Give the Gift of Fitness for Father’s Day

So, Father’s Day is coming up and you’ve decided to give an amazing gift, something thoughtful, that he’ll never expect, and that he won’t soon forget either.

You’re going to hire a trainer for Dad.

Because why not? Motivation, support, knowledge, energy and some amazing accountability—you really can’t go wrong with such a thoughtful gesture.

But unlike that new power drill you considered first, personal training is a multifaceted gift with a lot of variables to consider in the giving.

I don’t want to discourage you, though, because the gift of fitness is a wonderful choice. I just want to make sure you know how to choose the right trainer for your dad.

Here are the questions you need to ask as you make your choice.

What Are Your Dad’s Goals?

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Maybe you don’t exactly know because you’re trying to surprise him, but you should have some idea of what he would want to get out of working with a trainer. This is the most important consideration in choosing the right trainer for the right person, so ask these questions:

• Is he working on improving his body composition (#redefiningdadbod)? Then you want to find a trainer who specializes in shredding fat and gaining muscle.

• Does Dad have any chronic illnesses, like diabetes, or does he get injured easily? You’ll need a trainer with expertise in corrective exercise and disease management.

• Does he like a challenge or is he competitive and responsive to being pushed to run faster, jump higher, and go farther? Look for a trainer who does primarily sports performance.

As you start looking for trainers, ask them questions too:

“What client goals do you enjoy working with most? “

“Can you give me an example of a past client’s success with you?”

Get to know trainers a little bit so you make the right choice and get someone who will be a good fit for your dad and his goals.

Where is Dad Going to Fit Training into His Schedule?

Dad’s a busy guy and his schedule will likely be the second most important factor to consider when hiring his trainer.

Is Dad a morning person? If so, get him connected to the early-bird trainer.

Is he more of a lunch-time or evening man? Make sure to find a trainer with sessions available later in the day.

Does he need some flexibility due to work travel or last-minute demands?

Make sure you ask the trainer how they generally deal with those scheduling challenges and how they keep out-of-town clients on track.

Does Your Dad Have Medical Conditions or Injuries?

When choosing a trainer, the condition of the client really matters.

If Dad is fit as a fiddle then there is not a lot to consider here.

But, for most of us the years take a toll on our bodies and chances are there are some special issues to be considered when creating Dad’s program.

Is he currently being treated for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or any surgical post-ops? Does he have any pain in his joints or old injuries that flare up?

If the answer is “yes” to any of this then it will be important to ask any potential trainers about their experiences working with clients with similar health issues.

Who Inspires Your Dad?

Now that you’ve considered his goals, schedule, and health, let’s think about motivation.

Training is a “self-actualization” business which means that trainers help clients become the best version of themselves. Often clients look to the trainer personally for inspiration on this journey and this connection is crucial for long term results.

• Will he respond well to a male or female trainer

• Younger, older, or same age?

• Does the trainer’s personal physical fitness reflect what your Dad believes is realistic, healthy, and good for him?

Everyone has a different approach to their fitness and trainers are no exception. The trainer’s personality, fitness philosophy, personal fitness, and attitude should reflect your dad’s goals.

For example, don’t pair Dad with a sweet and gentle yoga instructor if his goal is to go hard in the gym while building some muscle.

Just How Much Help Does Dad Need?

Last but not least, if you’re getting a trainer for Dad, be sure to match his support and accountability needs with what the trainer offers.

Some people need someone to meet with them for a whole hour, push them through their workout, and help them stretch three times a week for three months to reach their goal.

Other training clients just need someone to write out their monthly plan and meet with them once or twice to troubleshoot and answer questions.

And some clients could care less about the individual attention, but need a community to belong to and a trainer who effectively leads a group a few times per week.

Let’s Redefine the ‘Dad Bod’

This Fathers’ Day show that special guy in your life that you care about his health and well-being by finding him the perfect personal trainer and fitness program.

Shop around for the best trainer and give your dad the gift of never having to live with Dad Bod again.

I promise he’ll thank you for it, and I promise we’ll take good care of him for you.