Alexander Training - personal training in Austin, Texas

Personal training in Austin, Texas and customized strength programs in Austin, Texas.

personal training

More Semi-Private Personal Training Options!

by

Alexander Training is doing more semi-private personal training classes! Semi-private personal training, or small group training, is custom written training classes for small groups. It is fun, social, easy on the budget, and still highly effective strength and conditioning training.

When is Semi-Private Training?

Alexander Training currently does two semi-private training classes:

  • The Garage Squad, which is mid-day, and capped at 5 people
  • Night Class, which is in the evening and capped at 3 people

What is Semi-Private Personal Training Like?

It’s super fun, first of all! Expect a 5-10 minute warm up. From there, class is full body strength training. You’ll do a main lift, and 1-2 supersets, which means two exercises in combination.

An example class might look like:

  • 5 minutes on the treadmill, rower, or elliptical
  • 3 minutes of general lifting warm up
  • 2-3 warm up sets of the main lift, which is a belt squat on some days
  • 2 working sets on the belt squat
  • 3 sets of chest press, alternating with a seated row
  • Switch! Water break!
  • 3 sets of overhead press, superset with a step up or lunge variation
  • Abs!
  • Cooldown!

And there ya have it. A full body, fun social class. Sometimes there’s just two people signed up, sometimes more. In the class of more, you’ll work in a small group or pair.

Coach and personal trainer Chris Rios teaches some of the Garage Squad semi-private classes.

What if I Need a Modification?

Modifications are easy! We have a full, full gym. We have plenty of options for you!

If you are needing a very specific style workout or modification, it’s possible we might find that 1:1 is a better choice for you. Some of my clients start with 1:1 and move into group training. Some always prefer groups, and some do both.

It’s called “personal” training, because we make it fit you!

Is Semi-Private Training for You?

Message me and tell me about what you need here, and we’ll do a free consult to answer your questions:

What’s the best type of personal training for me?

I look forward to hearing from you!

-Kathryn

Read also: Check out my clients’ secrets for successful holidays!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

How To Find The Best Personal Trainer For You (2025)

by

How to find the best personal trainer for you: a complete guide to getting the best personal trainer to help you reach your goals.

As briefly as possible, I am going to outline this process. It’s mostly 3 important steps. 

  1. Think about what you want
  2. Do research on personal trainers or strength coaches near you
  3. Reach out to potential trainers you are interested and see what new options you have 

Of course there are a few more steps in this, but that will get you 90% of the way there.

Think About What You Want 

I know this sounds obvious. You’re probably like, “Kathryn I know what I want.”

But I really want you to sit down and think about what you want, guilt free. Not what you are expected to want, not what you wanted last year, but what you genuinely want right now. As you changed, your goals can change. You might think the world wants one particular thing for you but let that roll off your back. 

happy client of Kathryn Alexander personal trainer Austin
happy client of Kathryn Alexander personal trainer in Austin
set your goals - write them down
set your goals – write them down!

What do YOU want now? 

If you’re having trouble with this, I want you to answer these questions as selfishly as possible: 

How do I want to feel? Is that any different than I feel right now?

Why is this important to me? What does it open up for me? Is it increase self-confidence? Is it ability to do a physical activity I want? Pickleball? Sports with the kids? Feel like a babe at the beach?

Also think about what you want as far as your schedule? Do you want to run a couple days a week? Do you enjoy lifting? Do you want to try out a new gym that you’ve seen while driving around town?

I have occasionally have clients who just cannot answer any of these questions because they’re not used to being honest about what they actually want. That makes me really sad because you get to choose what you want for your body.

Do Research on Personal Trainers Near You

Make use of google, ChatGPT, Reddit if that’s your thing. Look around town and see who has genuinely happy clients. Google “personal trainer Austin” or “Austin personal trainer” or “Kathryn Alexander personal trainer” 😉

Here is an important caveat: I want you to be open minded. I want you to know you do not have to train with someone who looks like you. Many trainers are very muscular, and you are not in danger of looking like that unless you try really, really hard.

Those people can probably actually help you a lot,even if your goal is to gain just a little bit of muscle.

It’s totally OK if as a woman you want a female personal trainer or if you have a preference either way. But I want you to know plenty of male trainers can help women and female trainers can help men.

I’ve trained many male and female clients much stronger than me. I’ve helped people put on more muscle than I’ve put on.

Remember, you’re still going to do the work. A smart experienced trainer just helps you avoid the mistakes, helps you structure your program so that is going to be effective and not waste time.

Lots of people can help you do that. They don’t have to look exactly like you to be able to help you do that. Remember, once you find the best personal trainer for you, they’ll help you reach your goals, not theirs.

how to find the best personal trainer for you

Reach Out to Potential Trainers

Reach out to these trainers and set up an appointment to talk to them about what you want. Let them tell you their options. Personal trainers are getting very creative these days with how they can help you.

For example, the training app I use, TrainHeroic, allows me to do really great hybrid training. I have clients who drive in a long way to see me once or twice a month. I have others who see me three times a week in a group setting. I have some who see me one on one.

Those are obviously all different price points and different levels of involvement. You might not need anything except for a little push and a little structure. You might also need both your hands held for a good couple months. Totally depends on you. 

As you talk to a potential trainer, note how responsive they are, how available they are and if they genuinely seem interested in helping you. You can ask if they have trained people with similar goals.

You can ask if you feel like they could help you. An honest trainer will tell you when they cannot. For example, I am not a bodybuilding coach. If someone wants to compete in bodybuilding, I know that they can find a coach that’s a better match for them. Ask me, I’ll give you referrals and help you find the best personal trainer for you.

Choose Your Trainer

From here, you just use your gut and choose a trainer you like. If your schedule lines up, and you believe they can help you, then it’s GO TIME!

If you’d like to talk to me about training, message me, and let’s talk about your goals! I am a personal trainer in Austin, Texas, but I can work with people all over the world. Let’s discuss if that works for you.

I can’t wait to hear about your success stories as you get on the path toward your goals!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Technology and Online Personal Training

by

Technology and online personal training go together like honey + peanut butter 🙂 like chalk + power bars, like creatine and protein powder. Yes, technology has completely transformed the landscape of online personal training, offering innovative tools and platforms that enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and convenience of online training. 

I bet you’ve tried some of these, and maybe some are new to you. Let me know which work for you! Here are several ways in which technology is revolutionizing the field of online personal training.

Using TrainHeroic to communicate with my online personal training clients.

Virtual Workouts

Technology enables trainers to conduct virtual workouts in real-time via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. This allows clients to engage in personalized training sessions from the comfort of their homes or any location with an internet connection.

Virtual workouts offer flexibility and convenience, eliminating the need for clients to commute to a gym or training facility. These are great if you want to work with someone who is not close to you geographically. 

Fitness Apps and Platforms

There are so so many fitness apps and platforms available that provide comprehensive training programs, workout routines, and exercise demonstrations. These apps often incorporate features such as customizable workouts, progress tracking, nutrition tracking, and goal setting, allowing trainers to deliver personalized training plans tailored to each client’s goals and preferences. 

Examples include apps like MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club, and Fitbit Coach.

Note that many of these auto generate or use AI for their training programs. These are different than customized, coach written programs.

Online Coaching Platforms

Online coaching platforms connect clients with certified personal trainers and coaches who deliver customized training programs, nutritional guidance, and support remotely. These platforms facilitate communication, progress tracking, and accountability through features such as messaging, video calls, and progress photos.

Examples include platforms like TrainHeroic, Trainerize, TrueCoach, ProCoach by Precision Nutrition.

If you need to find an online personal trainer, these platforms are great places to start. You can see a coach’s specialty and samples of other programs they have made. For example, here are all my plans and programs on TrainHeroic. If you want to look further, here’s an in-depth article on how to find the best online personal trainer for you.

Technology and online personal training
Here are two my teams, or training plans, on TrainHeroic.

Wearable Fitness Technology

Wearable fitness technology, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and heart rate monitors, provide valuable data and insights into clients’ activity levels, heart rate, calorie expenditure, and sleep patterns. Trainers can use this data to monitor clients’ progress, adjust training plans accordingly, and provide personalized recommendations for optimizing performance and recovery.

