In the world of fitness it can be very difficult to please everyone. Trainers have lots of frustrations with clients and boy could they tell some stories! Some clients refuse to follow instructions or take corrections. Trainers get to deal with people that complain that they aren’t losing enough weight fast enough. They hear it all!

On the other side of this, clients have lots of stories too. In fact, there has been so much buzz in real life lately, I thought it would be fun to compile a list. For those of you still shopping around for the perfect trainer to work with here are some bad and good qualities to watch out for.

This brief check list was compiled by fellow fitness enthusiasts and some of the responses received have been edited for an easier read.

(This is one of the good ones!)

You Know You Have a Bad Trainer When…

“They hit the start button on their car in the last seconds of the workout.” The trainer has already checked out and gone home for the day.

“They call people out in front of the entire class. This is not good for self esteem and/or whatever else you might have going on in life and that it was an accomplishment just to make it to the gym that day…enough said!”

“When you get hurt three times on their watch.” This is because they aren’t really watching they are texting on their phone or talking to other people.

“When they are out of shape and they huff and puff more than you do!” Your trainer should be watching not working out with you.

“You hear them talk about this client they have…and that funny story ends up being about you…”

They feel the need to write on the white board – “IF THE WARMUP WAS RUNNING IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS: Run ( NOT Row) and begin drawing how to run and add more meters to your row because you chose to modify that day.” You know your own body.

“They explain the workout and then go talk to their buddies, leaving you unable to ask any questions about technique.”

“You leave the box feeling defeated, in tears and not even worthy of receiving proper instruction because “you suck at that lift”.

“They only focus on the elite athletes during a workout leaving the rest of us to feel like we aren’t apart of the community.”

“They don’t offer any ways to progress to the next step in a movement.”

“They can’t do the exercises they want you to do.”

“You know more about fitness than they do.”

“You don’t trust them because they don’t listen to you about what you know your body can and cannot do.”

“They work the same part of the body two days in as row through the whole workout. Ouch!”

“When you realize they don’t know the standards for a major competition!!!!!”

I’m not going to leave you on the ledge here because there are some really great trainers out there! Here are many fantastic qualities to look for when you are beginning your workout journey.

You Know You Have a Good Trainer When…

“They focus on your form and technique and always have little tricks to show you how to improve on what you are doing.”

“They will correct you during a workout so that you don’t do it wrong for the rest of the workout and injure yourself.”

“They can demonstrate what they want you to do.”

“They are constantly keeping up!” The certifications, research and continuing to learn new methods of teaching.

“They get to know you on a personal level and not just as a member or client.”

“They check on you outside the gym!” They don’t assume you bailed. Instead they reach out to make sure you are okay and social media has been extremely helpful in this area.

“They are glad to see you, greet you with a smile and ask how you are!” Just being friendly goes a long way.

“They listen to your goals and help you make it happen.”

“They understand a one size fits all plan doesn’t work! They work with you and your body individually.”

“They celebrate your accomplishments no matter how small.” It’s great to have a cheerleader in your corner.

“They don’t mind explaining the same thing over and over until you get it.”

“They can sense when you need to break and understand that some days are going to be better than others!”

Finding a good match is important because you want to be happy to see your trainer. You want to feel like you are making positive progress: sleep better, less stressed, better cardio, building muscle and losing fat. Your trainer has a job to do and this is why you hired them. Rely on their education, experience, demeanor and trust your gut! You won’t progress with someone you don’t trust.

A trainer should push you but in a way that works for you and accomplishing your goals. Different people respond in different ways. I always recommend to “shop” around until you find your match. Luckily I have only had one trainer that seemed genuinely disinterested in their job. For the most part I have worked with the most passionate, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fit trainers. I’m always being asked for a recommendation. I’m happy to point my friends their direction but I also know it might not be a fit and that is ok too.

Do you have anything new to add to either list? Chime in here in the comment section below!

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