With Singapore fast emerging as a major Fitness Hub in the world, it is no surprise therefore to see a corresponding jump in the number and variety of exercise trends emerging in our fitness landscape.

As of today, practically all kinds of fitness and exercise-related services could be found in our little island-state: ranging from the common: private personal training, group aerobics, fitness boot camps etc; to the weird and exotic: anti-gravity classes, animal movement-based exercises, hybrid workouts, extreme calisthenics etc. All co-existing pretty much side-by-side and offering the Public a mouth-watering buffet of fitness options.

And with this slew of choices, many people are also now open to the idea of sourcing for and engaging their very own private fitness provider, individual coach and/or personal trainer to lead them and their loved ones in the workout of their choice.

And herein lies the DANGER.

For with the increase in popularity and demand for fitness providers, and a corresponding SURGE in the numbers of such instructors and coaches in recent years, questions have been raised about the QUALITY of these personnel working in the industry.

Add to that, quite a few HORROR stories have been emerging of trainers/coaches who have been a great DIS-SERVICE to their clients in one way or another and who, in the process, have TARNISHED the fitness industry with their UN-PROFESSIONALISM (think: trainers from HELL!!).

To help consumers reduce their RISK of engaging a provider with questionable credentials and/or intentions, we – at Singapore Fitness Professionals Network – have come up with the following CHECKLIST that would serve as a useful guide to all consumers.

Do use it to SCREEN all your potential coaches, instructors and trainers:

Fitness Provider Checklist:

 A. Professional Qualifications & Certifications

• What are the qualifications that the trainer/coach/instructor possess?
• Are these qualifications/certifications from reputable and recognized institutions/organizations?
• Is there a way to verify if they are genuine and valid?
• How many of these qualifications indicate advanced/specialized skills attainment?
• Does the provider possess a specific certification/qualification that caters to your own unique situation or condition (medical or otherwise)
• How often do these qualifications have to be renewed and what is the process involved?
• How often does the provider attend upgrading and/or continuing education courses? When was the last time he/she attended one?
• How thorough is the entire certification/education process? (Is it attained via online/on-site/correspondence? Does it take a 12 months/3 months/1 week /1 weekend/1-day to complete?)

B. Relevant Experience

• How many years of coaching experience does the trainer/coach/instructor has?
• Are these years of experiences formally clocked-in and tracked?
• How diverse and sustained were these coaching experiences?
• Is there a way to verify and validate the authenticity of all these coaching experiences?
• Are these coaching experiences relevant and specific to your goals, needs, age and/or medical conditions?

C. Client References/Testimonials

• Does the provider offer testimonials, references and other social proof?
• Are the testimonials comprehensive and diverse in nature?
• Are there ways to verify if these testimonials are genuine and unadulterated?

D. Individual & Personality Characteristics

• Does your provider show pride in appearance and attire?
• Does he/she come across as positive and enthusiastic?
• Is he/she pleasant, respectful and non-judgmental?
• Does he/she give you the impression of someone who is well-organized and well-prepared?
• Does he/she come across as mature, dependable and trustworthy?
• Does he/she demonstrate competence and knowledge in the required subject area?
• Does he/she have a good and fluent command of the language you use?
• Does he/she exhibit good overall communication skills?
• Do you feel comfortable opening-up and talking with him/her about your health/fitness issues?
• Do you find it easy to strike up a rapport with him/her?
• Finally, does your fitness provider look the part? (think: “walking the walk”)

These and more are the questions that EVERYONE should be asking himself/herself before committing to any paid fitness regime.

If your provider ticks 90% or more of the above boxes, then – CONGRATULATIONS – you got yourself an AWESOME trainer!

However, if it’s more misses than hits, then perhaps it’s better for you to reconsider your choice and look elsewhere!

Filed under: General Fitness In Singapore, Singapore Fitness Industry And Fitness Profession, Singapore Fitness News, Singapore Fitness Providers Tagged: choosing fitness providers, fitness landscape, fitness provider checklist, personal trainer checklist, risks of engaging fitness providers, Singapore