Common examples of these are Whoop Straps, the Oura Ring, and even features of the Apple Watch.

Online Assessment Tools

Technology enables trainers to conduct remote assessments and evaluations of clients’ fitness levels, movement patterns, and health metrics using video analysis tools, online questionnaires, and assessment protocols. These assessments provide valuable insights into clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, allowing trainers to design tailored training programs that address specific needs and goals.

Nutrition and Meal Planning Apps

Nutrition and meal planning apps offer clients access to personalized dietary guidance, meal plans, recipes, and nutritional tracking tools. Trainers can leverage these apps to educate clients about proper nutrition, support their dietary goals, and monitor their nutritional intake. Examples include apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Lifesum.

Social Media and Online Communities

Social media platforms and online communities provide avenues for trainers to connect with clients, share educational content, and foster a sense of community and support. Trainers can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to share workout videos, nutrition tips, motivational content, and client success stories, thereby enhancing engagement and accountability.

If you’re still wondering if online personal training is for you, check out this article about the benefits of online personal training. It might be worth exploring!

Technology and Online Personal Training

Technology has revolutionized online personal training by providing innovative tools and platforms that facilitate virtual workouts, deliver personalized training programs, track progress, support nutritional goals, and foster communication and community.

These advancements have made fitness more accessible, convenient, and effective for those seeking guidance and support in achieving their health and fitness goals.

TrainHeroic and Whoop Strap

I want to expand on the Whoop Strap and TrainHeroic. I’ve personally used both of these and found them very usable. 

All my clients use TrainHeroic, whether they are in person clients, online personal training clients, or a hybrid.

The Whoop Strap

The Whoop Strap is a wearable fitness tracker designed to provide insights into an individual’s physiological data, sleep patterns, recovery, and overall performance. Here are some ways people use the Whoop Strap:

  • Monitoring Physical Activity: Users wear the Whoop Strap throughout the day to track their physical activity levels, including steps taken, calories burned, and active minutes. The device uses built-in sensors to accurately measure movement and intensity of workouts.
  • Sleep Tracking: The Whoop Strap monitors sleep stages, including deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep, as well as sleep disturbances such as wake-ups and interruptions. It provides users with insights into their sleep quality, duration, and patterns, helping them optimize their sleep habits for better recovery and performance.
  • Recovery Tracking: Whoop uses heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate (RHR) data to assess an individual’s recovery status. By analyzing these metrics, the device provides insights into the body’s readiness to perform, indicating whether an individual is fully recovered, moderately recovered, or under-recovered.

    Note here that although I think the HRV is fascinating and I enjoyed tracking it, I encourage you to still think for yourself. If you are feeling great and you are ready to train, you do not have to change your plan because your HRV was less than optimal. These metrics are a supplement to your decision making, remember; they do not make the decisions for you.
  • Strain Monitoring: The Whoop Strap calculates a daily “strain” score based on the intensity and duration of physical activity, providing users with a quantitative measure of their training load and exertion. Users can adjust their training intensity based on their strain score to optimize performance and prevent overtraining.
  • Performance Optimization: By tracking physical activity, sleep, recovery, and strain, Whoop helps users optimize their performance and achieve their fitness goals. Users can identify patterns, trends, and correlations in their data to make informed decisions about training, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.
  • Personalized Insights: Whoop provides personalized insights and recommendations based on an individual’s data, helping users understand how their behaviors and habits impact their health and performance. The device offers actionable advice and suggestions for improving sleep, recovery, and overall well-being.
  • Community and Social Interaction: Whoop users can connect with a community of like-minded individuals, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts through the Whoop app. Users can share their data, achievements, and experiences, as well as participate in challenges, competitions, and discussions related to fitness, health, and performance.

People use the Whoop Strap as a tool for tracking, analyzing, and optimizing their physical activity, sleep, recovery, and performance. By leveraging the insights provided by the device, users can make informed decisions about their training, recovery, and lifestyle habits to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being.

One more caveat about the Whoop Strap: I did find it measured cardiovascular strain better than it quantified lifting metrics. This is again an example of how we use this as a tool, and are not married to the data. Monitor it for yourself and see how well it quantifies your exercise.

TrainHeroic

If you’ve worked with me or read any of my blog posts, you’ve probably heard of TrainHeroic. TrainHeroic was made by strength coaches for strength coaches, and you can see that in it’s use and design. I’ve used it for many years and will continue for many more.

TrainHeroic is a comprehensive training platform designed to support coaches and athletes in achieving their fitness goals. It offers a range of features and tools tailored to enhance training programs and facilitate progress tracking. Here are some of the key features of TrainHeroic:

  • Customizable Training Programs: TrainHeroic allows coaches to create and deliver customized training programs tailored to the specific needs, goals, and fitness levels of their athletes. Programs can be designed for various sports, disciplines, and training modalities, including strength training, conditioning, powerlifting, weightlifting, and more.
  • Exercise Library: TrainHeroic provides an extensive exercise library featuring a wide range of movements, drills, and workouts with detailed instructions, demonstrations, and coaching cues. Coaches can easily select and incorporate exercises into training programs, ensuring proper form and technique.
  • Workout Builder: The platform offers a workout builder tool that enables coaches to design and schedule individual workouts or entire training sessions. Coaches can specify sets, reps, rest periods, intensity levels, and exercise progressions to create comprehensive and structured training sessions.
  • Performance Tracking: TrainHeroic allows athletes to log their workout results, track progress, and monitor performance metrics over time. Athletes can record data such as weights lifted, reps completed, distances covered, and times achieved, providing valuable insights into their training progress and improvements.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Coaches can analyze athlete performance data, track trends, and generate reports to assess training effectiveness and make informed decisions. The platform offers tools for visualizing data, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting training plans accordingly.
  • Communication and Feedback: TrainHeroic facilitates communication and feedback between coaches and athletes through messaging, commenting, and feedback features. Coaches can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to athletes, while athletes can ask questions, seek clarification, and share feedback on their training experience.
  • Team Management: For coaches working with multiple athletes or teams, TrainHeroic offers team management features that streamline communication, programming, and administration. Coaches can organize athletes into groups, assign training programs, and monitor progress for each individual or team.
  • Mobile App: TrainHeroic offers a mobile app for both coaches and athletes, allowing users to access training programs, log workouts, track progress, and communicate on the go. The app provides flexibility and convenience for users to stay connected and engaged with their training wherever they are.

Overall, TrainHeroic provides coaches and athletes with a comprehensive set of features and tools to enhance training programs, track progress, facilitate communication, and achieve fitness goals effectively. Whether you’re a coach looking to optimize athlete performance or an athlete striving for personal growth and improvement, TrainHeroic offers a powerful platform to support your fitness journey.

Technology and Training for You

Work With Me!

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.

Message me here for a free consult about personal training in Austin, Texas, or here for online personal training, and we’ll discuss your goals, background, equipment availability, schedule, and exercise preferences.

Let’s get you strong and healthy! 💪

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Benefits of Online Personal Training: How it Can Help You

by

The rise of online personal training has revolutionized the fitness industry, offering convenience, flexibility, and personalized guidance like never before. In this article, I aim to explore the numerous benefits of online personal training, highlighting how it can help you achieve your strength fitness goals more effectively and efficiently.

With just a few clicks, you can now access world-class trainers, cutting-edge workouts, and personalized guidance from the comfort of your own home. This unprecedented accessibility has opened doors to a new era of training, where convenience, flexibility, and individualization are within reach for everyone.

And I do mean everyone! Online personal training can work for you!

a happy client: benefits of online personal training, from trainer Kathryn Alexander (Austin, Texas)
A message from a happy online personal training client of mine (Alexander Training)

Convenience Redefined

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and online personal training is a fantastic “new” way to access a coach and training program that works for you. Let’s explore how this innovative approach to fitness has redefined convenience in three significant ways.

