Choosing a Personal Trainer: Which one?
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So you’ve finished the preliminary work in step 1 and clearly defined your fitness goals. Now how do you find the trainer who is right for you? In this feature, Shari Rivera Sharp will outline 6 important questions to ask every candidate.
1. Ask about education and certifications. It isn’t necessary for a trainer to have a college degree in an exercise-related field. However, he or she should have a solid background in the industry- loads of practical experience and a certification from a reputable organization such as the American Council on Exercise. In addition, affiliation with an organization such as IDEA or ECA is an indication that the trainer is committed to continuing education. Lastly, every trainer should be certified in CPR and carry insurance- any trainer without these credentials isn’t a professional!
2. What kind of program will the trainer set up for you? Ask the trainer what his or her approach to exercise is. Will he or she create an exercise program that is adapted to your needs or is there a one-size-fits-all-approach. This discussion should lead to my next issue..
3. Expect the trainer to ask lots of questions. A trainer who doesn’t ask a lot of questions can’t put together an individualized program for you. Good trainers will ask for medical and exercise histories. He or she might also ask about eating habits and current physical limitations and/or complaints. Also, be prepared to discuss the type of work you do (a desk job presents different challenges than a sales job) as well as your hobbies.
4. Check out the trainer’s attitude. Do you want someone who is sympathetic to your needs or do you prefer someone who is more of a drill sergeant? Bottom line: trust your gut. Would you welcome spending an hour working out with this person?
5. Ask for references. Get the names of clients who are your approximate age and fitness level so you can ascertain how the trainer may work with you.
6. Ask about pricing. It may seem like a huge investment, but think about what your goals are and how much support you will need. The trainer may be able to work with you in several ways. If you want to work out with a friend, does the trainer offer a group discount? If you are motivated, perhaps once you get started you can meet once every couple of weeks to make adjustments to your workout. But remember, before committing to any package, always have a session or two first to make sure that you work well with the trainer.
Now that you know how to choose the right trainer for you, how do you find them? Your local gym may have trainers on staff. Another good approach is to search for a trainer through a national certification organization like the American Council on Exercise. These organizations have a trainer search function which allows you to search in your specific area.
Good luck and good searching!
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Nice common sense article. I’ve used personal trainers in the past and I can attest to the value of your advice. I work out now at a gym where the staff does individualized programs for every single client and the staff members are all trainers. It makes the gym experience so much better. I lift weights. Had it not been for the great training I’ve received in proper form I would likely have been injured by now.
Great article.
My husband is just changing careers to become a personal trainer and your tips also work well for instructors to provide the most effective service to clients from the outset.
S.
Thanks for the comment Sol, I agree that learning proper technique and having it monitored is very important. As you point out it is the difference between success and injury many times.
Simone, I wish your husband much succcess. There is a part one to this article called Choosing a personal Trainer – know thyself. It deals with self assessment in the decision process of choosing a trainer.
Sol-
Good for you! Many members do not appreciate how important it is to concentrate on form. I have trained many clients who actually had to lower the amount of weight they were using so that they could perform the exercise properly.
While it isn’t necessary for every staff member to be a trainer, it is important that everyone who trains is experienced and knowledgeable.
SimoneM-
It is very important to know what your style is when you begin to train clients. It does take time to figure out what kind of individual you want to work with, and that usually involves trial and error at the outset. I worked in a gym for 2 years before striking out on my own, and I’m glad I did.
Good trainers are hard to come across, the vast majority of trainers are nothing more than glorified rep counters, it bugs the hell out of me that some people cant see the difference.