How to Choose the Best Personal Trainer in Madison WI (Even If You’re a Beginner)

An Interview to Peter Kraus owner of Peter Kraus Fitness in Madison WI.

Trainer. Entrepreneur. Wellness advocate

Peter Kraus may be a household name in the fitness space, but in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, he’s simply known as the guy who helps people feel better with fitness and movement, and actually enjoy the process.

With a reputation built on compassion, custom fitness programming, and a commitment to real results, Peter and his team at Peter Kraus Fitness have helped thousands of clients step into strength, confidence, and lasting change.

So what should you actually look for when hiring a personal trainer? What matters more; certification or vibe? How do you know you’ve found the right coach?

We sat down with Peter for a candid interview to ask all the questions beginners are too nervous to say out loud. Below, you’ll find his raw, honest answers about everything from red flags in the industry to why Madison is unlike any other city for fitness.

How to Choose the Best Personal Trainer in Madison WI (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Ali: Peter, what are the most common concerns you hear from someone hiring a personal trainer for the first time? I should mention here for context, that early in your career, you worked alongside my husband, Michael Benso, so if we count your coaching experience from back then, that’s over 16 years in the fitness industry. With all those years under your belt, what patterns or concerns do you consistently hear from people when they’re just starting out?

Peter: The most common concern I hear is, “Is it worth the cost?” That’s truly it. We have incredible trainers on staff, and we handpick them for each client based on goals, abilities, schedule, and personality. I’ve never once had a client say, “This trainer isn’t right for me.” We work hard to make sure every trainer is qualified, kind, professional, and encouraging. The only thing left to question is the investment, and that’s always going to be a personal decision. But in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.

Ali: Why do you believe personal training is not a one-size-fits-all solution?

Peter: Because every single person is different. I genuinely believe personal training is for everyone, but I don’t think every trainer or every workout is right for everyone. Our goals change. Our bodies change. Even what we enjoy doing changes over time. A great training plan should reflect that. That’s why our trainers take the time to listen and adapt. We create workouts that are completely unique and designed to evolve as our clients do.

Ali: What certifications, experience, or education should someone look for in a personal trainer?

Peter: Short answer, yes, certification is important. It shows a basic understanding of the human body and how it moves. I’ve met a lot of people who work out and think that alone qualifies them to train others. And honestly, some of them might be great at it. But what happens when a client gets injured? Or when their goals shift into something more advanced or specialized? A certified trainer has put in the time and effort to be prepared for all of that. Some of the best certifications to look for are ISSA, ACSM, NSCA, and NASM.

Ali: Why is personality fit and communication style just as important as credentials?

Peter: Because you’re going to be spending a lot of time and energy with this person. Your trainer is going to get closer to you than most friends. They’ll become your confidants. You have to be able to trust them completely not just to guide you physically but to speak truthfully when you need it most. They’ll ask you to do hard things. If the connection isn’t there, none of that will land. But if the trust is strong, you’ll do things you never thought you could.

Ali: How should someone feel after a consultation or first session? What’s a red flag?

Peter: You should feel encouraged, motivated, maybe even a little nervous in the best way, knowing this person is going to challenge you in a good way. But you should never leave feeling confused, blindsided, or uncomfortable. Early in my career, I saw a lot of gym chains treat first sessions like sales traps. That never sat right with me. At PKF, your first session should make you feel excited to keep going.

Ali: What makes Madison WI unique when it comes to training styles or community gyms?

Peter: Madison is special because of how active this city is. People here love being outside. They run, bike, kayak, walk dogs around the lakes. So training in Madison has to support that lifestyle. It has to blend with real life. Our programs are designed with that in mind.

Ali: What do you personally prioritize when designing someone’s training program?

Peter: Their goals, first and foremost. But I also care a lot about enjoyment. I’ll make small adjustments just to make sure someone is enjoying the process, because if you don’t enjoy it at least a little bit, it’s not going to last. A program should be effective, yes, but also something you look forward to doing.

Ali: What makes PKF training different from larger chains or generic fitness centers?

Peter: It starts with who we hire. I choose trainers I trust and respect, and I give them full freedom to train in ways that feel authentic to them. That passion shows. Our trainers aren’t robots following someone else’s template. They’re engaged, creative, and motivated. When you train here, it’s personal every time.

Ali: Can you describe a moment when one of your beginner clients had a breakthrough?

Peter: Every client has a breakthrough, the only question is when. Some people have it on day one, just by walking through the door and deciding to put themselves first. Others might take years, but they’ll eventually make a big shift, like quitting alcohol or committing to a better diet. Change happens at different paces for everyone. Our job is to support and cheer for them whenever they’re ready.

Ali: What’s your philosophy when working with people who are brand new to fitness?

Peter: I always start slow. We’ll choose a few basic movements and repeat them until they feel natural. Then we’ll gradually make them more complex. I also never overhaul someone’s entire lifestyle in one shot. We’ll pick one small but meaningful habit to work on for a few weeks. Once that becomes second nature, we add another. That’s how you build real, lasting change.

Ali: What’s the difference between 1-on-1 personal training and small group training at your gym?

Peter: The biggest difference is communication. In small group training, you get great energy, fun, and a sense of community. In one-on-one sessions, it’s more focused. You have space for deeper conversations, custom planning, and more personalized attention. Both are great, it just depends on your goals and preferences.

Ali: Who is better suited for group training versus private training?

Peter: If you like being around people and enjoy high-energy workouts, group training is a great fit. If you have more specific goals, a unique schedule, or just prefer focused one-on-one attention, private training might be the better choice. We help people decide based on what’s best for them.

Ali: How often should someone train to see real results?

Peter: It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you just want to maintain general health, a few days a week is plenty. If you’re training for a competition or trying to transform your body, you’ll need to put in more time. The more you want out of it, the more you’ll have to commit. But our trainers help you find that sweet spot.

Ali: What would you say to someone who’s intimidated to start?

Peter: I get it. It’s a big commitment. But nothing worth having comes easy at first. And I can tell you we’ve never had someone regret starting. You’ll be welcomed, supported, and surprised at how quickly you’ll find your rhythm.

Ali: What does the first session actually look like at PKF?

Peter: It’s low pressure and low commitment. Your trainer will guide you through some basic movements to get a sense of where you’re at. You’ll talk about your goals, your schedule, and what you want out of the experience. Ideally, you’ll leave excited to come back and get to work.

Ali: What are one or two common misconceptions about personal training you wish people knew?

Peter: That trainers are intimidating or perfect. Most trainers I know got into fitness because they had a struggle of their own. They’ve been beginners. They’ve battled insecurity. And they turned that into something powerful. We’re here to help not to judge.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re curious about personal training or ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, Peter Kraus Fitness is here to help. Book your first session or try two small group classes for free and see for yourself what makes PKF a place people actually love coming to.