Accessing Workouts and Guidance Anywhere, Anytime

Gone are the days of being tied to a specific location or schedule for your workouts. With online personal training, you have the freedom to access workouts and guidance from anywhere with an internet connection. And sometimes even without!

The app I use, Train Heroic, logs data offline so you can use it even in an untethered location. Whether you’re at home, traveling for work, or on vacation, all you need is a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to connect with your trainer. This level of accessibility ensures that fitness remains a priority, no matter where life takes you.

I have clients message me from all over so that we can modify their training as they travel. They simply send me a video or pictures of the facilities they can access, and I design their program from there.

Technology really facilitates great online personal training opportunities!

location flexibility, a huge benefit of online personal training
location flexibility, a huge benefit of online personal training

This page goes into more detail about how I use Train Heroic with my clients, in case you’d like more info about the training process.

Eliminating the Need for Commuting

One of the most significant conveniences offered by online personal training is the elimination of the need to commute to a gym. Say goodbye to rush hour traffic, crowded parking lots, and wasted time spent traveling to and from the gym. 

Seriously, yall – I live in Austin, and still 80% of my online clients are from Austin too. This traffic’s a problem – but online training fixes it.

With online training, your workout space becomes wherever you choose it to be – whether it’s your living room, backyard, or a local park. By removing this barrier, online personal training saves precious time and energy, allowing you to focus more on your workouts and less on logistics.

Related: How to find the best online personal trainer. It’s a task worth spending some time on, so read here for actionable tips!

Flexibility in Scheduling

Busy schedules are no longer an excuse for skipping workouts with online personal training. Unlike traditional gym appointments, which require scheduling and may not always align with your availability, online training offers unmatched flexibility in scheduling workouts. 

Truly, I only have five 7 am and 5 pm weekday time slots, though these times work for so many people. Remote training allows you to have the time you need with the training that is made for you. 

Whether you’re an early riser who prefers morning workouts or a night owl who prefers to exercise after work, online personal training accommodates your schedule, allowing you to choose the time that works best for you. This flexibility empowers you to prioritize their fitness goals without compromising other aspects of your busy life.

Personalized Guidance and Support

The best training plan for you is the one made for you. Many plans might work, but personalized guidance and support are the cornerstones of success. Online personal training goes above and beyond in delivering tailored solutions that cater to the your specific needs and goals.

Customized Workout Plans

Good online personal trainers excel in creating customized workout plans that are specifically tailored to individual goals, preferences, and fitness levels, and equipment availability. By conducting thorough assessments and consultations, I learn each client’s objectives, exercise history, injury status, and any other relevant factors.

From here, I design a comprehensive training program that addresses your needs while also considering their preferences and limitations. Whether the goal is weight loss, muscle gain, strength improvement, or overall health improvement, the workout plan is created to optimize your results with the time you have available. 

Ongoing Personalized Support and Accountability

One of the key advantages of online personal training is the continuous support and accountability offered by trainers throughout the fitness journey. Through regular check-ins, progress tracking, and adjustments to the training program, I ensure that my clients remain on the right path toward their goals. 

I encourage my clients to give me feedback on each session either through the app, so I can see each specific exercise, or just via messaging me. This way I can answer specific questions like how much weight to use or how many reps to do. 

We also do zoom or phone check ins to ensure we are on the right path in the big picture. Check-ins provide opportunities for clients to discuss their progress, share any concerns, big wins, or challenges.

I LIVE for happy feedback from my clients. I screenshot every happy note I get. I don’t even need calories to live on – I need happy people!

support and accountability, some of the many benefits of online personal training
support and accountability, some of the many benefits of online personal training

Online Personal Training is Cost Effective

Online personal training offers a compelling value proposition compared to traditional in-person training, providing numerous benefits at a fraction of the cost. Let’s explore the cost-effectiveness of online personal training in three key aspects:

Comparing Cost to Traditional In-Person Training

Online training can be a great budget win, as it is less expensive than tradition in-person personal training. One on one in-person training is going to be the most expensive training option, simply because it takes so much time, both during preparation and in the session. 

Online personal training will still be custom written professionally, but is a fraction of the cost. 

This difference in pricing makes online training a more accessible option for individuals looking to invest in their fitness without breaking the bank.

Eliminating the Need for Gym Memberships and Equipment

In theory, you can save money from gym memberships, but I sure never saved money from having a home gym LOL. 

You can absolutely do a lot of work at home with just a few different sized weights (either dumbbells or kettlebells) and bands. Many of my clients do this, saving time on commuting and monthly membership fees. 

Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, when you want to keep buying more for your home gym. 🙂 I get some equipment discounts, so let me know when you are ready to buy. 🙂

Package Deals and Discounts on Online Personal Training

Some online personal trainers offer package deals or discounts to make their services more accessible and affordable to a wider audience. Additionally, trainers may run special promotions or offer seasonal discounts.

I offer a hybrid in-person and online training rate so that I can see clients twice monthly, and still write all their other training sessions. Many of my clients love this because we can see each other in person, but they do save money on monthly fees. 

Here are all the personal training programs I offer. Please message me if you have questions about which is best for you.

Online Training Offers Flexibility in Training Options

Online personal training offers so so many training options that cater to specific needs, preferences and goals of individuals, providing unparalleled flexibility and customization in fitness programming. Let’s delve into the various training options available through online platforms and how they empower individuals to tailor their fitness journey to suit their specific needs:

Variety of Training Options

Online platforms offer a wide range of training options to accommodate different preferences and goals. These options may include:

  • Custom written individualized Sessions: This is what I do most of. In this case, clients opt for sessions written for them, receiving personalized attention, guidance, and support tailored to their goals and needs.
  • Pre-designed Workout Plans: I also write training programs that are not custom, but are written for a specific goal. One is The Home Team Training, which is written for people who exercise at home. One is called The Garage Squad, which is written for people who want to use a full gym. Finally, I have a beginner’s program which helps people start in a gym, and one written for people who travel often, so it fits many gyms.  These allow you to follow independently at your pace. These plans include detailed workouts, instructional videos, and progress tracking tools so that you don’t have to commit your numbers to memory. 

Exploring Different Fitness Modalities and Trainers

One of the key advantages of online training is the ability to explore different fitness modalities and trainers to find what works best for you. With a vast array of trainers and programs available online, individuals have the freedom to experiment with different approaches, styles, and methodologies to discover the one that resonates most with their goals and preferences.

Whether you’re interested in strength training, endurance training, yoga, CrossFit, or functional fitness, there’s a trainer and program out there to suit your needs.

Specialized Programs Tailored to Specific Goals

Online platforms also offer specialized programs tailored to specific goals or needs, such as weight loss, strength training, sports performance, injury rehabilitation, or prenatal fitness. These programs are designed by experienced trainers with expertise in their respective areas, incorporating evidence-based principles and proven strategies to help individuals achieve optimal results.

Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, improve athletic performance, or recover from an injury, specialized programs provide targeted guidance and support to help you reach your goals efficiently and effectively.

In summary, online personal training offers a plethora of training options, including one-on-one sessions, group classes, pre-designed workout plans, and specialized programs, allowing individuals to customize their fitness journey to suit their unique needs and preferences. With the flexibility to explore different modalities, trainers, and programs, individuals can find the perfect fit for their goals and embark on a path to improved health, fitness, and overall well-being.

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success

Tracking progress and celebrating success are huge components in making online training fun. I LOVE Train Heroic, the app I use with my clients, as it tells you in real time how much weight you have lifted, when you get a PR, or a rep PR. It’s a great tool to see how far you’ve come, and plays a pivotal role in keeping my clients (and me!) motivated, committed and continuing forward in their fitness goals.

Utilizing Technology to Track Progress

As I mentioned above, Train Heroic tracks all your numbers so you don’t have to memorize them. You can quickly access every bench press you’ve ever recorded, for example, and see your current working weights and maxes. 

As you progress through a training session, it will also tally up the weights you have lifted, so you get a real time running number. This is my favorite part. It’s so cool to look down and see that you’ve moved thousands of pounds.

