Personal trainer newbie - a few questions

[Makemedoit]

So I am seriously thinking about using a PT and have looked at a few locally. What should I ask about when making proper enquiries and how many times a week should I think about booking?
For context I am unfit and overweight and need a kick start.

You'll need at least three sessions a week to see a discernible difference - 'they' say it can take six months for muscle definition to appear, but could be sooner, IMO. However, that will costs ££££ so I'd say you'd need a trainer who will include workout plans for you to do solo, as well as an eating plan. I think it's all down to who you get on with and the type of training you enjoy, rather than specific questions. That said, do check they have insurance and are qualified. I used to be a PT but I'm out of touch with the up-to-date qualifications (I am very old).

Actually, I'd also make sure they're not too hardcore as it will put you right off. You'd be amazed what can be achieved by brisk walking and basic weight training - none of which involves complicated bootcamps (usually in cold, muddy, public fields). If they plan to train you in a gym, make sure an entry fee isn't payable on top of their fee. And if you buy a batch of sessions, you should get a discount.

I have just stopped my PT business but key to me was meeting the client and really getting to know them so that I could design a programme that was hard enough to challenge, but absolutely definitely wouldn't set them up for failure. Ensure that your PT doesn't just use the same generic type programme for every client but personalises it to you - I used to find out what made each person "tick" and what I did with each person depended very much upon what would keep them happy, engaged and motivated, because no one is going to persist with something that they hate and you're trying to set up habits for life.

Make sure that you "click" and if you don't, find someone else to work with; sometimes you're just not a good fit for someone. Make sure that you set short, medium and long - term goals and review progress regularly.

I did all my training outdoors or in a client's own home.

I had a bad experience with a very experienced PT who apparently trained other PTs. In short based on my experience I would encourage you to set out exactly what you want, and don't be jollied along into anything else. I dislike running and was hoping for a more creative way to get fit, and every session we jogged for 45/50 minutes (badly) and then did a few stretches, oddly I hated all of this and didn't progress. The one session she did suggest something else we ended up doing boxercise where I hurt my wrists and knuckles. All in all a poor experience. I think from what I hear of friends that some PTs are great but I'm a bit sceptical now as it's not a cheap endeavour and I made little to no progress.

You need a PT who really spends time understanding you and what motivates you. If you have had children and a PT doesn’t ask you about that (ie. do you ever leak) I wouldn’t hire them.

I would also want a PT who is clear that it’s what you eat that will make most difference to your weight. Exercise is just the cherry on top.

Personally, I would rather want a PT who was similar to me. So for me that would be a woman in her 30s/40s who had maybe struggled with her weight when she was younger, rather than someone young who has never had a weight problem/had any issues controlling what they eat. I would need someone who gets what it’s like to really really love chocolate and to struggle to control themselves around it.

I am a PT btw and hope I provide these things for my clients. I choose my clients very carefully, and would never want someone to spend a large amount of money on me unless they were committed to changing their eating habits as well.

It is quite personal so I would definitely decide your personal style when speaking to any PT.
We have an amazing instructor at our gym, who if you're the only one booked on a class will do a PT session with you. However he is very encouraging, not at all aggressive, always says you've done amazing when he can see you've pushed yourself. I've told him I wouldn't go if he just shouted at me, and he says that not his style. (I only respond to positive encouragement as I have Dyspraxia which makes it very difficult for me)