After 21 years as a personal trainer, I’ve seen the full spectrum—people who hire the perfect coach and transform their lives, and people who waste months (and money) with the wrong fit. The truth is, who you hire matters more than what program you follow.
If you’re in Calgary, Alberta and searching for a personal trainer to help with weight loss, strength, mobility, or accountability, this guide will help you make the right choice the first time.
✅ DO: Look for Experience That Matches Your Goals
Not all trainers are built the same.
-
Want fat loss? Look for proven client transformations.
-
Want strength? Find someone who understands progressive overload.
-
Dealing with injuries? You need a coach comfortable with modifications and mobility.
Ask: “What type of clients do you work with most?”
A seasoned trainer should have stories, case studies, and clear methods—not vague promises.
❌ DON’T: Choose Based on Price Alone
Bargain training often costs more in the long run:
-
Poor programming
-
Increased injury risk
-
Lack of accountability
-
Slow (or zero) results
You’re not paying for 60 minutes. You’re paying for 21 years of problem-solving.
✅ DO: Ask About Their Plan (Not Just the Workout)
A real coach talks about:
-
Assessment
-
Program structure
-
Progress tracking
-
Recovery
-
Nutrition habits
-
Lifestyle
If the conversation is only about today’s sweat session, that’s a red flag.
❌ DON’T: Fall for “Killer Workouts” as the Selling Point
Soreness is not a program.
Results come from:
-
Smart progression
-
Proper form
-
Time under tension
-
Consistency
Great trainers build you up. They don’t beat you up.
✅ DO: Make Sure They Coach, Not Just Count Reps
You should hear:
-
Form cues
-
Breathing cues
-
Tempo guidance
-
Adjustments in real time
If they’re scrolling their phone while you lift, walk away.
❌ DON’T: Ignore Personality Fit
You’ll spend hours with this person every month. If you don’t click, you won’t stay consistent. Ask them how many clients renew, ask how long clients stay with them.
The best results happen when there’s:
-
Trust
-
Communication
-
Accountability
-
A little bit of fun
✅ DO: Ask How They Measure Progress
A professional trainer tracks:
-
Strength numbers
-
Body measurements
-
Mobility improvements
-
Energy levels
-
Habits
No tracking = no direction.
❌ DON’T: Hire Someone Without Credentials or Proof
Look for:
-
Certifications
-
Years in the industry
-
Client testimonials
-
A real online presence
Anyone can call themselves a trainer. Not everyone can coach results.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a personal trainer should feel like investing in a plan, not booking random workouts.
If you’re in Calgary and serious about:
-
Weight loss
-
Building strength
-
Moving pain-free
-
Staying accountable
Take your time. Ask questions. Choose wisely.
Because the right trainer doesn’t just change your workouts.
They change your life.
But thats just my opinion I'm slightly biased.
Coach Mitch