Other performance metrics, such as sets, reps, time, and intensity are tracked too. This allows me and my clients the ability to quickly evaluate performance and make optimal adjustments for the best session.

a happy client of Kathryn Alexander, online personal trainer in Austin, Texas
a happy client of Kathryn Alexander, online personal trainer in Austin, Texas

Importance of Tracking Progress

Tracking progress is essential for staying motivated and committed to fitness goals. Seeing tangible evidence of progress, whether it’s improvements in strength, endurance, or body composition, provides a powerful source of motivation and validation.

Progress tracking also helps clients identify areas of improvement and set realistic goals, guiding their fitness journey in a purposeful and strategic manner. By tracking progress, clients can stay accountable to their goals, maintain momentum, and celebrate incremental successes along the way.

Celebrating Client Successes and Milestones

As I mentioned above, I LIVE for my clients’ successes and milestones. I screenshot all of them and post them often.

Whether it’s reaching a weight loss milestone, achieving a new personal best in strength or endurance, or sticking to a workout routine consistently, every success is worth celebrating. 

I stay in touch with my clients through the app, messaging, email, and phone or zoom calls, to support them through their training and progress. I love helping them develop the confidence to keep on with their training. I know my clients are often capable of more than they think they are, and it’s such a blessing to witness as they begin to discover this too. 

Celebrating successes is just the best part of my job. I want my clients to see that they can have fun with training , and be proud of themselves, and create wins every day. I do everything I can to support that.

In short, utilizing technology for online training can really create an environment where clients can reach success and stay accountable to their goals. As they see small wins, they can clients can achieve their goals with confidence and celebrate their successes every step of the way. The benefits of online personal training really start to add up when you see your wins in everyday life!

Benefits of Online Personal Training

I encourage you to try online personal training. It is a great solution for working with someone who otherwise is geographically far, or whose schedule does not align. It allows you to work in the gym you prefer, with the coach you prefer, and work together on your specific goals. 

Work With Me!

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.

Message me here for a free consult about personal training in Austin, Texas, or here for online personal training, and we’ll discuss your goals, background, equipment availability, schedule, and exercise preferences.

Let’s get you strong and healthy! 💪

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

The Best Personal Training Options, Explained

by

There are many, many personal training options available to you, so if you are looking for a trainer to help you reach your strength, fitness and weight loss goals, read on to find the best personal training options for you. 

From traditional, in person one-on-one personal training sessions, to the many online and remote variations, there is certainly a method of personal training that will suit your needs.

Some are heavy on motivation and accountability to train on your own. Others are designed to help you through the session, and all you have to do is show up and work hard. 

best personal training options explained

One-on-One In-Person Personal Training 

This is the old school, traditional model of personal training. It’s probably what you think of when you think of personal training. One-on-one allows your coach to give you the most individualized instruction and support possible. It’s a great combo, when the lifter and Coach/personal trainer are on a team working toward the lifters goals together. 

This is the most time and energy intensive type of training so it will be the most expensive personal training option. It will be the most customized for you too.

In person training is great for every fitness and strength level; it offers beginners a great foundation to start and learn from, and it offers those beyond the beginner level another set of eyes on their training program and lifting style.

In-Person Personal Training in Austin and Round Rock

I offer one-on-one personal training in Austin at Big Tex Gym and in Round Rock at Iron Forge. Gym. 

If you are looking for personal training in a great facility with specialized equipment in the Austin or Round Rock area, I’d be happy to do a consult with you to see if we are a good match. 

Remote/Online Personal Training

Remote or online personal training is a fantastic option for the lifter who is motivated enough to do sessions on their own, or at least without the need to meet a trainer. 

There are many, many benefits of online personal training, even if your trainer is local. For example, cutting that commute. Ahem, Austin traffic. Because of current technology, communication between coaches and clients has never been easier.

For my remote clients, I use the app called Train Heroic. I film and upload instructional videos, and add text instructions on how to do the exercises as well. You don’t have to watch these every time so your workout is not slowed down, but it is always there if you need a refresher. 

After building a plan based on your goals, needs, equipment availability and schedule, I build your workout for you, set by set and rep by rep. I’ll input all the details in the app so you see videos of the exercises, and set, rep and weight guidance. 

I’ll tell you exactly what to do! 

From here, you log your workout and be in touch with me with any questions. 

The summary of a finished workout is particularly satisfying. My clients and I love it!

Online personal training with Alexander Training and Train Heroic for training plans.

Hybrid Personal Training

Hybrid programs involve meeting in person on a specific interval, and my client doing his or her own session in the meantime. These are still planned out and tracked in Train Heroic, so I can see the competed workout sessions. 

For example, I might meet a client once a week, and they do 3 sessions on their own until we meet again. 

This is a more budget friendly personal training option, but still customized and hands on. 

We’ll be strategic about the workouts we do together, doing the technically difficult exercises when I am there to help. We’ll also do the exercises my client needs a spot for when we are meeting.

This works especially well if you have a home gym or garage gym, and will get your home training sessions there. I can help you plan and organize your home gym too!

Program Design

Program design is a one time customized program purchase. This is for the independent lifter who wants a plan to exercise on their own. With personal training, the lifter and I are in communication as often as every workout. In contrast, program design is when I take the particulars of a clients goals and write a customized plan, and they handle it from there. 

Of course I am always an email away. This is just a bit less communication intensive, and the price reflects that. 

Programs

Finally, programs and teams in Train Heroic are going to be the most affordable training options. These are not custom written programs, they are specifically written for certain groups. 

For example, The Garage Squad is written for the intermediate lifter who wants to use barbells, and work on strength. 

Square One is written for a brand new beginner who wants to start in the gym. 

The Home Team is written for people who prefer to workout at home, and have a few curated pieces of equipment to get the job done.

Any Gym USA is made for people who might be at a gym that has limited equipment. This shows the lifter how to get a workout anywhere without specialty bars or uncommon machines.

I currently know almost everybody in my teams and programs, and I love to have feedback and be in touch. Many of these lifters are former clients who have moved, no longer want to fight Austin traffic, or are ready to fly on their own. 

I am happy to still work with all of them, and to answer questions they have about their workout plans.

Above are some features of the Train Heroic programs.

Where to Start to Find the Best Personal Training Option for You 

First, identify your individual needs. Take the time to think about and answer a few questions, and this will lead you right to the answer about which personal training option is best for you.

Identify your thoughts and responses to the following questions.

What are your goals?

Be honest about what you want. You get one body; I want you to love it! 

Physique goals, performance goals and procedural goals are all ok! By this I mean, a physique goal could be “I want to lose 15 pounds,” or 50 pounds. It could be, “I want to feel confident and hot in a bathing suit this summer.”

Performance goals are more along the lines of “I want to bench press 365 pounds” or “I want to run a 5k.”

Procedural goals look like, “I want to be the type of person who exercises 5 days a week and enjoys it.”

You are allowed to want what you want! You are not valid or vain or self absorbed to want a body that feels good and you feel comfortable in.

Here is a much more comprehensive article on how to find the best online personal trainer and what questions to ask.

What is your desired end result?

Think about short term and long term here. Applying those things you just pondered, think about what the long term looks like. I shared with you my goal of deadlifting 315. This is a medium-term goal. Shorten term, my goal is a performance goal: to exercise regularly.

Medium term to long term, I’d like to maintain a higher level of strength. In the extreme long term, I would just like to be independent. If I can build my strength now, then when I am old, I won’t be hindered by walking upstairs and I can live independently. Yeah I know that’s looong term, but if the Good Lord gives me that many years, I want them to be quality.

What kind of facility do you have, or equipment do you have?

Do you have what you need to reach those goals? Will you have to go to a gym or specific training sports facility? If you want to be healthier and get moderately stronger in a way that complements your life, you might be able to do everything you need at home with a few purchases.

If you want to compete in any kind of strength sport like powerlifting or Olympic lifting, you will either need to make a big purchase for home, or join a gym that has weights and barbells. Finally, if you’re competing for a specific sport such as track and field, Strongman, baseball or rugby, you’ll need a specific type training facility.

What are your proficiencies? 

What are you great at? What are the things you do feel comfortable doing on your own?

