5 Questions to Ask in Order to Find the Ideal Personal Trainer in Montreal

Finding the right personal trainer can be challenging if you don’t know where to start or how the process works. To be perfectly honest, there’s no secret formula for finding the perfect trainer to fit your needs. That being said, there are key questions that can guide your decision and help you make the right choice. In this article, we’ll go over five of them.

What is My Main Fitness Goal?

The first question you need to ask should be directed at yourself. You can’t look for something if you don’t know what you really want first. Before you start punching the Google search bar, take a moment for some introspection.

What is your main goal? Is it to lose weight and feel healthier? Build muscle to feel more in control and confident in your body? Recover from an injury that’s preventing you from moving pain-free? Or maybe a combination of all the above?

Having a clear objective will make the decision process much easier. Otherwise, you won’t know what to look for in a personal trainer. This is why, when you first come to our studio, we take the time necessary to discuss your goals and situation before pairing you with one of our coaches. We make sure you’re the best fit.

Do Their Experience & Credentials Match My Needs?

The reality is that "personal trainer" is a broad term, and it can mean different things depending on the person. Checking the credentials of potential trainers will help you understand their area of expertise.

Some trainers specialize in physical rehabilitation, others in kinesiology, while some have backgrounds in specific sports. You can usually find their credentials online (you can check ours here for reference).

That said, keep an open mind. Credentials alone won’t give you the full picture of a trainer’s coaching style or ability to connect with clients. When reaching out to a gym or studio, don’t hesitate to ask about both the qualifications and coaching approach of the trainers there.

How Do They Track Progress and Measure Results?

The way progress is tracked depends on your goals. However, having multiple ways to measure results is always a good idea. Progress can be subjective (e.g., self-assessment) or objective (e.g., body measurements, weight, strength improvements).

At our studio, we use a combination of both - body composition scans and various self-assessments - so we can track your progress effectively and make necessary adjustments along the way.

When looking for a personal trainer, feel free to ask about their past clients and the results they’ve achieved (check out our client testimonials for an example). Keep in mind that results vary from person to person, but a good personal trainer should have a clear system for tracking progress.

What Is Their Philosophy?

There are different styles of personal training. Some trainers follow the old-school “push as much weight as possible” mentality, while others take a more progressive and holistic approach. The key is finding a coaching environment that supports all aspects of your fitness, not just training.

The philosophy of a gym, studio, or personal trainer is crucial to understand because it gives you a true sense of the experience you’ll get. A friendly and supportive atmosphere makes all the difference. You want a coach who is there to guide and help you, not just push you to exhaustion for the sake of it.

At our studio, we use a holistic approach tailored to your needs. That means we don’t just focus on workouts—we also help with nutrition, sleep, and stress management, covering everything necessary for optimal results.

Is Their Service Convenient and Realistic for Me?

The best fitness plan is the one you can stick to. That means the service a trainer offers must be realistic for your lifestyle.

If the gym is too far and you know you’ll struggle to get there on time, if the price seems too high for your budget, or if their training schedule doesn’t align with yours, then it may not be the right fit.

Look for a service that is flexible and works for you. For example, we ensure your schedule aligns with ours before pairing you with a personal trainer. We also do our best to create small group sessions at times that are convenient for everyone.

Lastly, cost is an important factor. Discussing pricing with a potential trainer can also give you insight into their philosophy. If you want a general idea beforehand, (check out our article on the cost of personal training in Montreal.)

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right personal trainer is about more than just qualifications—it’s about finding someone whose expertise, approach, and philosophy align with your goals and lifestyle. By asking yourself these five key questions, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision and set yourself up for success.