Find a personal trainer - How to choose the right PT for your goals, lifestyle and personality
Looking to take your health and fitness to the next level, but not sure where to start? A personal trainer could be the missing link. But not just any trainer — the right one for you.
Here’s what a personal trainer does, why it matters, and how to find someone who fits your goals, personality, and lifestyle.
What is a personal trainer?
A personal trainer (PT) is a qualified fitness professional who creates customised exercise programs based on your unique goals, fitness level, and any physical limitations. Whether you’re training for strength, weight loss, recovery after injury, or just want to feel confident in your body, a PT offers structure, guidance, and support.
They don’t just tell you what to do — they teach you how to move correctly, track your progress, and hold you accountable.
Why a personal trainer is important
Hiring a personal trainer is about more than getting fit. It’s about having someone who believes in you, pushes you, and helps you build healthy habits that last.
Here’s why working with a PT makes a difference:
Support and motivation: They keep you on track when you feel like giving up
Expert guidance: They help prevent injury and make sure you train safely
Personalisation: Your plan is built around you — not a one-size-fits-all routine
Accountability: When you have someone waiting for you, you’re far more likely to show up
Confidence: You’ll gain the skills and self-belief to train with purpose
How to find a personal trainer who suits you
Not every trainer will be the right fit. That doesn’t mean they’re not good — it just means they might not be the right coach for you. Here's what to consider when choosing your PT:
1. Know your goals
Before you start searching, get clear on what you want to achieve. Is it weight loss? Strength? Injury recovery? Confidence in the gym? Find a PT who specialises in your area.
For example:
A women’s strength coach for building muscle
A trainer with rehab knowledge for post-surgery recovery
A BJJ-savvy PT for sport-specific conditioning
2. Consider their vibe and personality
You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person — so chemistry matters. Do you need someone nurturing or no-nonsense? Do you want a coach who’s upbeat and motivating, or calm and technical?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a trial session to get a feel for how they work.
3. Check credentials and experience
A personal trainer isn’t just someone who loves the gym — they’re a qualified professional with the knowledge to guide your body safely and effectively through training. Checking credentials ensures your trainer understands exercise science, anatomy, injury prevention, and progression — not just workouts from Instagram.
A certified trainer can also adapt training around injuries, post-surgery recovery, or chronic conditions, giving you peace of mind that you're in safe hands.
What you gain:
Confidence that you're training with someone credible and educated
Reduced risk of injury from poor form or unsuitable workouts
A tailored program that matches your level and adjusts as you improve
Considerations:
Recognised certification (like Level 3 Personal Trainer or similar)
First aid and CPR qualifications
Insurance
Experience with clients who are similar to you
Testimonials, client stories or before/after photos
4. Think about location and format
Where and how you train matters — especially when life is busy or motivation is low. Some people love the energy of a gym, others prefer the privacy of home or the flexibility of online coaching. Choosing a format that suits your lifestyle makes it much easier to stay consistent — and consistency is what gets results.
Your trainer should support your routine, not add stress to it.
What you gain:
A training schedule that fits your lifestyle (not the other way around)
A setup that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and focused
Long-term consistency, which leads to long-term progress
Considerations;
Training at home?
Outdoors?
5. Know your non-negotiables
Your fitness journey is yours. That means your personal preferences, limitations, and values matter. Knowing what’s most important to you — like having a female trainer, sticking to a budget, or needing rehab knowledge — will help you quickly eliminate the wrong fits and focus on the right ones.
Don’t compromise on what makes you feel safe, supported, or seen.
What you gain:
A training experience that’s built around you
Higher trust and comfort levels with your coach
A better chance of sticking with it and actually enjoying the process
Considerations;
Do I want a male or female trainer?
How often can I train per week?
What’s my budget?
Do I need someone with rehab knowledge or experience with injuries?
Do I want ongoing nutrition guidance or just workouts?
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you're ready to work with a trainer who understands your journey, adapts to your needs, and empowers you to grow, get in touch today. Your goals are closer than you think — and you don’t have to chase them alone.
