Choosing a Personal Trainer

Finding the right coach is more than just checking boxes. Let’s break down some common myths — and what they really mean (or don’t).

Myth“They have lots of certifications — they must be great.”
RealityCertificates show someone studied something — not that they can apply it. True learning comes from doing the work after you gain knowledge, not just sitting through a course.
ExampleAttending a Gordon Ramsay workshop doesn’t make you a Michelin chef. It gives you tools, but you only become skilled by cooking, messing up, and refining.
What to check insteadAsk how they’ve applied what they learned with real clients. Look for examples of results.

Myth“They’ve trained clients for many years — so they’re definitely good.”
RealityExperience can sharpen skills, but if someone spent years using the wrong methods, they only became better at doing the wrong thing.
ExampleDriving for 20 years doesn’t automatically make you a Formula 1 driver. If you’ve been driving badly all along, you just became a very experienced bad driver.
What to check insteadAsk about the variety of clients they’ve helped and how they adapt when things don’t work.

Myth“More expensive = better coach.”
RealityHigher price doesn’t always mean higher quality. Price can reflect brand, location, or what a coach markets themselves as, rather than their effectiveness or how well they work with a client.
ExampleA boutique gym in a fancy area might cost more, but that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the right fit, programming, or feedback.
What to check insteadAsk what you’re paying for & look for examples of results.

Myth“They’ve been training since they were a kid — so they must be a great coach.”
RealityBeing good at training yourself ≠ being good at training others. Knowing your own body is useful, but coaching is a different skill — teaching, adapting, and programming.
ExampleJust because someone has been playing piano for 20 years doesn’t mean they can teach you how to play. Performing and teaching are separate crafts.
What to check insteadLook for signs they can transfer skills to others, not just themselves.

Myth“They’ve won lots of competitions — so they must be excellent coaches.”
RealityWinning shows they were a strong athlete, not necessarily a good coach. Coaching is about guiding others, not just performing yourself.
ExampleMichael Jordan is a legendary basketball player — but he didn’t become a top coach. Playing and coaching are different skill sets.
What to check insteadLook at their track record with clients, not just medals.

Myth“They can do the most advanced skills — so they must coach well.”
RealityHigh-level performers don’t always make good teachers. Coaching is about breaking things down and adapting to different people.
ExampleThe best football managers weren’t always the best footballers. The ability to do and the ability to teach are separate.
What to check insteadAsk for examples of how they’ve coached beginners or adapted for different strengths and weaknesses.

Myth“They have loads of followers — they must be credible.”
RealityFollowers measure popularity, not coaching ability. Accounts grow with ads, sponsorships, or even bought followers.
ExampleThe most-followed TikTok chef might entertain millions — but that doesn’t mean their recipes actually work in your kitchen.
What to check insteadPay attention to content quality, not numbers. Do they explain principles? Do they show results beyond before/after photos?

Myth“They are tough and scold me for my own good - Shaming, harshness, or embarrassment = motivation / discipline.”
RealityBeing harsh, shaming, or pushing through embarrassment can harm mental health, reduce confidence, and lead to dropout rather than better results. Good feedback is important — but it doesn’t need to shame or scare you to be effective.
ExampleA drill sergeant style coach might push people to perform, but many drop out, burn out, or lose enjoyment. Whereas a coach who supports autonomy and provides constructive feedback tends to create longer terms results.
What to check insteadNotice how they respond when things go wrong. Do they encourage? Do they adjust rather than punish?

Myth"They have so many sponsors — they must be good!”
RealitySponsorships are about marketing and visibility, not skill or effectiveness. A trainer can be popular or well-connected without necessarily delivering results for every client.
ExampleA social media influencer might be sponsored by all the latest fitness brands — but that doesn’t automatically mean they can help you reach your goals. Sponsorships show influence, not proven coaching ability.
What to check insteadAsk for real client results, testimonials, or case studies. Focus on their ability to apply knowledge effectively and help people achieve measurable progress.

Myth“The best coaches bring the fastest results.”
RealityQuick results don’t always mean sustainable progress. True coaching focuses on building habits, strength, and skills that last — not just flashy, short-term wins.
ExampleA trainer might help a client drop 5 kg in two weeks with extreme dieting, but the weight often comes back once the program ends. Real growth takes time, consistency, and gradual adaptation.
What to check insteadLook for coaches who prioritize long-term results, teach sustainable habits, and can show progress over months — not just weeks. Consistency and longevity matter more than speed.

