A Phenomenological Investigation of Women’s Experiences With Personal Training

Personal training is a rapidly growing industry in a country that is in dire need of physical fitness and health improvements. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to better understand women’s experiences with personal training. To address the research question, eight female participants ages 24 to 54 years were interviewed using the following phenomenological question: “When you think about your current experience with personal training what stands out for you?” The interviews were conducted, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed to identify themes in participants’ responses. The ground that emerged was positive experience within which existed four figural themes: Relationships, trainer qualities, outcomes, and motivation. Results reveal new insight for professionals in the fitness industry and provide future directions for research in kinesiology and exercise psychology.