In the not so distant past, an average personal trainer could get by simply by “looking the part” and not being shy.

Looking like you work out, striking up a conversation and having some basic knowledge about teaching someone how to exercise used to be enough.

Don’t settle for “just enough.” You deserve better.

These days, people have so many more obstacles standing in the way of achieving their health and fitness goals. Gym restrictions, social distancing, stress, not enough space or equipment to get an effective workout at home … the list goes on.

During the “new normal,” a personal trainer or fitness studio needs to be infinitely more qualified, creative and effective than ever before.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when hiring a trainer or joining a fitness studio:

Professionalism: Trainers who only take cash, charge every client a different price and don’t have at least a simple membership agreement and waiver document should be avoided. If they’re cutting corners with their own business, where are they taking shortcuts with your program … and your health?

Cleanliness: This has always been important -- we were disinfecting equipment after each use for years before COVID -- but it’s non-negotiable these days. Any trainer or studio you decide to trust with your health should at MINIMUM be following the local health department guidelines in your area. Health screenings, temperature checks, and abiding by and enforcing social distancing and mask rules are things to look for. A studio that is still cramming 20 people into a small space, calling it “personal training” and taking unnecessary risks with your health is something to be avoided.

Innovation: The best trainers are always continuing to educate themselves, and that includes learning how to coach their clients through the enormous obstacles they’re facing today. Any trainer can teach you how to squat. The ones who’ve taken the time to educate themselves on how to help you balance healthy habits, use technology to get better results with online training and adopt an effective, easy-to-follow nutrition plan are worth their weight in gold.

An intern can count reps and run a stopwatch. Instead of hiring an intern, hire a professional, responsible, innovative trainer who can help you solve problems and overcome obstacles … so you can achieve the body and health that you want.

Speaking of which, over the next few days, I’m going to take you through a free mini-course on the ONE thing you can do to improve your diet if you’re looking to lose weight and tone muscle. Stay tuned for my Protein Mini-Course and learn what protein can do for you and some simple tips for getting more high-quality protein sources in your diet.

Coach Aaron

P.S.: Whenever you're ready... here are 4 ways I can help you:

1. Let's Do a Free Goal Achievement Call. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated and want help figuring out how to reach your health and fitness goals, simply reply to this email and let me know you want to talk. We'll schedule a convenient time and I'll help you figure out what will work for you during this crazy time. Just reply with 'Call' in the subject line and we'll set up a time to talk. No obligation Call!

2. Join our Small Group Training Program for 50% OFF Your First Month Are you starting to fall behind on your goals? If you stay on track or get on track our small group training program can help you. In our program, you will receive workouts for 2x or 3x week, meal plan blueprint, recipe guide, nutrition guide, and 1:1 coaching weekly. If you'd be interested in our small group training, simply hit reply and put 'Small Group’ in the subject line and I'll get you all the details.

3. Train With Me...For FREE. If you'd like to come in for a free training session...1 on 1 or small group...I'd love to have you in as my guest. Training somewhere new can be out of someone's comfort zone, so I want to make it as easy as possible for you to see if this is the best place for you to reach your goals. Just reply with 'Train' in the subject line and we'll figure out what type of session you'd enjoy most and when coming in would be convenient for you.

4. I have FREE Open Office Hours during the week where you can call in and speak to me about your goals. The call is just 15 minutes out of your week, but the insights you’ll discover could impact you for a lifetime! To schedule your FREE consultation, reply and put 'Call' in the subject line.

Aaron Hines, Owner-Premier Performance Training M.S. Exercise Physiology ACSM-CPT, NASM-FNS, TRX, TPI-Level 1 & F2, CSAC, Pn1