Finding a personal trainer who's qualified and whose training style and personality complement your own can be a challenge. Whether you're just beginning an exercise program or you're training for an athletic event, a personal fitness trainer can help you stay motivated, make you accountable for achieving your goals and keep you safe from injury during your workouts. Many gyms offer personal training services, but you can also hire a personal trainer on your own.
Is the personal trainer qualified?
Anyone can complete an online course to become a personal trainer, so it's not enough for the trainer simply to have a certification. The best personal trainers will have a bachelor's degree in biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, health or nutrition from an accredited college or university.
Beyond a formal degree in a relevant field, look for personal trainers who are certified by one or more of the following organizations:
A personal trainer's certification should be current and quality certifications also require continuing education to maintain that certification. Choosing a personal trainer who's actively engaged in continuing education ensures the personal trainer is up to date on current diet, nutrition, health and exercise trends. Finally, every personal trainer should have current certifications in CPR and First Aid.
Before Training Begins
When you're looking for a personal trainer, take the time to talk with several trainers before you choose one to begin training you. Besides their availability and the rates they charge to train clients, you'll want to know what the trainer requires from you before training begins as well what training approach the personal trainer will take with you.
Before your training begins, your personal trainer should require you to complete a general health and medical history questionnaire. It's important for your personal trainer to be aware of any existing medication conditions that may impact your training. Your health and safety should be your and your personal trainer's top priority.
Your personal trainer should also take a series of measurements to assess your current state of fitness and help them develop a training program that's tailored to you. These measurements generally include weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and the circumference of body parts like arms, chest, waist, hips and legs.
Always ask the personal trainer for references, and make sure you check these references. Don't be afraid to ask other clients questions about how satisfied they are or were with the trainer.
During Training
As its name implies, personal training is a personal. After assessing your general health, medical history and readiness for physical activity, your personal trainer will develop a training program tailored to your specific needs and goals. Although the details of personal training plans vary according to the individual, the most effective personal training programs have some general things in common:
Evaluating a Personal Trainer
For many people, hiring a personal trainer is an extra line in their budget. The results you get from your training are one way to evaluate your personal trainer, but if they're lacking in other areas, it may not matter if the program they designed for you is effective or not.
Your personal trainer is a professional and should demonstrate professionalism by being on time and ready to begin your sessions. Personal trainers shouldn't make or take phone calls while you're working together. If your trainer gossips about other clients, you may want to work with someone else to ensure your own privacy.
The key to being successful with any exercise program is being accountable for meeting the goals you set and staying motivated to meet them. If your trainer doesn't motivate, challenge or inspire you, you're wasting time and money. Likewise, if a trainer doesn't hold you accountable for missed sessions or goals, or provide feedback on your performance, it may be time to shop for a new one.
Last, but certainly not least, if the personal trainer recommends changes to your workout regimen or diet that sound dangerous or unhealthy, choose again. Your health is too important to leave in the hands of anyone you think may be steering you wrong.
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