Small Space Fitness: Cat Corchado
Choosing the right personal trainer can be overwhelming, especially for women over 50 who have unique health needs, prior injuries, or just want someone who gets it.
In this guide, Kuel Life’s Movement Specialist Cat Corchado shares exactly how to choose the right personal trainer—from certifications to chemistry—and how to avoid the common mistakes that can sabotage your fitness journey.
How To Choose The Right Personal Trainer For Your Needs And Goals:
Finding the perfect trainer isn’t just about motivation or muscle. It’s about working with someone who understands your current fitness level, can modify workouts for injuries or chronic conditions, and communicates in a way that makes you feel safe and empowered—not overwhelmed.
Start With Referrals, Not Social Media Chaos:
Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues if they’ve worked with someone they’d recommend. Referrals beat scrolling through social media any day—where the loudest voices aren’t always the most qualified. You don’t need 40 random recommendations in your inbox. You need one or two solid names from people you trust.
Don’t Skip The Certification Check:
A trainer should have up-to-date certifications from reputable organizations like NASM, AFAA, or ACSM. And no, don’t just take their word for it; ask to see the proof. You wouldn’t hire a doctor who said, “Trust me, I went to med school.” Same deal here.
Also? They should be CPR certified. Ask when they were certified and when it expires. This isn’t nitpicking, it’s basic safety.
Experience Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential:
Plenty of trainers can work with healthy, athletic bodies. But can they work with your body? If you’re recovering from an illness, dealing with menopause-related shifts, or have chronic joint issues, that matters.
Ask questions like:
- Have you worked with women recovering from surgery?
- Are you familiar with training post-COVID fatigue or arthritis?
- Can you modify workouts for herniated discs?
Don’t be shy—your health’s on the line.
The Best Trainers Customize; They Don’t Clone:
If your trainer throws you into a bootcamp with 25-year-old bodybuilders, you’re in the wrong place. Great trainers meet you where you are, adapt workouts to your energy levels (even day-to-day), and track realistic goals based on your lifestyle.
Cat recommends asking:
- How are you feeling today?
- How’s your body?
- What’s your energy level on a scale of 1–10?
If they’re not asking, they’re not listening.
Test The Vibe With A Trial Session:
Certifications and experience are great, but if you don’t like the person, you won’t stick with the plan. Book a trial session to get a feel for their personality, communication style, and overall vibe. You’re not just hiring a trainer, you’re starting a relationship. If it feels off, trust your gut.
Advocate for Yourself, Always:
Choosing the right personal trainer isn’t about luck; it’s about asking the right questions, doing your homework, and knowing what your body needs. Don’t settle for someone just because they look the part. Find someone who sees you, listens to you, and tailors your journey accordingly.
As Cat Corchado says: “If they’re true, they’ll be true to you.”
Watch Cat’s July VLog below, get the full scoop:
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About the Author:
Cat is a proud US Air Force veteran who has made it her mission to help women veterans transition from the military. She is a leader and speaker within the active duty and veteran community and her advocacy has helped her develop the Sisters-in-Service podcast- a platform for anyone affiliated with the military.
Cat is also the founder of the Small Space Pilates community. Cat feels privileged to work with midlife women to help them increase body awareness, mobility, stability and strength in a safe and fun environment. With over 39 ears in the fitness arena, her specialties include Personal Training, Pilates, Activated Isolated Stretching (AIS) and most recently her certification with CETI to work with cancer. Follow Cat’s Sisters In Service on Instagram for more information.
