If you live there or work there, you know that Washington DC is a competitive town, and the truth is that when you are looking for physical fitness that your Washington DC personal trainer should be aware of this! So many people end up getting tricked or not getting the results that they need, simply because they go to the first Washington DC personal trainer, and it turns out that the trainer is not nearly as good as they should be. When you think about the fact that it can take less than five minutes and fifty dollars to get certified as a personal trainer, it is time for you to put some effort into finding a Washington DC personal trainer that will help you get the results that you need.

1. Do a little research

Decide on your goals – performance, fat-loss, etc. and pick a budget. Now you can start comparing trainers. Just like you wouldn’t buy the first car on the lot, you wouldn’t hire the first personal trainer you talk to in Washington, DC. Look for a proven, documented track record of consistent and lasting results. Starving someone and working them to death takes no great skill, and sure that will get a few pounds off, but its not something that will keep anything off. It will probably do more harm than good long term.

2. Meet with them

Since you’re the on doing the hiring, treat this like a job interview for your potential Washington, DC personal trainer. You want to try before you buy – really try. You want to get an experience of how the relationship will go before you commit to anything. You want to be sure to read their training philosophy – this should be written, not floating around in their head.

3. Remember your goals

Meaningful, SMART goals should be set on the first meeting. You want to come to the first meeting with a clear picture of where you want to be – don’t hand someone a blank check and have them do whatever. You should have an idea what you want when you step into the personal trainer’s office, and you all should sit down together and create a deadline and a time budget for how much time you can spend exercising.

4. Do they have similar experience?

If you have medical issues (after you get medical clearance) you want to find someone with relevant experience, or at the very least someone who will do real research on your issue.

5. Demand results

You should see results within the first week. Results talk and BS walks. If you have followed the advice of your Washington, DC personal trainer and nothing is happening, then it is time to move on. They should have a money back guarantee on results.