Start with your real goals
Before you compare trainers, write down what you actually want to change in the next six to twelve months. Is it stronger knees? More energy? Confidence in the gym again after an injury? A body that handles weekends with the kids?
A good personal trainer should be able to translate those goals into a clear plan and explain how each week is moving you in that direction.
Look for an exercise science foundation
A premium personal trainer should be able to talk about training principles — progressive overload, recovery, movement quality, behaviour change — without resorting to gym clichés.
You don’t need a research scientist. You do need someone whose programming is grounded in how the body actually adapts.
Ask about injury history and special populations
A coach who shrugs at your back history, your pregnancy, your diabetes or your previous surgery is probably not the right coach.
You want someone who is curious, careful, and clear about scope: comfortable adapting training around your context, and equally comfortable saying when something belongs with a physiotherapist or doctor.
Make sure the communication fits
In Salou and the wider Costa Daurada, you’ll find English-speaking, German-speaking and Spanish-speaking trainers. Pick someone you can communicate with naturally — coaching is a relationship, not a transaction.
A short checklist
- Can they explain their approach without using buzzwords?
- Do they take a clear history before training you?
- Do they progress you in writing, not just in the moment?
- Are they honest about scope — what they do and don’t do?
- Do you actually feel comfortable around them?
Movement by Design provides exercise science-based coaching, personal training, health education and rehabilitation-informed exercise support. It does not replace medical diagnosis, physiotherapy, dietetic treatment or specialist healthcare. For medical conditions, pregnancy, cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions or post-surgical recovery, coaching may be adapted alongside medical or allied-health guidance where appropriate.