The Executive Woman's Playbook For Hiring The Right Personal Trainer

Forbes

18-04-2025

In today's uncertain business climate—rife with tariffs, layoffs and recession fears—most leaders focus on strategy and risk mitigation. But one of the most underleveraged tools for resilience in leadership? Physical activity.
For many high-achieving women navigating demanding careers, finding time for fitness is a challenge. In fact, according to a study from the Journal of American College of Cardiology, only 33% of women meet weekly recommended guidelines for aerobic physical activity. It's not for lack of motivation. Increased caregiving responsibilities, unpredictable work schedules and the mental load of daily life—in short: lack of time—make consistent movement harder to access for women. For executive women juggling back-to-back meetings, travel and the invisible labor of home life, the 'mental load' is more than a buzzword—it's a barrier.
It's no wonder that industry data highlights the demand for personal training continuing to grow, especially among professionals in their 30s, 40s and 50s. For many women, hiring a trainer is a way to reintroduce structure, accountability and personalized support into an already complex life. But in a world of increasing complexity, choosing the right personal trainer to invest valuable time with matters now more than ever.
For those used to managing teams and driving results, it can be refreshing to step into a space where someone else has the plan—and your only job is to show up. So how can busy women executives feel more confident about selecting someone who understands the dynamic nature of their lives? Here's what to consider.
Disclosure: I am NASM-certified in personal training, with specializations in Women's Fitness, Corrective Exercise, and Behavior Change. In addition to the research and studies shared, this piece is also written based on my training and experience.
Research has shown that people are significantly more likely to reach their fitness goals when they work with a trainer. A personal trainer can safely create programs, lighten the mental load of figuring out what to do and act as an accountability partner.
And when it works, it really works. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that women often viewed personal trainers not just as fitness guides, but trusted partners—offering emotional support, tailored strategies and motivation, especially during moments of life transition.
The relationship is often deeper than reps and routines. While high-level goals may sound like 'weight loss,' 'mobility' or 'core strength,' what's underneath is often more personal: reclaiming a sense of self after a life transition like giving birth, changing careers or navigating grief.
Mobility might mean picking up your kids without pain. Strength might signal a desire to support your body through perimenopause. These layers often reveal themselves over time and thoughtful conversation.
Women at gym
getty
Before getting into the nuances of finding the right personal trainer and leadership style, it's helpful to know what's typically included in a foundational intake process. Most certified personal trainers will begin with a few core questions, including:
These are all important, but for many women—especially those in high-pressure roles—these basics don't always get to the heart of what matters most, like how training fits into a week that includes early investor calls, evening board meetings and a red-eye flight.
Personal trainer doing client intake
getty
It's not just about being interviewed—you're interviewing, too. Here are a few questions you can ask that go beyond the surface:
Listen for questions such as the following:
In all scenarios, professionals considering personal training should check if their company offers flex dollars or wellness benefits that could cover or reimburse personal training sessions. From there, great places to find a potential trainer include:
Consistency is where the power lies. For high-performing women navigating demanding roles, the key is often less about 'finding time' and more about integrating fitness in a way that aligns with real-life demands—supporting performance, health and longevity.
When thoughtfully chosen, a personal trainer can offer more than a workout plan—they can be a partner in navigating life transitions, reducing cognitive load and reinforcing routines that support sustained leadership and well-being.
The right fit doesn't just unlock physical results. It can reinforce a foundation of energy, confidence and clarity that extends far beyond the gym - into the boardroom, the Zoom room and the moments that matter most.