What do you need help with?

Similarly, what do you need or want help with? Are there any particular lifts that you want more coaching on or need another set of eyes on you for?

How much accountability do you need?

This is a huge one! Some people thrive on having the accountability of a trainer meeting them in person. If this is you, that is ok! You’ve identified the need for accountability and there is a solution to it!

If you are regularly getting your training in without meeting someone at the gym, you might not need as much accountability.

Do you need a spotter, or need someone to be there with you?

If your biggest need is to have a strength coach who can spot you and help with your equipment, you’ll definitely need either training partners or an in-person coach.

Which Personal Training Option is Best for You?

The truth is, probably several of these personal training options would work for you! Go with your gut, and just try one! If it doesn’t work, you can switch. You will find what works for you. 

If you are still stuck, reach out to me. I am happy to do a free consult and help with your current situation. Message me here!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

How Much Does a Personal Trainer Cost?

by

Working with a good personal trainer can be on of the greatest investments you ever make. If you find a highly educated and experienced personal trainer, your trainer can help you find the best path for your health that will maximize your time spent exercising and minimize your change of injury. So how much does a personal trainer cost? Read on to find out what to pay and how to work with a trainer. 

Average Personal Trainer Cost

The short answer to this is, it depends where you live and what your market is like, how involved you want your trainer to be, and what kind of facility you are working together at. 

The Personal Trainer Development Center estimates the average cost at $60-70 per hour long training session.

This will very wildly depending on where you are paying for training services. 

When you are considering whether this is worth it, think about the price you’d pay for a massage. It’s probably similar. Unlike your massage therapist, your trainer will usually make you a whole workout program, follow up with you, and continue to be invested in your progress. It’s not a one-time situation.

how much does a personal trainer cost

How Much Does a Personal Trainer in Austin Cost?

The average cost of a personal trainer in Austin seems to be about $100. You can find less and you can find a much more expensive but expect to pay somewhere around $100. You might also have to pay a gym membership but hopefully you will be going to the gym enough to justify that.  

This number will also vary based on where you go. Again, big box gyms will have newer trainers who are taught how to sell, and you can usually find trainers on the lower end of the price range there. Self-employed trainers tend to run a bit higher.

Why Does it Cost So Much to Work With a Personal Trainer?

You might not know that there is no legal requirement in the US to be a personal trainer. Anybody can just say that here she is a trainer and start charging for it. It’s up to you to do your due diligence and make sure your trainer is educated. Of course everybody starts somewhere, but I do recommend getting a trainer with a few years experience. I would also find a trainer who has worked with people like you, who have goals like yours. 

Hopefully your trainer has a degree in kinesiology or exercise science. You at least want them to have taken anatomy and physiology. If they have put years into their career, the coursework and continuing education units are very expensive. They’ve also experimented on their own bodies, and done their own workouts, and put in their own effort and sweat. 

I also highly suggest finding a self-employed trainer. Find a trainer who contracts out of a gym and is not employed at a large box gym. The exception is if a local gym hires great trainers. Most often, big gyms, like Lifetime Fitness, and Gold’s, just hire anybody and teach them how to sell. 

Bonus points if your trainer is a total equipment nut and loves everything about the inner workings of barbells, dumbbells, and the best machines available to you.

You don’t want that. Find someone who is proven that he or she can make it as a trainer on their own merits. In this case, the trainer is probably paying at least $500+ per month to the gym they work at. 

Many trainers will buy their own equipment as well, especially those who travel to clients. 

Finally, many trainers like myself who take this profession seriously also pay monthly for training software to deliver you the best workouts. We put hours in behind the scenes doing follow up planning for you. I pay for scheduling and billing software as well, to make it easier for you to make your appointments fit your schedule.

All of this plus self-employment fees goes into your trainers fee.

Other Ways to Work With a Personal Trainer

If this all seems cost prohibitive, contact the trainer you’d like to work with. Often, trainers have pairs prices, small group classes, or training programs that are at a lesser cost. In my case, I match make clients who would like to work together to reduce cost. I don’t put new people with someone immediately, because I’d like to make sure to get to know a person and his or her goals first. 

I also have training programs which are about $15 – 35 a month. These are my plans that I make and maintain, and you can contact me at any point. 

Trainers also make sure there aren’t gaps in your programs, and they help you add in exercises you might never even think to do, such as rear delts. They ensure you are doing a well rounded program that will get you to your results in the best way possible.

About half my clients who work with me have worked with me for years. The other half of my clients work with me for 1-3 months and then continue on their own. Most keep up with me and we are still making sure they are comfortable with their plan and progress! 

This is an option as well, to budget for a trainer to teach you how to do it on their own. Most trainers are absolutely ok with this, and would love to help you learn how to do your own program. 

Don’t be scared to reach out! The worst a trainer can say is that your plan doesn’t fit their business model. If so, that’s ok. They might have referrals. If not, go back to google. 

Good Luck With Your Training!

I wish you the best of luck in finding your personal trainer! Here is a more in depth look at how to find a personal trainer and all of your personal training options. Let me know if I can help you at all! 

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

What is Semi-Private Personal Training?

by

If you have spent any amount of time in a gym, you might have noticed people working with personal trainers. Sometimes they are working one-on-one, sometimes in a pair, and sometimes in a small group. Maybe you have seen semi-private personal training advertised and wondered what it is. 

Semi-private personal training is when a personal trainer works with 2-5 people instead of one-on-one. Semi-private personal training has some really great benefits, and some things you should consider. 

A personal trainer, as opposed to a group exercise instructor, creates a program that works specifically for your unique situation and goals. This is different from a group exercise instructor because typically group exercise instructors lead classes that you can drop into. These can be fantastic workouts, and they have a lot of benefits, but they are not planned specifically with your goals in mind. 

With semi-private personal training, you can get the benefits of working with other people, along with the benefits of having a trainer who planned the program specifically for you. 

Structure of Semi-Private Training

Semi-private training sessions are structured very similarly to traditional one-on-one training sessions. Since I primarily teach people how to lift weights to get stronger, leaner and healthier, semi-private training sessions with me are done in the gym. I always take the time to do an individual consult, even with my semi-private clients, so I can cater the session to each individual‘s goals. 

If you work with me and somebody else in a semi-private training session, you might do the same exercises as the other lifter or lifters, but your set and rep scheme will be specific to you. The weights will be specific to your ability as well. We always make accommodations according to individual needs or goals, as well. For example, if you need extra posture work because you sit many hours a day, that will be added in for you. 

Recently, my client Hannah has been training in my women’s lifting semi-private group for over a year, in preparation for her wedding. Even though she trains with 2 to 3 other women, we made some specific adjustments as she got closer to the wedding date.

Is Semi-Private Personal Training for Me?

Semi-private training sessions have many benefits, including the camaraderie of other lifters, improved learning from watching others, a lower cost, potentially some schedule flexibility. 

Many of my clients who lift in semi-private sessions enjoy the company of their gym friends, whether is the camaraderie, competition, or both. Most don’t know each other outside of the gym, but I found that they had similar goals and made an introduction. Sometimes they needed the same time slot as each other, and sometimes they expressed an interest to work with someone else. If your trainer isn’t able to make introductions for you, you can find a friend to come train with you as well. 

Many learning models suggest that people learn movements better both from doing and watching the new movements. In this way, semi-private training can help you learn faster, and continue to learn the lifts you are practicing together. I love this aspect of semi-private training! It might be the best benefits to lifters out of any of these. 

Stuck with your training and weight loss? Check out my 3 biggest tips for losing weight.

Semi-Private Training Cost

The cost of semi-private training is often a bit lower than one-on-one training. Semi-private personal training costs are typically around 60% of that of a one-on-one session, and in a small group with an experienced trainer, you can expect nearly the same amount of attention for a fraction of the cost.

Read about how to find the right personal trainer for you here.

Consider Semi-Private Training

If you are thinking about working with a trainer, consider semi-private training. It’s a really great option to learn and grow with a few people who are on your team! If you are in the Austin area and are looking to train, I’d be happy to meet you for a free consult. Click here to be in touch with me about your goals, and we can discuss from there whether individual or semi-private training is best for you. 

