, and complexity of workouts as clients improve, to ensure continued progress and prevent plateaus.

Provide Feedback: I will offer constructive feedback on clients' performance, addressing areas for improvement and acknowledging achievements.

Lead by Example: I will demonstrate a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and self-care practices.

Behave Professionally: I will maintain professionalism at all times, including punctuality, respect for boundaries, and adherence to ethical standards in the trainer-client relationship.

ARE YOU READY FOR A GREAT TRAINER?

If you're ready to take your fitness to the next level with a trainer who truly supports you—physically, mentally, and emotionally—it's time to invest in yourself. You deserve a trainer who helps you grow in confidence, improves your health, and motivates you every step of the way. Reach out today, and let's work together to unlock your true potential.

If you live in Ellicott City, Catonsville, or Oella, we can work together in person, and if you live anywhere else, we have virtual options for you! Click HERE to start your journey to a healthier, stronger, and more confident you today!

DO YOU NEED A NEW PERSONAL TRAINER?