What do you look for when selecting a personal trainer?

[debbiedenise]

What characteristics/personality would I look for in a personal trainer? Does it matter which sex, specialty, etc.?

[WeaponZero]

First of all, I've learned you can't really tell whether or not a trainer is going to be a good fit for you until you've had the opportunity to work with them for a few sessions. That being said, most chain gyms don't give their trainers very much leeway in working out "custom" plans for their customers. They have to follow a strict set of guidelines when putting workout plans together for you that more or less makes their training and knowledge useless, because it is very limited and a monkey could do it. So if you belong to a large chain gym, such as, for instance, a Gold's Gym or a 24 Hour Fitness or an LA Fitness, one trainer will be just as good (or bad) as any other there.

That being said, what I would look for: The trainer should be able to think outside of the box and use the equipment of the gym in unorthodox manners. Additionally, they should probably have some equipment of their own they bring in to aid you in your sessions. They should be schooled on all facets of training, including the different styles of lifting, circuit training, various forms of cardio, yoga, and pilates. They should know how to put together a plan that can be adapted for people whose goals revolve around either injury prevention/rehab, fat loss, muscle gain, or functional athletic gains. They should be willing to keep in touch with you outside of your session times to follow up on your progress. And if you go in with a "knowledge" of fitness based on what you've heard from infomercials, fitness "friends," and just general broscience/fitness myths, they should be ready and willing to call you out on your bullshit. And you should listen when they do.

[Anpu23]

A personal trainer should be on the same page as you. If your goal is to run a marathon, but your trainer is focused on muscle mass then you are working at cross purposes. Besides how would they know about breathing patterns, and form when running. On the other hand how would a marathon coach know proper nutrition ratios for building, proper form on certain equipment etc.

[aamy811]

Gender shouldn't matter. Someone who is following the goals you want in an effective safe way.
If they too you something don't be afraid to research it. Ask them why you are doing something, don't just accept everything they say
Make sure they've been trained by a legit place. At my gym some of the trainers not have to take a 45min class and they're trainers, which doesn't sound very legitimate.
look at them. Some of the trainers at my gym are obviously overweight and it's not because of research. Their body is they're product, so if they product doesn't look good you probably won't look good either

[matheus_mb]

I'd look for a good professional who has experience and knowledge. Gender wouldn't matter.