If you’d like to follow along with the workouts my lifting group does, click the link here to join. I am always available to answer any questions you have about which training program is best for you. 

Happy training! 

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Managing Client Expectations

by

I recently contributed to a piece published on BecomeaPersonalTrainer.org called “40 Personal Trainers Reveal How to Manage Client Expectations.” 

The article contains a wealth of insight from many trainers and is a great read for both clients and trainers alike.

As a personal trainer, managing client expectations is key to setting them up for happiness and success.

You can read the whole article here. Spoiler alert! My advice is to encourage people to understand that the way to make a long-standing change, which is what people are truly seeking, is to make permanent changes rather than seeking a quick fix. 

Become a personal trainer.org

You’ll Be Proud With Progress

You might have a goal to gain 40 pounds of strength on your bench press, or to lose 30 pounds of fat. Both of these will require consistent work over a period of time, and you’ll be so proud and happy once you get there! 

Remember though, that you’ll be proud of yourself along the way. When you’ve worked hard and earned a 30 pound increase on your bench press, you’ll be happy! When you’re exercises and make good food choices, you’ll feel great when you’ve lost 10 pounds, and are on your way to losing 30. 

The bottom line that I want you to remember is that this is a process that requires consistency. You can do it!! You’ll be happy along the way!

Happiness, peace and personal pride are not reserved only for the end of the journey! 

Finding a Personal Trainer to Help on Your Journey

Are you looking for a personal trainer to help on your fitness and health journey? If so, I’d be honored to help you get started, or continue on toward your goals. You can find info about working 1:1 with me in person here, or online here. Please email me if you have questions or would like to do a consult. kathryn@kathrynalexander.com

Happy training! 

Related: What exercises are best for HIIT?

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Personal Training in Austin in 2021

by

Personal training in Austin is alive and well in 2021 and the industry is more motivated and creative than ever. If you are interested in working with a personal trainer, there are many reasons why this is a great time to jump in.

Personal training has historically been a robust business in Austin, and it was fairly consistent and predictable before 2020. 2020 was madness. You know. Fortunately for myself, my trainer friends, and our clients, 2021 has rebounded nicely.

Personal training in Austin, Texas. Kathryn Alexander of Alexander Training

Personal Training is a Steady Business

Personal training is often thought of as a cyclical business, with wild upswings at new year and spring break, and abysmal gym/training rates through the holidays.

I think this is exaggerated, as I’ve seen a much different story in my experience. I’ve seen personal training to an extremely steady industry with slight upticks at the new year and through the summer months. Trainers can really help people see through the confusion of the industry and make steady progress.

Most people who regularly work with a personal trainer, and most of my clients, continue their sessions steadily through the winter months and holidays, too. Of course, holidays are busy, and we sometimes have to reschedule sessions, but I’ve had many years where my training business is just as busy in December as in January.

Ultimate Austin Gift Guide

Covid Increased Creativity in the Personal Training Industry

Covid nearly brought the personal training industry to a screeching halt. In the first two weeks, trainers were scrambling to find a way to reach clients, as everybody was scrambling to figure out their life. If you’re reading this, you remember. No need to belabor the point.

I was wholeheartedly impressed with people’s creativity. Trainers quickly transitioned to live online classes, remote training, and outdoor sessions. People built home gyms out of store bought equipment and ingeniously assembled materials that were on hand.

I’ve never trained on so many patios, lawns or met so many family members and pets. For many months, I solely trained outside, via Zoom, or remotely through Train Heroic. And people jumped in. For this I am forever grateful!

Personal trainers can help you overcome your gym intimidation too. In the meantime, read about things you can do today to overcome your gym intimidation.

Related: Check out how to do my favorite ab exercise!

Try Personal Training

My point for this blog post is that the personal training industry is alive and well in Austin. There’s been a renewed interest in health and exercise, and it’s fantastic how many people are maintaining or beginning healthy habits.

If you are interested in working with a personal trainer, I highly encourage you to! The industry is more motivated and creative than ever.

Check out these FAQs about what to expect when working with a personal trainer and how to find a great personal trainer that you click with.

Get Outside in Austin

Check out the 5 best parks in Austin for outdoor workouts! Updated in 2023, this post is a list of my 5 favorite hidden gems in Austin. Ok, they’re not so hidden. But this post includes details, parking info and hours so you can hit the trails in this pretty weather.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Success Story from Happy Client

by

This success story is from a client who is one of the most darling people I’ve had the privilege to know. She one-in-a-million cute, sweet, and has the greatest sense of style. I loved working with her. She said something that made me so happy in a “catch up with you” type email after we finished our training sessions.

Weight Lifter for Life

“I am a weight lifter for life.”

Makes me so happy I can’t even tell you! I am proud of her for all her hard work, and for enjoying her success!

Success story for client of Alexander Training
success story, happy client of Kathryn Alexander, Alexander Training

Start Your Own Success Story

Are you ready to begin your own success story? I’d love to talk about your goals and help you succeed! Click here and leave me a message to schedule a free consult.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Abby is Stronger!

by

Abby was not a beginner when we began working together. She has historically been active, both in resistance training and cardio. She was looking to make a push through a plateau and get stronger, and that is exactly what she did!

Abby is a fantastically fun person, both when exercising and not. She has a great attitude, and employed that through lifting dumbbells, pulling sleds, and generally working hard.

Read below to hear the story about her journey to get fitter and stronger.

Abby pulls the sled while training with Kathryn at Alexander Training.
Abby pulls the sled while training with Kathryn at Alexander Training.

“I Can Already See Changes in My Body”

I started working with Kathryn to help me take my workouts to the next level.  I am new to weight lifting and after seeing some good initial results, I entered into the dreaded plateau stage.  Enter Kathryn!  She helped design workouts for me that were specifically tailored to my abilities.  

Already in just a few weeks I am stronger and can already see changes in my body.  Best of all, Kathryn gave me the confidence to know that I was performing exercises correctly and could continue gaining strength without getting injured.  Kathryn is extremely encouraging and experienced.  If you are a beginner, or even a seasoned weight lifter, I strongly recommend Kathryn to help you reach your goals.

Your Turn to Get Stronger

Sometimes you just need an outside perspective or a new training plan to bust through your plateau and get stronger. I’d love to help you with that! Please feel free to message me here to talk about how we can take your training to the next level!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

How to Find the Best Personal Trainer For You

by

Finding a personal trainer, like any other interpersonal interaction, is a matchmaking process. Investing in a good trainer will pay dividends over the years by adding health and vitality to your life. It is an investment, however, so make sure you choose the right trainer to maximize your benefit.

find the best personal trainer

There are currently no legal requirements to be a personal trainer in the United States. Anybody can do it. Anybody. Scary, right? Estheticians and manicurists have more legal and health rules than personal trainers do. For this reason, it is extremely important to do research, and find the right trainer for you.

By knowing what to look for, you can increase your chances of finding a great working partnership and reaching your goals quickly and safely.

There are millions of personal trainers with thousands of specialties out there. You can find trainers who specialize in pre- and post-natal fitness, fitness and cancer, bodybuilding, martial arts, weight loss, and many more specialties.

How do you know who is right for you? In an industry full of big talkers and charlatans, you have to do a bit of research. It might sound overwhelming, but it is manageable and worth it. Let me help!

What Do You Want from Your Personal Trainer?

A large determining factor in who will be a good match for you is, well, YOU. What are your goals?

Do you have a physique goal to reach, like losing 15 pounds before a beach trip, or gaining 20 pounds of muscle?

Do you have a performance goal like reaching a 405 deadlift?

Do you want short or long term training? Do you want your trainer to coach you on how to get started with the goal for you to continue on your own, or do you want someone working with you continuously over a long period of time?

Are you just interested in learning how to lift safely for health and injury prevention?

Take some time to think about what you are really looking to gain from training. These goals can always change. I encourage you to THINK BIG.

You can do so much more than you think you can. Humans are almost always limited by our imagination or mental drive. Need proof? Look around! Someone with fewer resources and more limitations has most likely done what you are seeking. Let that be motivation!

