If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Canberra, it makes sense to go straight to the best. A quality personal trainer can motivate you and help you lead a healthier life. He or she can also help you achieve your fitness goals safely and more quickly.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a personal trainer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great personal trainer?
Choosing the right personal trainer can give you the confidence you’re getting value for money for each session. Working one-on-one with a personal trainer has many benefits. This includes coaching on your overall health.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a personal trainer:
- Extensive experience. You’ll want a personal trainer who has worked with clients of different ages, fitness levels and fitness goals. Experienced trainers know how to get you to develop better habits and work towards personal goals.
- Motivating. Besides wanting a trainer with life experience, you’ll want one who motivates you to make a difference to your life. This includes motivating you to continue training. It also means helping you align your lifestyle and nutrition with your training.
- Properly trained. A personal trainer must be properly qualified. Ask about their education, including whether they have a Certificate IV in Fitness or other training. Serious personal trainers also continually expand their knowledge. This includes through courses in areas such as rehabilitation, fat loss, muscle development, strength or athletic performance.
- Knows your limits. A personal trainer will tailor your fitness program. They’ll listen to you and encourage you to excel, but safely. They’ll also refer you, if needed, to a physiotherapist or other specialist.
- Great communicator. The best personal trainers don’t just tell you what to do. They explain why you’re doing what you’re doing. They explain that training is more than fat loss and muscle development. It’s about moving properly and getting fit without injury.
The best personal trainers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Joseph Peluko - Elements4Life
Joseph Peluko has more than six years of experience as a personal trainer and coach. He is a Senior Coach and Master Functional Trainer at Elements4Life. Here he was mentored by owner and founder, Sebastian Ellis.
With a strong growth mindset, Joseph specialises in resistance training, strength development, mobility, and rehabilitation. He has evolved into a highly respected and approachable coach with great motivational and communications skills.
Joseph personally understands the power of being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle. His passion for changing lives began after years of school yard bullying. Today Joseph is a key influencer in the community. He inspires clients to grow through a long-term commitment to getting fit and staying fit.
Joseph coaches out of Elements4Life’s Harrison and Belconnen centres. New members can take up the “PT Quickstart” option at either centre.
On Google, Christopher Van-bael wrote, “Great gym and awesome trainers. The gym has all the equipment needed and the group sessions are great for building strength and fitness. Highly recommended this gym.”
Anytime Fitness Canberra City
For over 20 years, Personal Trainer Carina Sciberras has helped clients get fit, feel great and reach their fitness goals. At Anytime Fitness Canberra City, Carina works with clients of all body types, fitness levels and abilities. Anytime Fitness members enjoy 24/7 access at over 500 clubs around Australia.
On Google, Jan Spinks wrote, “Anything Fitness Canberra City is a great place to work out ... The staff and trainers are all experienced and they are always there to help you.”
Project Fit Mum Canberra
Founded by Laura, Project Fit Mum, or PFM for short, is a group of friendly, like-minded mums who like to get fit, feel stronger and have fun. Trainers take fitness goals seriously but understand that losing weight and gaining muscle can be challenging. PFM trainers help mums overcome hurdles and reach their potential. Classes and one-on-one personal training sessions are available.
Helen McAulay reviewed Laura's services on Riotact saying, "She has developed a supportive and fantastic fitness community full of beautiful mamas and their bubbas! I'd be lost without her! And am blessed to have met and made such wonderful friendships along the way."
Drew Gough - Club Lime
Drew Gough, a passionate person trainer, has a Certificate IV in fitness, strength and conditioning and four years’ experience assisting clients to get the most out of their gym sessions. Having played elite level rugby, Drew’s sports background gives him a competitive edge as a personal trainer. Beyond actual exercise, Drew supports clients to enhance their wellbeing by changing their lifestyle and habits.
Change Fitness
Change Fitness believes in training that is smart and efficient. To keep clients on track, Change Fitness offers one-on-one and group personal training. Change Fitness is a local, home-based, personal training business that runs throughout Dunlop, Holt and Charnwood. Services include health consultations, personal training, nutritional advice, exercise programs, boxing classes and boot camps.
On Riotact, Alex Breen wrote, “Joey Cormick @ Change Fitness is a great PT and also runs separate group programs!"
Define Fitness
Define Fitness takes clients on a journey to be the fittest and healthiest they can be. Programs are tailored to get real results. Define Fitness’s large team of passionate personal trainers motivate and inspire clients.
On Google, Cherry Mayola wrote, “Define Fitness has been instrumental in getting me to my fitness goal. This is the kind of environment that keeps me motivated with knowledgeable, friendly, and professional trainers, an exciting variety in classes, and a family and team camaraderie!”
If you’re looking for more information on getting fit in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best gyms, the best Crossfit gyms and the best high-intensity interval training classes Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with personal trainers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the personal trainers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a personal trainer do?
A personal trainer works with you one-on-one. They support you to achieve your fitness goals. They’ll help you no matter how old you are or what your fitness level is. Most tailor programs to individual client needs, accounting for existing fitness levels.
How much does a personal trainer cost?
Different trainers charge different amounts. Fees can depend on many factors. This includes the length of your session, where you’re trained and the equipment used. Some personal trainers offer packages. They might discount individual sessions if you visit them often.
Can’t I just go to the gym and train myself?
You can train yourself at the gym. However, quality personal trainers help you target your training. They also help you achieve fitness goals quicker. They’re by your side so you don’t hurt yourself while training.
Do personal trainers need qualifications?
In the ACT, personal trainers need to be qualified. Ask your trainer about their education and qualifications. Ask, for example, whether they have a Certificate IV in Fitness, or other formal qualification. Also ask how long they’ve been in the industry.
How do I choose a quality personal trainer?
You’ll want to consider factors such as experience and qualifications. You may want a trainer who motivates you. Great communication skills are an asset. So is a professional approach and a clean and organised gym or studio.