You may have heard of a good personal trainer from a friend or read a notice pinned up on a bulletin board. Reputation and advertising play a big part in how a personal trainer is perceived, but your primary concern before hiring a trainer should be his credentials and certification. There are a number of organizations and associations that offer certification. Be sure you only hire a personal trainer that holds a certificate from a reputable school.
Certification
One of the first things you should establish about your prospective personal trainer are her credentials and certifications. Working with a certified personal trainer ensures that you are receiving instruction from someone who has been schooled and tested in a variety of fitness and health subjects. A certified personal trainer also knows how to develop appropriate workout schedules for you and can help guide you on how to eat for your health, though her advice should not be considered over a certified dietitian.
Certification Organizations
The growth of the fitness and health industry has spawned a large number of associations and organizations that offer certification services. Not all are equal and some simply look to make money by charging hefty testing fees. Reputable certification organizations include the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. These organizations are accredited by either the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or NCCA, or the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, or DETC, a 50-year-old commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Where They're Found
Personal trainers usually offer their services at gyms but many will also come to your home or place of business. You would be wrong to assume that a personal trainer is certified merely because he works at a gym. If there are personal trainers at your gym, ask to see their credentials before working with one. A personal trainer should always be willing to show you his credentials without questions. Perhaps the best resource for finding a personal trainer is an online database of certification organizations. By typing in a name, you can find out if the person is certified and exactly what certification courses and tests he completed.
Qualities
A well-versed personal trainer that holds reputable certification will have a clear road map laid out for what needs to be done to reach your health and fitness goals. The first step any personal trainer should take with you before ever working out is to conduct a full fitness evaluation. Most trainers use the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire to determine your current fitness level and shed light on any medical conditions. Your health and well-being should be the personal trainer's top priority. If she doesn't make the effort to get to know you, she won't be able to develop a fitness program that is tailored to your specific needs.
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