Madison has no shortage of personal trainers, and if you're near campus, the number of options can be overwhelming. The problem is that "personal trainer" isn't a protected title — almost anyone can call themselves one after a weekend certification course. Here's how to actually vet a trainer before you hand over your money.
Check the Actual Credentials
Not all certifications are created equal. A few worth knowing:
- CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist): Widely considered the gold standard, requiring a bachelor's degree and a rigorous exam covering exercise science, biomechanics, and program design.
- NSCA-CPT: A respected certified personal trainer credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- RD (Registered Dietitian): The only credential legally allowed to provide individualized medical nutrition guidance. If a trainer is giving you specific nutrition advice without this credential, they're operating outside their scope.
Compare that to certifications that can be completed online in a weekend with no practical exam — those aren't necessarily worthless, but they shouldn't carry the same weight in your decision.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up
- "What does a typical first month look like?" — A real coach should be able to describe an actual process (assessment, programming, check-ins), not just "we'll figure it out."
- "How do you handle injuries or physical limitations?" — This tells you whether they actually screen for movement issues before programming.
- "Is nutrition guidance included, and who provides it?" — Find out if it's a real RD or a generic app-generated macro split.
- "How many clients do you currently train?" — Coaches who intentionally limit their client load usually give more individual attention per session.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Promises of dramatic results in an unrealistically short timeframe.
- No movement screen or assessment before starting a program.
- Pressure to sign long-term contracts before a single session.
- Generic, templated programs that don't change based on your feedback or progress.
Why Location Still Matters
Even with great programming, consistency is what actually produces results — and consistency is a lot easier when your gym isn't a 25-minute drive out of your way. If you're near campus or downtown, a gym in a convenient location you'll actually show up to is worth factoring into your decision alongside credentials.
Overload Strength is located at 2909 Perry St, inside Wolfpack Combat Academy — a straightforward drive from UW-Madison campus. Coaching is led by Patryk Piekarczyk, a Registered Dietitian and CSCS, with a background as a strength and conditioning intern at UW-Madison working with women's volleyball, swim and dive, and women's soccer.