By Kelsey Kennedy
Bravo! You've made the decision to grow in your fitness journey and partner up with a qualified trainer that can support your efforts to achieve your goals. In addition to helping you maximize your time at the gym, minimize injury, and experience more consistent results, a personal trainer may help you stay more motivated and hold you accountable to your weekly workouts.
It's important to exercise caution when selecting a trainer; all it takes is a little research to find out if someone will be a good fit for your requirements. Working closely together develops a bond that will keep you involved and motivated throughout the process, which is why "personal" training is given that name.
Use these 7 requirements to find the best personal trainer for you
1. Do they have credentials?
A trainer must be able to provide you with proof of their fitness certification. Personal trainers must complete a test administered by The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in order to become certified. This guarantees that they have met the specific requirements for professionalism and competency from a reliable company.
Better yet, try to find someone that has a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science.
The Train with Dave team consists of people with a minimum of a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology, while some even have masters degrees!
2. How much experience do they have?
An experienced trainer has probably tried and refined his method for giving the best training and helping you get the most out of every rep. It could be advisable to resist the desire to strike a deal with a newly-certified trainer in favor of one who has some experience, unless you're comfortable with acting as a test subject. The Train With Dave team has a combined 60 years experience
3. Are your personalities compatible?
What inspires you? Some people respond well to encouragement sprinkled with positive reinforcement, while others like to be yelled at and terrified into performing a few additional squats. In either case, talk to the trainer and get a sense of their approach to determine if it aligns with your own. We pare you with the most compatible trainer possible here at our gym!
4. How much are you willing to spend?
Trainers can differ greatly in their level of expertise, which shows in their hourly rates. Therefore, sit down and consider your budget before starting your search. Don't lose hope if hourly sessions are out of your price range; some trainers provide semi-private sessions or a discount for purchasing a lot of sessions at once.
5. Where are they located?
Do you need something nearby to stay motivated or are you willing to drive 20 minutes across town? Where do you prefer to exercise? Some people find motivation from watching others exercise in a traditional gym setting, while others prefer the personalized attention of a fitness studio or the solitude of their own home. Thankfully, there is a trainer for every setting.
6. How do they show progress?
Your trainer needs a system for measuring your progress. Creating a customized training program based on your goals and fitness level, so you can gradually see the results of your hard work. Benchmarks like personal records, weight reduction, strength gains, and other accomplishments can help you stay on track and show that your trainer is doing their job.
7. Do they have a good reputation?
Referrals are the best compliment a trainer can get, but witnessing client outcomes is a close second. The ultimate test of a trainer's effectiveness is whether they can help others achieve their goals, especially if those goals are similar to your own. A good trainer will be eager to provide success stories, referrals, and testimonials. Check out our success stories here;
ARE YOU READY TO GET IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE? CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!
Want to meet a coach before you commit?
Free 45-minute consultation at Train With Dave in Irvine, Orange, or Laguna Hills. Ask anything.
Book Your Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials should a personal trainer have?
Reputable certifications include ACE, NASM, and NSCA. A bachelor's degree in kinesiology or exercise science is an added edge — and the Train With Dave standard.
How do I evaluate fit?
Book a free consultation. Notice whether they listen, assess, and explain before recommending a plan. That's the tell.
Do you have studios across Orange County?
Yes — Train With Dave runs three Orange County studios: Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills.
How much does training cost?
Train With Dave averages $60 to $80 per session — and that includes a fully customized workout program, personalized nutrition plan, training app, and direct trainer access between sessions.
Ready to Transform Your Body in Orange County?
Train With Dave has helped thousands of Orange County residents achieve their goals — with locations in Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills.
Book Your Free Consultation: calendly.com/trainwithdaveoc/1hr
No pressure. No commitment. Just a real conversation about your goals.