How to Find a Good Personal Trainer (7 Red Flags to Avoid)

Hiring a personal trainer can be one of the best investments for your fitness journey—but only if you find the right one. A great trainer will help you build strength, improve mobility, and achieve sustainable results. A bad one? They could waste your time, money, and even lead to injury.

To help you avoid the wrong fit, here are 7 red flags to watch out for when choosing a personal trainer.

Red Flag #1—No Credentials or Certifications

A qualified trainer should hold certifications from recognized organizations like NASM, ACE, ACSM, or ISSA. These certifications ensure they've received proper education in exercise science, program design, and safety protocols. Without them, you have no guarantee they understand proper training principles.

❌ Avoid: Trainers who say, "I don't need certifications—I just know what works." This shows a lack of respect for professional standards and continuing education.

✅ Look for: Proof of current certifications and additional specializations that match your needs (like corrective exercise or sports performance). Ask about their continuing education to ensure they stay updated.

Red Flag #2—One-Size-Fits-All Programs

Your fitness program should be tailored to your specific goals, fitness level, injuries, and preferences. Generic programs fail to address individual needs and can lead to plateaus or injuries.

❌ Avoid: Cookie-cutter programs where every client does the same exercises in the same order regardless of their goals or abilities.

✅ Look for: A trainer who conducts a thorough assessment before designing your program, including movement screens, goal discussions, and lifestyle evaluation. Your program should evolve as you progress.

Red Flag #3—Pushing Extreme Diets or Supplements

Nutrition should complement your training in a sustainable way. Beware of trainers who prescribe extreme measures rather than balanced approaches.

❌ Avoid: "Lose 20 lbs in 2 weeks!" schemes, mandatory supplement stacks, or elimination diets without medical justification.

✅ Look for: Science-backed nutrition advice focused on sustainable habits. A good trainer may suggest basic supplements if appropriate but won't push products aggressively.

Red Flag #4—No Focus on Form or Safety

Proper technique is non-negotiable for results and injury prevention. A trainer who ignores form is dangerous.

❌ Avoid: "Just push through the pain!" mentality or letting you sacrifice form for heavier weights.

✅ Look for: Constant form corrections, appropriate modifications for your ability level, and progressive overload done safely. Your trainer should prioritize quality movement over ego-lifting.

Red Flag #5—No Long-Term Progress Tracking

Without tracking, you can't measure improvement or adjust your program effectively.

❌ Avoid: Workouts that feel random with no record of weights, reps, or progression over time.

✅ Look for: Regular assessments of strength, mobility, and body composition. Your trainer should keep detailed records and adjust your plan based on data.

Red Flag #6—Making Unrealistic Promises

Fitness transformations take consistent effort over time—there are no magic solutions.

❌ Avoid: "Get shredded in 30 days!" claims or guarantees of specific results by certain dates.

✅ Look for: Honest conversations about realistic timelines. A good trainer will focus on the process rather than making empty promises.

Red Flag #7—Poor Communication or Availability

Professionalism and reliability are fundamental to a good training relationship.

❌ Avoid: Frequent cancellations, chronic lateness, or dismissive attitudes toward your questions and concerns.

✅ Look for: Clear communication about policies, prompt responses to messages, and full attention during your sessions. Your trainer should be as committed as you are.

Final Thoughts

A great personal trainer should be knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in your progress. They'll prioritize your safety, customize your approach, and set realistic expectations. If you spot multiple red flags, trust your instincts and keep looking.

If you're ready to take your fitness to the next level, contact us for help!

At Revolution Fitness, our expert coaches offer online personal training and 1-on-1 coaching to create customized plans tailored to your goals. We also provide nutrition and supplement guidance to help you maximize your results.

Ready to transform your fitness journey? Let's get started today!