Is your trainer the right fit? Here are some types to watch out for.

Finding a great personal trainer is like finding an ideal workout partner—they can totally change your life. But how do you know if the one you have is truly the right one? And what if you're still looking? From my experience, there are several types of trainers out there. Let's look at the ones to be wary of and how to spot the right one.

Types to Watch Out For

In the world of personal training, there are several types of trainers to be cautious about. Being vigilant about these trainer types can prevent setbacks in your fitness goals.

The "Actor-Trainer"

You often find this type of trainer in big cities like Los Angeles. Their main goal is acting, not building a successful fitness career. They may have a certification, but training is just a side job for them. They often have a charming personality, but that's it. If your trainer won't show you their portfolio and references from clients they've helped, run the other way. This is a common occurrence in corporate gyms, where the flexible schedule makes it easy for them.

The "Out-of-Shape Trainer"

It's said that you shouldn't listen to someone who preaches water and drinks wine. If your trainer has more body fat than you do, something is wrong. They might be knowledgeable in theory, but it's important to lead by example. They don't have to look like a bodybuilder, but they should be in shape. They should have a fit look and body fat under 15 percent. Trust me, there’s no excuse for a trainer to be out of shape.

The "Therapist-Trainer"

I see this all the time. At first, everything is great, and the workouts are intense, but after a few sessions, the training becomes more like a therapy session. You spend the whole time talking about your new boyfriend or other personal things. A training session should be about hard work, analyzing your goals, and seeing improvements—or figuring out where things went wrong. So, save your relationship stories for your girlfriends.

The "Know-It-All Trainer" (who doesn't fit your goals)

It's crucial to choose a trainer who specializes in what you need. There are trainers for bodybuilding, weight loss, muscular imbalances, or even physical therapy. Don't choose a generalist who does a bit of everything. Pick a specialist for the specific goal you want to achieve.

The "Corporate Trainer"

Many trainers start with great enthusiasm because they love fitness and want to help people. Unfortunately, after a few months, that enthusiasm is gone because the pay is not great. Large companies like Equinox, LA Fitness, or 24 Hour Fitness make a lot of profit from trainers. Just imagine you pay $70 for a session, and the trainer gets paid $21. That's not very motivating. Plus, the trainer often has to do all the work—find the client, train the client, and sell more sessions. That's why many trainers eventually quit and find other work. My tip is to find a private professional and check out their portfolio and social proof.

The "Screaming Trainer" and Motivation

A perfect client doesn't exist. If they did, they wouldn't need a trainer. Your trainer should give you smaller, achievable goals at the beginning and reward you for small successes. But they should also "punish" you for bad habits. This doesn't mean yelling or humiliating you, but rather helping you understand the consequences. A trainer should figure out why you're failing to stick to the program. We call it "peeling the onion," because they have to find the root of the problem.

When a client hires a trainer, they usually just say they want to be healthy and feel better. But that's often a cover-up. In reality, you feel bad for some reason, and you're afraid to admit the truth. A trainer should find out why you’re failing. Don't be afraid to admit, "I went out with my friends, drank five beers, and ate mashed potatoes because I got hungry." Ask them how to fix it. Without proper communication, it won't work.

The key is to teach clients the right habits, figure out their pain points, and constantly remind them why they started in the first place.

Always remember why you started yourself. Your trainer isn't Harry Potter; they don't have a magic wand. If you stick with the right program, you'll get in great shape in a couple of months. You'll also develop discipline, which is a great life skill. By being a good person and doing your part, you're also helping your trainer succeed with their business.

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