How to Hire a Personal Trainer

If you make the decision that you need a personal trainer, here are some first steps.
1. Credentials
Your trainer should have a background in human anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology and bio mechanics. If they are hesitant to show you their credentials or liability insurance count that as a red flag.
2. Experience
Some are students doing training until they can "get a real job". There is nothing wrong with working part time as a trainer but it often means that the trainer has minimal hands on experience.
3. Adaptability
Some trainers have ready made workouts that they hand out to everyone regardless of their needs and personal goals. A good trainer will write your program based on your current fitness level and goals. Beware the trainer that wants to train you without a consultation first and trains all clients the same.
4. Exude Health
Trainers don't have to be professional athletes or bodybuilders but should exude health and have no obvious habits, like smoking
5. Ability to teach exercises correctly
This requires knowledge of good form and can sometimes be a problem for trainers. It has been my experience that some trainers often tell clients not to do squats because they are bad for their knees when in fact they do not know how to properly teach the technique.
6. Ability to work with a diverse clientele
A trainer should have experience with the kind of program that you are looking for. For example, if you are looking to become more muscular or get into a serious weight training sessions and the trainer only has experience with weight loss circuits they may not be as responsive as they should to your needs.
7. Cost
There is a big swing in costs for trainers. More expensive is generally not better training, only higher overhead. It is wise to purchase ( or try to get free ) an initial trial session before making a commitment. Don't allow yourself to get talked into a long term plan. Also , make sure that sessions are refundable if you change your mind. You should never sign a contract for training beyond your package that was purchased.
8. No matter how highly recommended, some people just don't click. If you don't feel comfortable in your consultation don't hire the trainer. You don't have to be best friends but you should feel good enough to know that you can work together.