What is a personal trainer? Your guide to coaching, motivation, and results

If you’ve ever wondered “What does a personal trainer actually do?” — you’re not alone. With so much fitness content online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. That’s where a personal trainer steps in: someone who helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and reach your goals faster — with real results.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a personal trainer does, why they’re important, and how working with one can change your life, not just your body.

What does a personal trainer do?

A personal trainer is a certified fitness professional who designs and delivers customized workout programs based on your goals, fitness level, and lifestyle. Their role goes far beyond counting reps.

Here’s what a personal trainer typically helps with:

• Tailored Workouts: Custom plans for fat loss, muscle gain, strength, rehab, or sport-specific training

• Technique & Safety: Correct form to prevent injury and improve performance

• Fitness Assessments: Goal tracking through measurements, testing, and progress photos

• Lifestyle Coaching: Guidance on nutrition, sleep, stress, and recovery

• Progress Monitoring: Regular check-ins to adjust your plan and keep you moving forward

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, a personal trainer meets you where you’re at — and levels you up from there.

How do I choose a personal trainer?

A guide to finding the right coach for your goals, lifestyle and mindset

Choosing the right personal trainer can feel like a big decision — and it should. The right coach can help you stay consistent, avoid injury, and actually enjoy the process. But how do you know who’s the right fit for you?

Here’s what to look for (and why it matters).

1. Qualifications and credentials

At a minimum, a personal trainer should hold a Level 3 Personal Training qualification — this ensures they’ve met the industry standard and have the foundational knowledge to train clients safely and effectively.

But it doesn’t stop there. Many great trainers invest in ongoing education, including areas like:

• Pre- and post-natal training

• Nutrition coaching

• Sports performance

• Injury rehabilitation

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask what additional certifications or areas of expertise they have — a passionate trainer will be happy to share.

2. Experience and speciality

Some trainers are specialists in specific areas like fat loss, strength training, sports performance, or post-injury recovery. Others are more generalists, great for overall fitness and long-term habit building.

Ask yourself:

• What are my specific goals?

• Do I want someone who understands my sport, injury history, or stage of life (e.g. postpartum)?

• Do I feel more comfortable with someone who has experience training clients like me?

Matching your goals to a trainer’s expertise is key to seeing results — and feeling confident throughout the process.

3. Availability and location

Consistency is everything in fitness — so choose a trainer whose schedule and location align with yours.

Things to consider:

• Do you prefer to train in the mornings, evenings or weekends?

• Will you be working out at a gym, outdoors, or at home?

• Are they close enough to make training convenient, or do they offer online sessions?

Have a quick chat early on to confirm availability and avoid future frustration.

4. Personality and professionalism

Fitness is personal — and the trainer you choose should make you feel comfortable, respected and motivated. The right trainer will challenge you, but also create a space where you feel safe to learn, grow, and make mistakes.

Look for someone who:

• Listens before prescribing

• Communicates clearly and with empathy

• Leads by example through their own commitment to health

And yes, appearance can be part of it — you want a trainer who lives the lifestyle they promote, not just talks the talk.

5. Where to find a personal trainer

Still wondering where to start? Try these:

• Ask for recommendations at your local gym

• Use search engines to find personal trainers near you

• Check out websites, testimonials, and social media to get a feel for their style and values

Why a personal trainer is important

Working with a personal trainer isn't just about having someone tell you what to do. It’s about having expert support, consistent motivation, and accountability — three things that can make or break your fitness journey.

1. Accountability that actually works

Let’s be honest — staying motivated alone is hard. Life gets in the way. A personal trainer keeps you on track, checks in when you skip workouts, and celebrates wins (big or small) to keep you going.

2. Motivation when you need it most

Your trainer is also your biggest cheerleader. On the days when self-doubt kicks in, they remind you how far you’ve come — and push you past the mental blocks.

3. Expert guidance & injury prevention

YouTube workouts can’t correct your form in real time. A personal trainer helps you move safely and effectively, especially if you’re coming back from injury, surgery, or pregnancy. They know how to adapt workouts without compromising results.

Who should hire a personal trainer?

The short answer: anyone with a fitness goal.

But especially if you:

• Feel unsure about how to start at the gym

• Want to lose weight or build muscle but haven’t seen progress

• Need support after an injury or surgery

• Struggle to stay consistent

• Are training for a specific event or sport

• Want to feel strong, empowered, and confident in your body

What to expect in your first session

Your first session will likely include:

• A consultation to discuss goals, health history, and preferences

• Basic movement assessments to understand your starting point

• A light workout to get a feel for your ability

• A discussion of your training plan moving forward

You’ll leave with a clear idea of what’s possible — and how your trainer will help you get there.

How to prepare for my first personal training session?

After you have decided that PT is for you this is what you should do:

• Save the date: set up your initial appointment with your Personal Trainer on your calendar. Some booking software does this automatically. This may be accomplished over the phone or by email. Don’t give in to the temptation to cancel — it may seem scary at first, but your PT will be there for you every step of the way.

• Find your way: whether you have booked your appointment at the local gym or somewhere else, make sure you have the correct address and leave on time.

• Equipment for fitness: from running lights to comfortable shoes and other gym-suitable clothes, you should have your equipment ready to use on your first session.

• Water and drinks: remember to drink before, during and after your training session and stay hydrated the whole time. Don’t drink too much otherwise you start hitting the bathroom too often.

• Be there on time: getting to your appointment 10-15 mins earlier before your session starts, is a good idea.

• Relax and enjoy: don’t be nervous and try to enjoy yourself. If you have never done a PT session before, you might feel a bit rough after your first sessions, but with personal training, you quickly get into shape.

Final thoughts: A personal trainer Is an investment in you

Hiring a personal trainer is not just about fitness — it’s about growth, confidence, and taking back control of your health. You don’t need to go it alone. With expert support, a clear plan, and someone in your corner, anything is possible.

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.