1. Not All Exercise Trainers Are Equal
Unfortunately, personal training is a field with no official governing or licensing body. It's entirely up to you to make sure you pick a trainer who is going to be good for you. You want a fitness coach who has all the necessary experience, tools and skills to provide you with a great workout. Certification is important, but not all certifications are the same. Be sure that the trainer you hire is certified by a nationally recognized, reputable organization with stringent requirements.
2. Not Just For Marathon Runners and Bodybuilders
You don't need to be an extreme athlete to hire an exercise trainer. Ordinary people who are interested in getting fit hire personal trainers all the time. Basically, an exercise trainer is a coach whose main purpose is to make sure you succeed in your workouts. He can show you how to safely begin exercising. A trainer can even help you through an exercise plateau and keep you motivated.
3. Searching For a Qualified Trainer
You can often find a certified trainer at a reputable fitness facility. Sometimes you can find one through a search of the phone book. Ask for referrals. You can also directly contact the national certification agencies like the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFFA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and Can-Fit-Pro.
4. The Need-to-Knows Before Hiring
Rates for trainers vary widely across the country. You will need to budget accordingly so you know how much money you need to fork out. Also find out if you're required to pay ahead for a certain number of sessions. Find out if the trainer is flexible enough to accommodate your schedule and if the trainer has worked with clients in your age group or with specific needs similar to your own. Don't bother hiring a trainer who you don't feel comfortable enough with to communicate openly. The same holds true for any trainer who pushes fad diets or supplements.
5. What to Expect From a Good Trainer
A good exercise trainer will carry out an initial health and fitness assessment before setting you up on any program. You should be asked to fill out a Physical Activity Readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), and your weight, blood pressure and measurements should be taken. Your trainer should discuss your goals with you and make sure they are realistic for your body and fitness level. She should then design a program tailored to your needs and show you how to do the exercises correctly and safely. Your progress should be tracked with every session to make sure your program is working well for you.
Member Comments