Most people spend more time researching a new phone than they do choosing a personal trainer.
Which is a bit strange when you think about it.
The right trainer can help you get stronger, lose weight, improve your health and stay consistent for years.
The wrong trainer can leave you frustrated, injured or paying for sessions you don’t enjoy.
If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Auckland, here are a few things I’d consider before making a decision.
Look For Someone Who Works With People Like You
This is probably the biggest thing I would look at.
If you’re a 48-year-old accountant who wants to lose 10kg, improve your energy and get healthier, do you really want a trainer who mainly works with bodybuilders and athletes?
Probably not.
Look at their current clients.
Who do they work with?
What problems do they solve?
Can you see yourself in their testimonials?
At Imagine Fitness, most of our clients are professionals over 40.
They’ve got demanding jobs, families and plenty of other responsibilities competing for their time.
They don’t need extreme workouts.
They need something they can stick to.
The Best Programme Is The One You Can Follow
I think a lot of people overcomplicate fitness.
They look for the perfect programme.
The perfect diet.
The perfect trainer.
In reality, consistency beats perfection every time.
If a trainer is asking you to train six days a week, weigh every gram of food and completely change your lifestyle overnight, ask yourself one question.
Can I realistically do this in six months?
If the answer is no, it probably isn’t the right approach.
The best trainers build programmes around your life.
Not the other way around.
If your goal is weight loss, you’ll probably find this useful too: How To Lose Weight After 40 Without Extreme Diets.
Location Matters More Than You Think
I’ve seen people join fantastic gyms and still fail.
Not because the gym was bad.
Because it wasn’t convenient.
One of the reasons many of our clients train with us in Auckland CBD is simply because it fits into their working day.
Some train before work.
Some come at lunchtime.
Some stop in on the way home.
The easier something is to do, the more likely you are to do it.
That applies to fitness just as much as anything else.
A Good Trainer Does More Than Count Reps
Most people already know they should exercise more.
Most people know they should probably eat a few more vegetables.
The problem usually isn’t knowledge.
It’s consistency.
In fact, this is something I wrote about in more detail in Why Smart Professionals Struggle To Stay Healthy. Most people already know what they should be doing. The challenge is doing it consistently.
A good trainer helps you stay accountable.
They help you navigate busy weeks.
They help you get back on track when life gets in the way.
Anyone can write a programme.
Helping someone stick to it is where the real skill lies.
Read The Testimonials
Before choosing a trainer, spend some time reading their reviews.
Not just the star rating.
Read what people actually say.
Look for comments about support, communication, accountability and long-term results.
Those things tell you far more than a before and after photo.
You can read some of our client stories here:
Personal Training Or Small Group Training?
Not everyone needs one-to-one coaching.
Some people love it.
Others prefer training alongside a small group of like-minded people.
Neither is right or wrong.
It comes down to your goals, budget and personality.
If you’re not sure, a good trainer should help you decide.
You can learn more about our options here:
Personal Training and Small Group Training
Questions To Ask Before You Start
Before you commit, ask a few simple questions.
- Who do you normally work with?
- How do you help people stay consistent?
- What happens if I miss a session?
- Can you work around old injuries?
- Do you offer personal training or small group training?
- How do you track progress?
- What support do I get outside of sessions?
You do not need a perfect answer to every question.
You just need to feel like the trainer understands you.
My Final Advice
Choose someone you trust.
Choose someone who understands your goals.
Choose someone who understands real life.
And choose someone you actually enjoy spending time with.
Because if you’re going to stick with exercise long term, the relationship matters.
A lot.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
At Imagine Fitness, we help career-driven professionals over 40 improve their health, fitness and confidence through personal training and small group training in Auckland CBD.
No extreme diets.
No punishment workouts.
Just practical coaching that fits around work and family life.
Learn more about our services, view our timetable or get in touch for a chat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a personal trainer cost in Auckland?
Prices vary depending on the trainer, location and type of session. One-to-one personal training usually costs more than small group training.
Do I need to be fit before starting personal training?
No. A good trainer should meet you where you are and build from there.
Is personal training worth it?
It can be, especially if you need structure, accountability and support staying consistent.
Is small group training better than personal training?
It depends on the person. Some people prefer one-to-one support. Others enjoy the social side and lower cost of small group training.
Where is Imagine Fitness based?
Imagine Fitness is based in Auckland CBD and works mainly with professionals over 40.