So, you’ve decided to take your fitness routine to the next level and are ready to hire a personal trainer (PT). However, how do you know who is legitimate and who is just trying to take your money by dishing out a program that not only won’t produce results, but also puts you at risk of injury?

Here are some questions you should consider before signing a contract with any PT:

• What is their physical condition? Hiring a PT who is out of shape is like hiring an accountant who has filed bankruptcy; it wouldn’t make sense. After all, if your “professional” can’t take their own advice, why would you take it either?

• Do they have references? If the PT isn’t willing or is unable to provide references, then this should be a red flag to you. Generally when someone loses weight and gets into shape, they are more than willing to share how they did it (giving the PT accolades) which means that any reputable PT should have several references to offer you.

• What does their workout area look like? You can get a feel for the legitimacy of a place just by walking into it. Not that the equipment has to be top of the line to get results, it also shouldn’t be held together by duct tape and super glue either. If the workout area scares you to even be in it, you shouldn’t consider working out as it could be unsafe.

• Do they offer results that sound too good to be true? If you’re talking to a PT and they tell you that they’ll help you lose 50 pounds in the first month, it’s time to go elsewhere. However, if he or she says that it is going to take a lot of work and effort on your part but they’ll help you lose weight effectively and efficiently, then you may have a keeper.

Don’t let your excitement to get into shape overrule your common sense. Ask these types of questions before hiring a personal trainer and you’ll be well on your way to fitness – the right way!