You may have noticed from the pink, red and sparkly heart decor all around that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. We are filled with messages about how to love others this month by consuming things: buy decadent chocolates; go out for a fancy dinner; buy jewelry; and don’t forget to send flowers! While I embrace any day to celebrate loved ones, this is also a great reason to love yourself by trying something new for your fitness. 

As part of my 2015 resolution to get outside my fitness comfort zone, I jumped at the opportunity to ask a few questions of RightFit Personal Training founder Matthew Kornblatt. Think of RightFit Personal Training like a free online dating service for personal training; fitting for the holiday of love, no?

  
Why did you start RightFit and what is the inspiration behind the company?
I started RightFit because personal trainers and clients need it. Personal training is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, which creates competition amongst fitness professionals. On the client side, people are prioritizing their health and fitness, and we are seeing a societal shift focusing more on preventative healthcare. 

With so many personal trainers to select from, and so many people looking for personal trainers, there is a huge market for an online marketplace of independent personal trainers. I realized that there was nothing like it that existed, so I hit the ground running.

What is your background? 
I am from Highland Park, IL and I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in advertising. I played sports competitively growing up and have always had a passion for health and fitness. I had the opportunity to own a day camp in college, which ignited an entrepreneurial fire in my belly. After graduating and a brief stint of working in Corporate America (not for me), I decided to pursue this business venture. 

How does the RightFit process work? 
RightFit is a free service that helps people find personal trainers based on preference. Through the Quick Search, users can filter trainers based on price, specialty, location, and gender. If a user sees a trainer that she likes, she can click on the profile and send the trainer a personalized message. Users can also find a trainer by taking the Trainee Survey, which asks more in depth questions regarding what one is looking for in a personal trainer. Upon completion of the survey, I evaluate the user’s responses and send a list of suggested trainers based on the user’s goals, budget, location, and etc.

What requirements does RightFit have for trainers interested in joining the network?
All trainers must carry an active nationally recognized personal training certification and liability insurance. I personally vet each trainer to ensure that they uphold a certain level of professionalism and ethics. As the best network of personal trainers in Chicago, we can’t accept everyone.

Why do you think personal training should be part of a regular fitness routine?
If you are sick, you go to a doctor. If you travel by air, you don’t fly the plane. Personal trainers are fitness professionals. When it comes to personal fitness, there are SO many variables to take into account that it can be confusing. It is a trainer’s job to teach you how to exercise correctly, how often, and at what tempo. Leave it up to a certified personal trainer to teach you how to become the best you that you can be. Whether you are looking to lose weight, increase strength, or just improve your overall quality of life, a personal trainer will help you set and achieve all your health and fitness goals.

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RightFit Personal Training serves the entire Chicagoland area, including the city and suburbs, with over 300 independent personal trainers. I tried the service myself, by filling out the Trainee Survey. The survey asks the important questions, namely where do you want to workout and why? Are you looking to limit the search to independent fitness studios in certain neighborhoods or zip codes, or do you want to workout in the comfort of your home? Do you want to train to build strength, lose weight, or increase your overall fitness?

The survey I submitted indicated my desire to increase arm strength and overall fitness, in an effort to become a better runner. After reviewing my completed survey, Matthew suggested Dan H. from DHF Lakeview Fitness and sent me his trainer profile.

I took a one-hour personal training session with Dan at his facility, which included foam rolling, arm strengthening, overall fitness moves, and stretching moves specifically designed for runners. Matthew did a great job setting up this training for me – Dan was very professional and incredibly knowledgeable! I would definitely go back for a second workout.

My last question to Matthew was this:

Where do you see RightFit going next?
Here’s what I want you to do… look at a map of the United States. There.

For more information about RightFit Personal Training, check out their blog. Connect with RightFit on Facebook and Twitter.

{I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are 100% my own. I am a Strategic Partner with RightFit Personal Training, which is not compensated. I attended one free personal training session with DHF Lakeview as a new customer.}