TOP 10 BEST PERSONAL TRAINER FOR WOMEN IN PASADENA

1. Passion for Fitness and Is Fit Themselves

Optimally a personal trainer is a pretty fit person. I suppose, theoretically, one can be a great coach without having played the game or necessarily looking the part. Some of the great coaches never played the game. Conversely Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Isaiah Thomas are three of the greatest players in the history of the NBA and all had questionable (at best) head coaching careers. While a great player does not necessarily equal a great coach, being a fit trainer does at least in part equal being an effective one.

Being fit isn’t the same as being an athlete. Being an elite athlete is in large part a function of talent, while being fit is in large part a function of passion, determination, and dedication. Make sure your trainer possesses these qualities. Walking the walk and practicing what he or she preaches. Leading by example.

I suppose it’s possible to be an effective trainer without being a fit one, but I wouldn’t hire one. Also be mindful of this distinction – a passion for working out and a passion for coaching people aren’t necessarily the same thing. Make sure your trainer possesses both.

2. Understanding of Push and Pull, Ebb and Flow, and Periodization

The push and pull of fitness is a wonderful metaphor for a fitness professional, as there is a literal application of putting the push and pull in our fitness lives. Indeed, there is a sweet spot between the two.

Anyone can make someone do a hard workout. The key is knowing when not to push and when to pull your client back in with understanding, empathy, and a little rest. Clients want to know you have their back and you’re not going to hurt them. It’s an art, really. Before you hire a trainer, talk to his or her clients. Get references and see if he or she possesses this art.

3. Knowledge and Know-How

While a great education does not make a great doctor, it certainly doesn’t hurt to see a degree from Harvard Medical School on the wall. I wouldn’t necessarily choose a trainer based on the degree or cert he or she has, but I most certainly would look to see what my trainer has learned and from where it was learned. A trainer’s job is to help clients adapt, grow, and change and so a trainer must do so also. Therefore continuing education is also important. We are all creatures of habit, trainers included. Change is ultimately the real key to growth. If your trainer isn’t growing and learning, neither are you.

4. Excellent Communication Skills

People sometimes mistake a good communicator for someone who has a silver tongue and slick presentation skills. I tend to think that communication in large part is about seeking to understand. It’s about critical thinking and effective listening. Being a coach and trainer means agreeing to help someone on his or her journey to better health, fitness, and wellness. In order for a trainer to succeed in this role, it is essential for him or her to know where a client has been and where the client seeks to go. If I were hiring a coach or trainer, I’d tend to lean towards a trainer who listens more than talks.

5. Empathy and Compassion

I have struggled with yo-yo weight gain and weight loss for pretty much my whole life. Believe me, I didn’t gain weight because I was lazy, and I certainly put in my fair share of effort in taking it off. Over the course of many years, I saw different doctors and nutritionists. I bought every home workout plan you can think of. Name one. I’ve tried them all. Tae-Bo. Windsor Pilates. The Thigh Master. Tony Little. Beach Body. I joined a gym and used it regularly. I had a personal trainer. I woke up at 5 a.m. every day for months to work out. I kept a food journal and tediously tracked every calorie I consumed. Despite all this effort, I gained weight.

Empathy is the key in piercing through the disconnect that sometimes occurs between trainer and client. Empathy, in part, comes from something we can all relate to – struggle. When I found that sense of true empathy and real humility, I also found a better way to reach people. Empathy is the gateway to an even more important word – compassion. A trainer does not have to have a history of being overweight, injured, or obese to relate to your struggle. However, an effective trainer is most certainly one with empathy and compassion. Make sure you hire one of those.

The List

So, to answer the question, “Who is the Best Real Personal Trainer For Women in Pasadena?” I offer you is my personal list. Don’t act surprised by who’s ranked number one.

No. 1 - Tamara Argueta	No. 2- Ron Le
No. 3 - Mike Salcido	No. 4 - Lelia Harper
No. 5 - Arin Gragossian	No. 6 - Carina Watson
No. 7 - Raffi Kevork	No. 8 - Matthew Casteneda
No. 9 - Melinda Hughes	No. 10 - Johnny Tea