According to the Family Education website, working with a personal trainer usually happens for three main reasons: if you're an absolute beginner and have no idea how to exercise effectively and safely; to help you stay motivated; and if you're stuck in an exercise rut. When exercise becomes boring or you've reached a plateau, a trainer can teach you new ways to exercise so you get the same or better results without compromising fun in the process.
Benefits of Working With a Trainer
Working out with a trainer can benefit beginners and experienced exercisers. For beginners, a trainer can provide guidance, teach you how to perform exercises effectively and safely and help you set up an effective workout plan. People who have been exercising for some time might need guidance on changing their workout so they can keep improving their fitness level, break out of plateaus or learn to challenge their bodies more. According to certified personal trainer Linda Stultz, working out with a trainer also offers the added benefit of motivation. It's harder to skip a training session when you know somebody is waiting for you.
How to Choose a Trainer
When looking for a trainer, ask about qualifications first. Two of the biggest certifications in the fitness fields are the ones offered by the American Council on Exercise or ACE and the American College of Sports Medicine or ACSM. Other certifications exist, but it's also possible to become certified through online courses or one-weekend workshops. While those certifications are not necessarily bad, they don't provide a lot of training. A trainer with years of experience behind him might know as much as those with a certification, so ask how long he's been a trainer and whether he can provide references. Ask the trainer if he has CPR and first-aid training and whether he carries liability insurance. Trainers who work at a gym are usually covered by the gym's insurance, but those working independently should carry their own insurance.
What to Expect During Training
A personal trainer will probably perform some basic tests to determine your current health and fitness level. You'll be asked to fill out a form and the trainer will check your weight and body fat. Some trainers also check for flexibility and strength. Based on this information, the trainer will design a specific exercise routine. During the actual workout, the trainer will adjust the machines, teach you proper posture, help you stick to the program and keep you motivated. If you're working with a trainer for more than a few weeks, the trainer should check on your progress regularly.
Precautions
Before hiring a personal fitness trainer, ask as many questions as possible. Working with a trainer who has no experience and no knowledge can get you injured. According to Smart Money, many trainers won't talk about ways you can get cheaper training unless you ask. For example, ask if you can work out with a friend so both of you can get a discounted rate. Also, don't fall for the idea that a more expensive trainer is necessarily better.
References
- "Emmitsburg News Journal": Health Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer
- National Register of Personal Trainers: Find a Qualified Trainer
- Texas Woman's University: Personal Training
- Family Education: Do You Need a Personal Trainer?
- Smart Money: 10 Things Your Personal Trainer Won't Tell You Read more: 10 Things Your Personal Trainer Won't Tell You
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