I encourage you to read this post: How To Get What You Want.

Where to Start Looking for a Personal Trainer

Choose your priority goal in a few words. For example, “lose weight”.

Google “your goal” + where you live. See what pops up. Do any particular gyms or individuals stand out to you?

You can also try adding “personal trainer” in your search query. For example, “lose weight in Austin with personal trainer” or “Austin Texas personal trainer weight loss”.

A good gym is worth driving for, but if you can find a good gym close to your home, that is even better.

You will likely find a facility you would like to look into, or an independent trainer you are interested in. If you find an independent personal trainer, or find a trainer’s website, please feel free to contact that person directly.

If you find a facility you like, check out their trainer bios and see who stands out to you. Use the guidelines below to filter them. From there, you can call or drop by, and ask to speak to a training manager. Ask this person if you can have a quick conversation about finding a trainer. Gyms often have an owner or manager who is excellent at match making trainers and clients for compatibility.

If you find a facility you are interested in, check out their training policies. Are their trainers self-employed or employed by the gym?

Self Employed vs Employed Trainers

What is the difference? Trainers employed by big box gyms like Gold’s, 24 Hour Fitness or Bally’s, require clients to pay the gym, and they pay the trainer as little as 30-50% of that. This is where many trainers start, which allows them to work with a wide variety of people and learn the business of training.

You can sometimes find good trainers in these gyms, but there is very high turnover. These gyms often put more emphasis on reaching sales quotas than continuous learning, and require their trainers to work pretty awful hours. It behooves the gym to have more trainers aka salesmen, so they aren’t often stringent on the quality of hires. Like I said, you can sometimes find good trainers here because they are starting out or haven’t realized they can work on their own, but be very careful about who you trust to train you.

I prefer trainers who are self-employed working out of a gym. Usually they are contract with a facility and run their own business. Their rates are not set by the gym, they are not forced to fulfill others quotas, and they are free to take time off to go to continuing education clinics and conferences. (This is very expensive, so I budget all year to do this, but it is worth every bit.)

Besides learning from experts, I have a blast at conferences. Check out the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Conference, and The University of Texas Athletic Performance Clinic. I go to these every year, and there are more I haven’t written about yet, but this will give you an idea why it’s so important that your trainer networks and continues to educate him/herself.

This sounds a bit Darwinist, but I like the fact that independent trainers fail if they don’t keep providing value. There is no boss or manager to prop them up if their clients aren’t satisfied. This is better for you, and better for me. I don’t want bad trainers out there giving a bad name to my industry! I don’t want you to find a bad trainer, either!

True story, I worked in a gym that sold metabolic tests that they knew were faulty, therefore a complete waste of money. I was made to sit in unpaid remedial sales meetings because they noticed I didn’t sell any of these. It wasn’t because I couldn’t; I have a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology, and I understand the value of metabolic tests when the hoses aren’t broken. I didn’t last long there, and it was the final push for me to work for myself.

One thing to note about paying independent trainers is that payment is directly between the two of you. This is nothing to be scared of because it is the same way you would probably pay your hairdresser, house cleaner, tutor or guitar teacher. However, ask how long they’ve been a trainer, how long they have been working at their particular facility, and about their refund policy.

the cutest client enjoying her conditioning

The Consult

Contact two or three of the most promising trainers and ask if they will do a consult. They should. From here, pay attention to the general feel you get from your interaction. Consider response times and thoroughness, friendliness and aptitude. Note: most trainers will do a free consultation, but some cost a small fee for the time. If the trainer provides some sort of value like an assessment, or credit toward training, that might be OK with you.

Use this template if you are stuck on what to say:

Hi _____,

I found your information on _____ and would like to talk to you about personal training. I would like to (goal, ie, lose 15 pounds, gain 20 pounds muscle, get a 405 deadlift) and would like to meet you for a consult. Can we discuss my goals and your background to see if we are a good match? 

The best way to reach me is _____.

Thank you, 

_______

 

Easy peasy! You can share more information if you would like. Most trainers will get right back to you to schedule, but don’t be put off if a trainer suggests referring you. This can happen if a trainer thinks he or she is not the right trainer for you, in which case, trust that! It can also happen if a trainer is booked. If he or she doesn’t provide a referral, feel free to ask.

Questions to ask your Personal Trainer

The best case trainer is a person who values education, experiences, communicates clearly and empathetically, and does his or her own training.

Personal Trainer’s Education

Look for a trainer who values education. Look for a college degree in kinesiology, exercise physiology, biology, pre-med, or a related field. There is absolutely no substitute for the investment of time, money, and energy of going to college to learn from professors, in labs. Degrees take years to earn, and certs usually require a few weeks of study.

Unfortunately, there are trainers with degrees who aren’t good at being a trainer or aren’t good people. Likewise, there are competent, good hearted trainers out there without degrees. In this case, AND in the case of trainers with a degree, you want to see a certification or multiple certifications from NSCA, ACSM, ACE, or The Cooper Institute. There are many many other certifications out there (hundreds!) but these are the best.

Personal Trainer’s Experience

This is going to be one of the most important determinators in whether you want to work with a trainer. How long has this person been training? Does he or she have experience with people in similar situations with similar goals? If not, is he upfront about that? Yes, everybody has to start somewhere. Brand new trainers should work at a gym where they can learn from and with others, or at university where they are guided.

I mean no disrespect, but please be wary of training with someone who just “found their passion” and jumped in. It takes more than just getting their own body in shape to be able to help others. Being a good trainer also means learning things you aren’t passionate about (hello, chemistry, accounting, statistics, so I can filter out bad research!) and sticking it out.

And yes, I was a beginner too. But I was a beginner at a university with a graduate assistant guiding me, and a training manager guiding her.

Testimonials

Does this trainer have testimonials from happy clients? Is there a variety of success in their testimonials? Look for people to not only see physical transformation, but also mention that they learned how to lift, or developed a greater faith in themselves through their time with this trainer. Your trainer should not only have tactical knowledge, but should also give you tools for life, too. I am a much much better trainer in year 13 of training instead of year 1, not only for what I’ve learned in another decade, but also because I communicate better.

Here are my favorite testimonials, which I call my success stories.

Extras

Does this trainer have a website? Does she have a blog? Social media presence? Does he or she offer a community on Facebook or forums? Does she offer any information or other resources? Does she offer training programs beyond he work out you do together? None of the above are necessary to be a competent trainer, but they are make or break for some people.

For example, I have a website and a blog that I am continuously updating. I have over 200 exercise video tutorials, and provide my clients individually written training programs through an app called Train Heroic. My clients love Train Heroic, and I love that it helps them learn.

Online personal training with Alexander Training and Train Heroic for training plans.

I do not have a community meet up or Facebook group. For some people, this is a deal breaker. If the community is important to you, seek out trainers who seem to have built that up with teams, group classes, or meet up events.

Practicalities

Do your schedules match up? Does he or she have availability when you need, and how will you accommodate travel schedules, etc.?

Soft Skills

Does he or she listen and hear you? Do you like this person? You might not be BFFs, but you’ll be spending time together so compatibility matters!

Kathryn Alexander female personal trainer

Dealbreakers in a Personal Trainer

Beware of:

The Super Expert

Trainers who say they can do/are experts in everything. NO ONE has time to be an expert in everything. No, instafmous trainer, you are NOT an expert in weight loss, muscle gain, botty gaining, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, running, training older clients, teen development, athletic development, youth sports, group training and yoga. You think I’m kidding? I wish I was. Sadly, people this delusional are out there.

Hard Sellers

If you trainer insists you must buy sessions otherwise you are neglecting yourself making a bad decision, or otherwise makes you feel bad about yourself, thank them for their time and leave.

Big Sellers

 If a trainer pushes you to pay for 20 sessions up front and you do not want to, consider if you want to continue. This is not an inherently bad situation; you might want to pay for sessions up front to create a commitment. Trainers should ask for prepayment, too. However, if you want to pay monthly and push for an excessively large prepayment, stick to your guns.

