What to look for in a personal trainer

WASHINGTON — The holiday eating binge is just about over, and if you are like a lot of people, you’re realizing you’ve packed on a few pounds.

If you are making a New Year’s resolution to get into shape and get rid of that extra weight, you may be thinking of getting a little help by hiring a personal trainer. But don’t just pick the first trainer you see.

“If you really want to do this, you have to do your homework,” says Marketwatch’s Dan Goldstein. “You have to do interviews with trainers. Get referrals. Ask people if they got the results they wanted. This is a lot like dating, because this is going to be a long-term relationship if you want to make it work right.”

Once you select a trainer, set reasonable expectations.

“If you think, ‘After 10 sessions I’m going to be ripped and lose 20 pounds and I’m gonna feel great,’ it’s not really the truth,” said Goldstein.

And make sure you budget for your resolution. Also, make sure you understand this is an investment in time and money.

“You’re going to be doing this for at least three to four months, three times a week, and it can cost up to $1,500 a month. So, be prepared to dole out some change,” said Goldstein.

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Michelle Murillo

Michelle Murillo has been a part of the WTOP family since 2014. She started her career in Central Florida before working in radio in New York City and Philadelphia.

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