How to Choose a Weight Loss Coach That's Right for You

If you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle, you’ve probably considered working with a personal trainer or coach. A weight loss coach can be incredibly helpful during your journey to success, but it’s important to choose the right one to ensure your goals are met and progress is being made. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best weight loss coach for you!

What factors matter most when choosing a personal trainer?

In addition to considering someone’s rate, reputation, and experience, you should pay attention to how they interact with you during your initial meeting. 

A good trainer will actively listen, ask questions about your experience, s and look for ways that he or she can help you meet your specific goals. 

If an individual jumps right into teaching techniques and doesn’t encourage discussion of your past weight-loss efforts or discuss why he or she is uniquely qualified to help you—it’s probably best to keep looking. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut: Despite all of these tips, choosing a personal trainer is still somewhat of a gut decision.

Do you need someone with certifications, if so which ones?

certifications don't guarantee that you're going to get good results. When seeking out coaching, it's important to have someone easy to work with, consistent, and genuinely cares about your success. 

With that said, certifications do give you some insight into how their knowledge level stacks up in terms of real-world application.

 The two main weight loss coaching certifications are: CCN (Certified Corporate Nutritionist) and ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) certified personal trainer.

Do you need an online program or in-person support?

If you are a hands-on learner and want in-person support, it’s probably best to look for an online program. If you would prefer someone else to take care of everything and makes sure you stay on track, an in-person program could be your best bet.

Before hiring, are they willing to meet with you in person?

During your initial meeting, if your potential coach refuses to meet with you in person, look elsewhere.

•  If they don’t even have time for an in-person consultation, how are they going to have time to support you daily?
•  It’s important that your potential weight loss coach meets with you and creates a personalized program so that you get the one that is specifically tailored to fit your lifestyle.

Are they familiar with fitness

If you’re looking to invest in a personal trainer, it makes sense that you’d want someone who knows what they’re doing and is up-to-date on trends. 

• If your potential weight loss coach isn’t familiar with all of your favorite workouts and workouts, you might want to keep looking. When your potential weight loss coach isn't up-to-date on current trends, that's not so great when you're paying them lots of money.
•  To lose weight safely but quickly, find someone who understands your goals. Make sure they have experience helping people reach those goals as well!

providing references from other 

Ask if they provide references from other clients who were successful and how many of their clients have been able to maintain their weight loss. 

Make sure that you can talk with former clients yourself. This will give you an idea of what your experience will be like with them. If they are reluctant to give you references, there is probably a reason why they don't want you talking to former clients.

What kind of training style do they prefer run n  - an individualized program or a strict diet/exercise routine?

Just like with any other type of trainer, you should ask whether your coach prefers an individualized training style or if they prefer to implement more specific diet and exercise routines.

•  Do they believe in counting calories? If you're new to weight loss coaching, it may be beneficial to have someone who likes to set goals and track progress.
•  However, as you get more comfortable with your program, you may want your personal coach's input less frequently while still receiving motivation and encouragement.