The Bottom Line

After you have talked to the trainers you are interested in, do a truthful gut check. Do you have a good feeling about this trainer? Does this person seem like a professional in his or her chosen field, or someone who jumped into training following a whimsical passion or because he or she was all out of other options? The bottom line is, passion is ok, but education, experience, and professionalism are better.

When you have decided, contact the trainer you would like to work with and schedule a first session. Drop the others a quick email to update them.

If you are stuck here, try this template:

Hi ____,

Thank you for meeting me to discuss my training goals. I have decided to go another route with training, so I won’t be scheduling with you at this time. I appreciate your time, and wish you the best. 

Thank you, 

______

Professional trainers will completely understand, and appreciate your discerning nature. Remember it is your right to pick a trainer best for you, and you are under no obligation to anyone.

Training can be the best decision you ever made! You can stop training at any point you would like, or seek another trainer if one just doesn’t work out. You have nothing to lose! I encourage you to try it. Best of luck finding the best personal trainer for you!

If you have more questions, or are local and would like to set up a consult, please message me here at my contact page and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Emily does pull ups before the wedding!!

by


Emily is a smart, funny woman. A dream client, really. She showed up on time, worked hard on short and long term goals, and her sense of humor made me laugh every session. 

Emily began training with me in July 2015. She was already beautiful and fit, but wanted to start being more active, both for her upcoming wedding, and to be healthy in general. The pull up goal, though… that might have been my favorite.

Emily wanted to learn how to lift, but didn’t consider herself a gym person. (Yet.) She wanted to learn the right way, and that served her well. 

What she didn’t realize was that this was a huge benefit to her since her form was perfect; she moved naturally, completely devoid of bad habits.



Can I tell y’all that this girl is a trooper? She had no idea how hard she worked, simply because she didn’t have a gauge. I have worked with clients for over 11 years, so I have a huge perspective of people in the gym and can tell you honestly she worked harder than most people. She set her mind to it, and got the job done. Another set of heavy squats? Ok. Three more heavy deadlifts? Done.


I asked her a few questions about her gym experience. See below.

Why did you decide to go to a gym and lift instead of zumba, group classes, etc.?

Before last summer I hated gyms. I always felt intimidated when I would go because I did not know how to use the machines or weight lifting equipment. Of course I could ask someone, but who wants to do that? I’ve tried the group classes and I’d find myself in the far back corner not really trying that hard and wishing the class would just hurry up and be over. I would also find excuses to not make it to a certain class because the class time would not fit with my schedule that day. For someone like me, just getting to a gym with flexible hours is important. Knowing how to actually use the equipment was the next step.





Why did you decide to see a trainer?

I needed someone to push me, hold me accountable AND I wanted to learn how to properly use gym equipment. I’ve known people to hurt themselves lifting weights, whether from bad form or too heavy of weight and I didn’t want that to be me. I had a friend training with Kathryn and I used my upcoming wedding as the motivating kick I needed to get myself in a gym.

What was your main goal? 

I wanted to be stronger and healthier. I wanted to not be scared to go to the gym by myself. Oh, and I wanted to be able to do a pull up.

What was your favorite part of working out?

I am really surprised that I liked squats so much. (Kathryn: she’s good at them! See proof below.) I mean I actually enjoyed working out! I didn’t enjoy pull-ups much, but it felt so great when I was able to do several of them in a row. The results I saw in the mirror were also quite nice. Having friends and family notice my muscles was very flattering.





Anything surprising you learned from the gym? 

Gyms aren’t scary (though I always knew that). I feel totally comfortable being the only female in the free weight section of the gym now. 

Anything else you want to add about your experience?

If you’re considering making some healthy changes to your life, a personal trainer is a great way to start. I think learning proper technique and form is vital and something you can take with you when your training ends. Kathryn makes the whole experience fun. I was sad when my training with her ended, but I’m going to the gym by myself now 2-3 times a week and I’m very thankful for all that she has taught me. It’s definitely worth it!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Veronica’s Testimonial

by

My client Veronica sent me the best testimonial and I have to share. She has done a great job of sticking to her exercise plan, both with me in the gym, and at home doing online personal training.

She has seen health improvements, and boy is she getting strong! I am all around happy for her.

Testimonial from client Veronica who got strong and healthy with online personal training from Alexander Training.
Testimonial from client Veronica who got strong and healthy with online personal training from Alexander Training.

Veronica’s Testimonial

First let me say that Kathryn is an awesome personal trainer. It is September 2015 and I have been remotely training with Kathryn for about 3 months now. I was in two really bad car accidents years ago and ever since I was not able to exercise without injuring myself again. I would always give up due to the pain. I have many other health conditions that make it very difficult for me to lose weight. I have been the exact same weight for the past 4 years. I have not gone over or under a pound, but somehow managed to maintain that weight. After my doctor told me that I would have to get on diabetic medication if I did not do something to move my weight down, I decided to look for a well educated personal trainer. I looked and did some research for about 2 months until I found Kathryn. I wanted to make sure I had someone that really knew their stuff. Well, I really hit the jackpot with Kathryn. She is amazing at what she does. I did not think I would be able to do much, but Kathryn created a tailored exercise and food program for me to follow. I have been following her recommendations and have lost 13 pounds. Thirteen pounds is a lot of weight to lose in 3 months especially for someone who has hypothyroidism and other health conditions that make it really hard for me to lose weight. My doctor cannot believe that the weight is coming off the way it is due to my health conditions.

My doctor is super excited for me. I owe a lot of that to Kathryn. her remote program is so easy to follow as she literally writes everything you need in a nicely structured sheet and emails it to you. She also includes videos that demonstrate exercises that you may not be familiar with. Her workouts are challenging but I have not injured myself once with her plan because she has taken all my health/injuries into account and made me my own program. I love her program so much that I have decided to start training with her once a week in person since I live in Austin. The cool thing about Kathryn’s remote program is that you do not have to live in Austin. She will email you everything you need and she always makes sure to check up on you weekly to see how you are doing and how the program is going for you. Again, I highly recommend giving Kathryn’s specifically tailored for you remote program a try. You will be very glad you did.

Veronica Cantu

Write Your Story

Kathryn again here. I encourage you to write a new chapter in your story, beginning with a new training program. It can make you so much healthier that your doctor notices, like Veronica’s. The best part is it can make you feel so much better. I’d love to help you on your journey. Email me, or send me a message here for a free consult about making a plan for you.

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Tara’s Lifts and Does Triathlons

by

Tara was a wonderful client of mine, who worked so hard, both at her home and at the gym. She was busy, like many of us are. However, what she did so well was continue to prioritize her health and fitness with both strength and conditioning training. I am grateful to have worked with her! Read about our training together in her words, below.

Tara’s Story

I have been working with Kathryn for about 18 months.  In that time, she has educated me on the importance of building muscle strength in relation to my overall health and also direct improvement in other parts of my exercise routines.  I have always been a “cardio first” type of person and now that I have the knowledge from Kathryn, I realize that putting weights first on certain days will do nothing but help me in the long run! She keeps it fun and I always look forward to our sessions.

Tara Kalsu, mother, recreational triathlete

Can I Help With Your Success Story?

I’d be honored! Message me on the page, and let’s talk about your goals!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.

Amanda Prioritizes Her Health

by

Amanda’s success story is fantastic: she was in a great position to put her health as a priority, since she was newly pregnant with her first child. She worked hard, worked smart, and had a great payoff a few months later! 🙂

Amanda’s Story

I started working with Kathryn when I was pregnant with my first baby.  She tailored workouts for me that were challenging, while keeping the interest of me and my baby in mind.  I attribute my work with her as a very important factor in the healthy delivery of my baby girl, and working with her afterwards helped me shed baby weight.  Kathryn put a lot of thought into designing a program specifically for me and took a personal interest in my health and success.  Even though I live in a different city now, we keep in touch and I am still able to utilize the workouts she provided.

Amanda MacLennan, attorney

Can I Help With Your Success Story?

I’d be honored! Message me on the page, and let’s talk about your goals!

About the author

Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.