Myth“If a PT hires another PT, it means they aren’t capable themselves.”
RealityEven the most skilled trainers work with coaches themselves. Having a trainer isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a way to continue learning, stay accountable, and improve their own performance.
ExampleProfessional athletes always have coaches, regardless of how experienced they are. Similarly, trainers benefit from guidance, feedback, and fresh perspectives to level up their skills.
What to check insteadFocus on their knowledge, experience, and results with clients — not whether they train themselves. A trainer who invests in their own growth often becomes a better coach for you.

Myth“They have the best physique — so they must be the best coach.”
RealityA physique reflects their specialization (bodybuilding, strength, endurance, etc.), not their coaching ability.
ExampleChoosing a coach just by their body is like choosing a doctor because they look fit — it tells you nothing about whether they’re the right specialist for your needs.
What to check insteadSee if their client results line up with your goals — not just their own body.

What Tends To Matter: Reviews & Referrals

This is often the most reliable sign of quality. Referrals and first-hand reviews are based on someone’s full experience — programming, communication, results, and the coach’s temperament.
Example: If your best friend recommends a restaurant, it’s usually because the food and service were good — not just because the chef had the most certificates.

Knowing your coach

Tip 1Coaches Often Showcase What They Value

Before/after aesthetics → physique focus
Rehab/mobility wins → movement health focus
Skill progression posts → technical skill/form focus
Lifestyle change stories → habit and behaviour focus

Tip 2Coaches Usually Talk Most About What They Believe Matters

Their focus areas—whether strength, aesthetics, mobility, or habits—reflect their true priorities, and their language often reveals what they value most.

Tip 3Coaches Often Subscribe To What They Genuinely Believe In

The methods they use in their own training often reflect their core values and principles.
Understanding what a coach personally commits to can help you gauge whether their training/nutrition philosophy aligns with your goals.

PT Red flags

They Don't Watch Your Form

A coach who isn’t paying attention to your technique risks your safety and progress. Proper form is key to preventing injury and building strength effectively.
If your coach is scrolling on their phone, chatting, or vanishing mid-session, that’s a major red flag. You deserve focused guidance and support every minute of your training.

They're Always Late Or Always Cancels On You

Consistent lateness or last-minute cancellations show poor professionalism and respect for your time. A reliable coach values your commitment and keeps sessions consistent.
They let sessions run over — and charge for it — Going past time without clear communication or consent isn’t dedication; it’s disorganization. Good coaches manage time well and keep expectations transparent.

They Don't Have A Plan

A coach without structure is a red flag. If they just tell you to use whatever machines are available, keep repeating the same workouts, or change routines every week without reason, that’s not coaching — it’s guessing.
A good coach can explain why you’re doing each exercise and how it fits into your long-term goals.

They Don't Monitor Your Progress Or Remember Your Goals

A coach who doesn’t track your progress or recall what you’re working toward isn’t truly invested in your development.
Effective coaching means setting clear goals, measuring improvements, and adjusting plans to help you keep moving forward.

They Don't Know How To Adapt The Workouts To Your Needs

If your coach sticks to a rigid plan and can’t adapt exercises when equipment is unavailable, it’s a sign they’re not tailoring workouts to your needs.
A good coach customizes training, knows alternative exercises, and adjusts plans based on your goals, abilities, and progress to keep you safe and effective.

They Don't Balance Every Aspect of Your Health

If your coach focuses only on certain aspects of training and ignores your mental or emotional health, it’s a sign they’re not supporting your overall well-being.
A good coach educates you on how decisions affect your body and mind, prioritizes mental, emotional, and physical health equally, and helps you progress without compromising long-term wellness.

They're Always Pressuring You Into Signing Packages

Be cautious if a coach uses guilt, fear tactics, or pushy sales pitches to lock you in. Demanding large upfront payments, restrictive contracts, or high cancellation fees are major red flags.
A trustworthy coach earns your commitment through results, not pressure.

They’re Always Selling You Things

If your coach keeps pushing supplements or products with their referral code, it’s a sign their priorities might be profit, not your progress.
A good coach gives unbiased advice that’s best for you, not their commission.

They Cross Professional Boundaries

If your coach makes inappropriate jokes, suggestive remarks, touches you unnecessarily, flirts, or engages in other unprofessional behavior, it’s a sign they’re crossing boundaries.
A good coach keeps interactions respectful, professional, and focused on your progress.

They Believe They Know It All

If your coach believes they know it all, dismisses your feedback, or ignores how your body feels, it’s a sign their ego is getting in the way.
A good coach explains their reasoning clearly, listens to feedback, and adapts when new evidence or results suggest a better approach.

They Don't Back What They Say With Facts, Just How They Feel

If your coach makes claims based on feelings instead of facts, it’s a sign their approach might not be evidence-based.
A good coach uses research-backed methods, tracks measurable progress, explains why strategies work, adjusts based on results, and keeps ego out of your training.

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