14 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Personal Trainer

If you're thinking about working with a personal trainer, ask these questions to make sure they're the right fit for you. No stress, keep it simple: have a few calls, try one or two discovery sessions, and you'll quickly know if it feels right. 🔥

Why should you try a few personal trainers before making your decision?

Honestly, working with a personal trainer is a real investment: your time, your energy, and your money. But most importantly, it’s an investment in YOURSELF. So you might as well choose someone who genuinely suits you. 💯

And the good news is that many personal trainers offer a free introductory session or a discovery session at a reduced price so you can discuss your goals and see whether their approach works for you. Make the most of it! It’s a great way to see if you get a good feeling. I recommend starting with a phone call, asking your questions, and then booking a session with the trainer or trainers who seem like the best fit.These moments allow you to see whether the vibe is right, whether the trainer understands your goals, and whether you feel motivated working with them.

You don’t need to find the perfect trainer.

Spoiler alert: nobody is perfect. 😓 The goal is to find someone who is “good enough” to help you move forward.

If you’re choosing between a personal trainer with tons of qualifications but zero connection, and another trainer you really click with (who is still properly qualified), choose the one who motivates you. Because in the end, trust and teamwork are what will make the real difference. 🚀

13 questions to ask during your discovery session or call

Before committing for several weeks or months, use these moments to ask the right questions.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare and get the most out of your free sessions or calls with personal trainers:

1. Have you helped people like me before?

Ask whether they have experience working with people who have similar goals to yours (losing 10 kg, getting back in shape, managing stress, etc.).

If they’ve already helped someone in a similar situation, they’ll probably know how to guide you effectively. And as a bonus, if the trainer has personally achieved a goal similar to yours, that can be really inspiring. 🔥

2. What’s your background and what qualifications do you have?

Qualifications and certifications aren’t everything, but it’s always reassuring to know that your trainer has a solid foundation.

Ask whether they specialise in a particular area (nutrition, postpartum fitness, strength training, etc.). But honestly, what matters most is how they apply that knowledge to YOUR specific situation.

3. What’s your coaching approach?

Every trainer has their own style: some are very structured, while others are more flexible. Ask how they organise their sessions, how they follow up with clients, and whether they adapt their approach to each individual.

If the trainer gives you an ultra-rigid system that already stresses you out just hearing about it, next. Find someone who can adapt to your pace and your lifestyle.

4. Can I still eat burgers?

Important, right? 😅 Jokes aside, ask about their nutrition philosophy.

If you’re looking for someone who can help you eat better without giving up the foods you enjoy, make sure their approach is aligned with that. If the trainer starts talking about “zero indulgence” and weighing absolutely everything, think carefully about whether that’s really for you.

5. What kind of support do you provide?

Ask how they support you between sessions. Do they give you programmes to follow?

Are they available by message if you have questions? If you want regular support, it’s important to make sure they can actually provide it.

6. What does one of your sessions look like?

This is your chance to understand how they work. Ask for examples: are their sessions varied or repetitive?

Do they make training enjoyable? If you get the opportunity, try a session and see whether you actually enjoy it.

7. How do you deal with obstacles?

Because let’s be real, there will be days when you just won’t feel like it.Ask how they help their clients stay motivated when things get tough or when life gets in the way.

8. What results can I expect?

Be careful with this one! If a trainer promises “fast” or “guaranteed” results, be cautious. Lasting change takes time and requires patience.

A good trainer will talk to you about a gradual process that respects your body and your pace. They’ll take your history, your limitations, and your lifestyle into account to help you set realistic goals. They should also give you smaller milestones along the way so you can celebrate each little win. Because honestly, that’s what helps you keep going. 💪

9. How do you make sure I’m progressing?

Ask whether they regularly review your progress and adjust your goals when needed. For example, do they use performance tests, before-and-after photos, or simply check in with you to see how you’re feeling physically and mentally?

Good coaching isn’t just about the number on the scale. Your trainer should also care about your energy levels, your confidence, and your overall progress, including strength, endurance, and general well-being. This kind of holistic approach can help you stay positive and motivated throughout the process. 🚀

10. How much does it cost and how does it work?

No taboo here: ask about the price, but also about what’s actually included. Is it a complete coaching service? Is nutrition support included? And so on. You’re not falling in love and going in blind here. You want a full picture of what you’re paying for.

Are there videos available? Personalised plans? Compare the different offers and find the one that gives you the best value for your money.

11. Do you only coach in person, or do you also offer online coaching?

With how busy life can get, online coaching might actually suit you better. It can also give you more flexibility if you travel.

Ask whether they offer it and how it works: videos, calls, app-based coaching, check-ins, etc.

12. How can I ask you questions outside of our sessions?

It’s always a bonus if your trainer is available to answer questions outside of your workouts, whether that’s through WhatsApp, email, or something else.

It shows that they’re genuinely invested in your progress.

13. Why did you choose this career?

This one is about the human side of things. Get to know their “why.”

If they became a coach because they genuinely enjoy helping people, you’ll usually feel it in the way they work with you. And if they’re only doing it for the money, you’ll probably figure that out pretty quickly too. Then it’s up to you to decide whether you want to work with someone whose main priority is their income rather than your progress.

14. What happens if I travel?

If you travel often, especially internationally, this is an important question.

Ask how they can adapt their coaching while you’re away: online sessions, programmes adapted to the equipment you have available (or no equipment at all), regular check-ins by message or video call, and of course, your nutrition as well.

A good trainer should be able to support you no matter where you are. 🌍

Take your time to decide, but not too much

Once you’ve tried or spoken with a few different trainers, choose the one who makes you want to push yourself and who you genuinely feel comfortable with. 🔥 The idea isn’t to stay stuck overthinking it, but to actually take action. You’ve done your research, now pull the trigger.

And don’t forget, it’s not just about technique. It’s also about the vibe.

That’s all from me :), thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it, learned something from it, and that it helped you see things more clearly.

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to give me a call and then book a discovery session with me. It can also be done online.

We’ll calculate your calorie needs, discuss your goals in more detail, and work out the best strategy to help you achieve them.

And finally, we’ll finish everything off with a short workout. And we’ll have some fun doing it!

B, out.