Many of you have probably noticed that the fitness industry has become increasingly aggressive in its marketing toward women in perimenopause and menopause. Unfortunately, not all of the information being shared is accurate, evidence-based, or delivered with your best interests in mind. Social media is full of bold promises, dramatic before-and-after photos, and people claiming to have the ONE solution you've been looking for.
Before you invest your time, money, and energy, I want to help you find a coach who deserves your trust. A good trainer should educate you, support you, and provide evidence-based coaching that fits your life, your goals, and your stage of life. Most importantly, they should always put your best interests first.
If you are thinking about hiring a personal trainer, this guide is for you. My goal is to help you look past the marketing, ask the right questions, and find a coach who is qualified, knowledgeable, and committed to helping you succeed.
Here are a few things I would consider before hiring a personal trainer:
1. Your goals
Get clear on what you want. A good trainer will help you set realistic expectations. If you are a busy mom of three, you probably do not have time to train six days a week. Do not try to go from zero to sixty in the first month.
Start with simple wins like having more energy and less pain. Then build toward performance goals such as your first pull up or a faster 5K. The best trainers listen to what you want to accomplish and design a plan that fits your life.
2. Your budget
A trainer is an investment. Rates vary based on education, experience, location, and gym affiliation. Even six sessions can give you a solid foundation and help you get started on the right track. A qualified trainer is one of the best investments you can make when beginning your fitness journey.
3. Credentials
Anyone can call themselves a trainer. Look for certification from a reputable organization and experience working with clients who have goals similar to yours. Having a fit body is not a credential.
For women in perimenopause or menopause, I would strongly encourage finding a coach with education in this area. Hormonal changes in the menopause transition can impact everything from recovery and sleep to strength gains, body composition, and energy levels. You want someone who understands the science and can adjust your training based on evidence, not social media trends or outdated advice.
4. Communication and education
You should feel comfortable asking questions. Your trainer should be able to explain what you are doing and why. If they do not know something, they should be willing to say so and find the answer. Good trainers stay curious, keep learning, and are comfortable saying, "I don't know."
5. References
Ask for references. Talk to past clients. This can give you a better idea of what it is like to work with them and whether they are a good fit. I would interview a few trainers before making a decision.
6. Personality fit
You are going to spend a lot of time together, so it helps if you actually enjoy being around them. It is called personal training for a reason. The coach-client relationship matters.
Can you see yourself spending a few hours a week with this person? Do you like how you feel when you are around them? Do you leave your sessions feeling supported, encouraged, and more confident? Do you look forward to seeing them each week? Those things matter more than most people realize. I always think—would I enjoy going out for coffee or a glass of wine with this person? That’s how you know!
7. Red flags
Watch for unrealistic promises, heavily filtered photos, extreme before and after pictures, or trainers who work outside their scope of practice. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
As I mentioned above, having a fit body does not automatically make someone a qualified trainer. "I love lifting weights" is not a credential.
8. Patience
Results take time, consistency, and effort. Do not expect overnight changes, and do not get discouraged if progress feels slow.
Pay attention to non-scale victories such as better sleep, improved mood, more energy, feeling stronger, or being able to lift your suitcase into the overhead compartment without help. Those all count, and they matter.
I hope this helps you find a trainer who fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your stage of life.
If you are ready to invest in coaching and are curious about working with me, I would be happy to help. Hit reply and send me a message or reach out to me in my DMs on Instagram and I am happy to help.
Coach D
