There is no standard training, internship or qualifications to work as a personal trainer, according to fitness professional Anthony Carey, author of "Relationships and Referrals." Personal trainers can have a bachelor's or master's degree in biomechanics, more than five years of work experience and extended and nationally accredited certifications. However, anyone can become a personal trainer over a weekend with very little or no experience working with people. Thus, you must ask the appropriate questions when shopping for a personal trainer.
Credibility and Education
The most basic question you must ask is about their educational background, which can reflect what kind of knowledge and experience the trainer has, according to fitness professional Donald Evans, contributing writer for Quackwatch.com. Personal trainers must have a strong background in human physiology and anatomy, biomechanics, exercise leadership and exercise prescription techniques. Those with a master's degree should have experience and knowledge working with geriatrics, youths, pregnant women and athletes.
Certifications are extensions and practical knowledge that all trainers must have in addition to their academics. They should be certified from at least one national accredited certification, such as the American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, PTA Global, or National Strength and Conditioning Association. You should look up the qualifications of other certification agencies online to make sure they are accredited with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, according to Evans.
Insurance
All independent personal trainers must carry liability insurance, unless they are working as employees. The insurance must cover policies clearly stated in writing helps avoid any misunderstandings or confusion and protects your rights as a consumer, according to the IDEA Fitness Association. It must also cover personal and property damage, sexual harassment, negligence and other torts.
Experience
The fitness industry is an ever-changing field. Make sure that the trainer have at two years of work experience or one year of internship in an athletic, physical rehabilitation or similar work environment, according to IDEA Fitness. You must also be able to rely on your trainer for the latest information on exercise strategies, nutrition and lifestyles. This ensures that your trainer is keeping with the standards of professionalism. Also, ask for references or referrals to make sure that current and past clients are happy and satisfied with the trainer's services and expertise.
Exercise Program
Ask how the trainer will assess, design and execute your own personal workout program. The trainer must perform a health assessment that asks about your goals, health history, and lifestyle. Other health and fitness assessments should include a blood pressure test, a body composition test, posture test, movement screening and cardiovascular capabilities. Never settle for a trainer who relies upon cookie-cutter workouts.
Personality
Although there are many other questions to ask a personal trainer, no question can truly answer the trainer's personality which ensures that you and the trainer have a good relationship. A trainer with a more extrovert-type personality may not be a good match for a client who have a conservative behavior. Likewise, a serious, professor-like trainer may not be a good match with a happy-go-lucky client, according to Evans. The questioning process should help you determine the trainer's communication skills, qualifications, professionalism and good-will.
References
- "Relationships and Referrals: A Personal Trainer's Guide to Doing Business with the Medical Community"; Anthony Carey; 2006
- Quackwatch; Donald Evans; 2008
- IDEA Fitness Association; How to Choose The Personal Trainer Who's Right For You
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