Many people want to undertake a fitness program to improve their lives, but lack the knowledge and motivation to carry out the routine effectively. In these cases, some people turn to the aid of a personal trainer. However, the amount of success you achieve from using a personal trainer may be related to how successful you are in selecting an appropriately qualified person for your needs.
Certification
The first thing to check with any personal trainer before you meet with her is what qualifications she holds. According to the American Council on Exercise, the best professional certification a trainer can hold is one that is from an organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Among the organizations to look for are the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. If the trainer does not hold a professional certification, ask if she has a college degree in a related field, such as exercise science.
Specialization
If you know what your goals and current physical fitness condition are, you will be much better equipped to evaluate if a trainer is right for you. James Careless of the PostMedia News agency recommends in his article "Let's Get Started: Choosing the Right Personal Trainer" that you ask the trainer about past clients with whom he has worked who have conditions or injuries similar to yours, and how the trainer designed a program for that person. Ask for client references to check the trainer's qualifications on your own.
Personality
Assessing the personality of the trainer before you begin working out is critical to determining your compatibility with the person. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you find out what type of motivator the trainer is. If you want a friendly trainer who provides positive reinforcement, it may be best to avoid a person with a stern approach. You should feel comfortable asking questions of your trainer and receiving suggestions from him.
Price and Availability
Always discuss a pricing plan with your personal trainer before you sign on. This is particularly true if you sign on at a health club. The club may want you to sign a contract for an extended period of time and may not promise that you can work with your choice of personal trainer every session. The American Council on Exercise notes that over time the amount of money you spend on your training should decrease as you learn from your personal trainer and become more independent. Ensure that whatever plan you agree to, it suits your needs and has some freedom for change if the relationship with your personal trainer does not work out.
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