You wouldn't choose just any doctor would you? Then why would you choose just any personal trainer?
Personal trainers often choose to train other people because they genuinely have a passion for it, but not every trainer has the same credentials under his/her belt and not every trainer is good at what they do.
The #1 thing you want to keep an eye out for is PERSONALITY. Is this person going to motivate you to want to workout? Do they have empathy for what you're going through and how do they interact with you? Do they pay attention to you when you talk to them or does it seem like they're mind is in the gutter? If you don't feel you're a good match then keep looking. Sometimes you just have to give it a few sessions to determine if it's the right fit.
Many people who ask for personal trainers ask for male trainers because they believe they will push them harder, but this is false. I know just as many female trainers, if not more, who push their clients to the max and think on their toes under time-constricting conditions. Females may not be able to lift as much as males, but if she has the credentials then she knows how to spot heavy weight properly and safely. Thus, it doesn't matter if you're a male and you get a female personal trainer. Chances are she knows more than you.
The #2 thing you want to keep an eye out for (and don't be afraid to ask) is what CREDENTIALS they have. What kind of training and education have they had? It's easy to memorize what the hamstring muscle is, but knowing it's point of insertion, origin, and function are completely different and something that must be learned. The more education they have in the field of health promotion and fitness, the more you can trust that they will provide you with an effective and creative exercise program.
Kinesiology, behavior theories, physiology of exercise, exercise programming, and many other courses are all an integral part of becoming a fitness professional in any accredited university or college. They help shape the personal views of a fitness professional and allow them to think for themself.
Important trait #3 is PROFESSIONALISM. How do they define themselves as a fitness professional? What do they do to show that they are there to support you? Hopefully your trainer is dressing appropriately, arriving on time for your personal training sessions, and treating their clients and coworkers with respect. Also, they should be clear from the beginning about their policies and operating procedures.
Good luck with your search for a personal trainer!
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