Victoria,BC Personal Trainer Keelan Clemens with client doing mobility exercises

June 24, 2025

What Makes a Great Trainer?

Finding the right personal trainer is crucial for achieving lasting results and avoiding injury. A top-notch trainer combines formal education, practical experience, and interpersonal skills to design safe, effective, and enjoyable programs tailored to your needs. At BPM Fitness Centre, our certified trainers bring together knowledge, high standards, and personalized coaching to help you thrive.

1. Canadian-Recognized Trainer Credentials

In Canada, the gold standard for exercise professionals is the CSEP-CPT® (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Personal Trainer). CSEP-CPTs complete rigorous academic prerequisites (60 post-secondary credits in kinesiology or related fields) and pass both theory and practical exams grounded in evidence-informed practice (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology [CSEP], 2024). Other reputable certifications include CanFitPro and Precision Nutrition, but CSEP-CPT stands out for its national scope and alignment with public health guidelines. 

Learn more: Personal Training Services

2. Effective Communication

A great trainer asks insightful questions, listens attentively, and explains complex concepts in clear, relatable language. The CSEP core competencies emphasize behaviour-change theory and motivational interviewing skills—essential tools for fostering client engagement and adherence. Trainers who master these communication techniques help clients overcome barriers and stay committed to their goals.

3. Empathy and Support

Empathy underpins a supportive coach–client relationship. Trainers certified through Canadian programs are taught to recognize individual challenges—be they time constraints, injury history, or stress—and to adapt programming accordingly. At BPM Fitness Centre, our team cultivates a judgment-free environment where every client’s journey is respected and celebrated.

Meet our team: Our Trainers

4. Customized, Evidence-Based Programming

Look for trainers who use the CSEP-PATH® process, conducting comprehensive fitness and lifestyle assessments to inform program design (CSEP, 2024). They should align workouts with the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week plus strength training twice weekly (Health Canada, 2020).  This ensures programs are both safe and scientifically grounded.

Explore classes: Class Schedule

5. Professionalism and Ethics

Ethical conduct means maintaining up-to-date CPR/AED certification, liability insurance, and adherence to a professional code of conduct. CSEP-CPTs renew their certification every three years, ensuring they stay current with evolving best practices (CSEP, 2024). A professional trainer respects client confidentiality, sets clear boundaries, and holds themselves accountable.

6. Proven Client Success

Client testimonials and before-and-after stories are powerful indicators of a trainer’s effectiveness. At BPM Fitness Centre, our clients’ transformations—and their words—speak to our trainers’ expertise and care. Review real success stories to gauge satisfaction, professionalism, and results.

See the results: Testimonials

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today and discover the difference professional guidance can make.

References

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. (2024). CSEP Certified Personal Trainer® (CSEP-CPT) Scope of Practice. https://csep.ca/csep-certification/csep-cpt-scope-of-practice (csep.ca)

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. (2024). CSEP-CPT Application Requirements and Certification Process. https://csep.ca/csep-certification/csep-cpt-application-requirements-and-certification-process (csep.ca)

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. (2025). CSEP Certification Frequently Asked Questions. https://csep.ca/csep-certification-frequently-asked-questions (csep.ca)

Health Infobase Canada. (2023). Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep (PASS) Indicators: Quick Stats, Adults. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/pass/data-tool (health-infobase.canada.ca)

Health Canada. (2020). Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years. https://csepguidelines.ca/adults-18-64/ (canada.ca)

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