A personal trainer guides you in your workout, helping you achieve specific goals and fitness levels. When hiring a trainer, it can be hard to know what training a trainer has received, what level of knowledge she has and what experience she brings to the class or session. By understanding some key background needs for personal trainers, you can get a better idea of whether you want to hire one or become one.
Exercise Science and Certification
Personal trainers typically have experience in the workout field and enjoy it. A February 2002 study published in the Journal of Strength and and Conditioning Research studied whether experience equated to knowledge. They surveyed 115 personal trainers to test their knowledge of nutrition, health screening, testing protocols, exercise prescription and working with specific types of clients. The survey found that experience did not equate to knowledge. Instead, the study suggests that personal trainers should have either a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a certification from the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
ACSM Knowledge
To be ACSM certified, a potential trainer must be older than 18 years of age, have a high school degree and be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Personal training certification requires that a trainer develop and implement a plan that is both individualized and appropriate for the exercise goals of the client. ACSM trainers learn to demonstrate correct form for an exercise that use the basics of exercise science. They must also write exercise recommendations appropriate to the fitness and health level of their client. They must also prove that they can motivate clients to not only start training, but to follow healthful habits.
NSCA Knowledge
NSCA trainers use an individual approach, with workouts tailored to each client. Their goal is to assess, educate and motivate in addition to training the client. Trainers must understand the health status of an individual client and be trained in basic emergency care. Before requesting certification via examination, trainers need to have a clear understanding of how the body works, both in terms of physical anatomy and biomechanics. They must also know how to adapt exercises to specific clients. In addition, they must be able to design a complete program and stay up to date on exercise research.
Considerations
Before paying for training, ask the trainer whether he is certified. Both the ACSM and NSCA require that a trainer keep current and maintain their certification, typically with continuing education. Before receiving any nutritional counseling, ask what background the trainer has to provide that type of information. Some personal trainers focus on exercise without paying much attention to nutrition.
References
- "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; Importance of Health Science Education for Personal Fitness Trainers; M.H Male, et al.; February 2002
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Scope of Practice
- National Strength and Conditioning Association: About the NSCA-CPT Credential
Member Comments