Finding a Personal Trainer: Reach Your Health and Fitness Goals

By: Philip Lop

A personal trainer can be an invaluable addition to any diet and exercise regime. Bringing expert knowledge about fitness and the human physique, personal trainers can help you achieve the body shape that you are looking for, while building a regime that can work around your busy lifestyle. There is certainly no shortage of personal trainers, however, and when it comes to finding the right one for you, it can be difficult to know where to start.

So how do you go about finding the right personal trainer?

Look for accreditation

Although many personal trainers have embarked on the role following a career in sports and fitness, it is increasingly common for dedicated trainers to undertake professional accreditation. Accreditation in the U.S. largely requires an appropriate high school diploma, qualification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED), as well as a form of examination. When looking at websites or listings for personal trainers, look for accreditation, as this demonstrates strong technical skills and a dedicated approach to the role.

Word-of-mouth

Personal recommendations are extremely valuable when it comes to personal trainers. While there are countless advertisements and websites to attract your attention, a recommendation from somebody that you know well is worth much more. It is important that the trainer is easy to get along with, flexible to your work/life balance, punctual and offers good value for money. Many of these things can only be identified through actual experience of working alongside the trainer.

Meet up before making a decision

If you do find a trainer that you think you would like to work with, meet up for a conversation before you commit. The trainer needs the right personality and temperament to suit your exercising needs. You may need somebody strong and very disciplined. You may need somebody supportive and sensitive to any physical restrictions that you might have. Spend at least half an hour with a trainer, talking through what you want and what you don't want, and gauge the trainer's response. You must feel comfortable with the trainer before you commit. Many trainers will offer the first hour free, or at a discounted rate, to help the client make a final decision.

Be practical

Don't hire a trainer that lives tens of miles away or can only meet you on a Sunday morning. Be realistic about what you need and can support. Are you already a member of a gym? Does the trainer have his/her own facilities that you can use? Establish how the trainer can complement your day-to-day life. Remember that you need to make exercise as easy as possible or you will falter at the first excuse. You may prefer to share the session with a friend. Has the trainer got room for this, and is he/she prepared to do it? Find out all the facts first.

The 'man or woman' dilemma

One of the most common quandaries faced by prospective clients is whether to go for a male or female personal trainer. This is an entirely personal decision, but ideally you should go for the best candidate in terms of experience, temperament, availability and cost, regardless of gender. Some women are more comfortable training around other women, whereas others find that male personal trainers are more demanding and effective. Remember that the one factor that should not influence your decision is whether you are attracted to the trainer or not. This is a big mistake, and will only serve to distract you from your fitness goals!

If you are serious about getting into shape, then a personal trainer could be just the boost that you need. Never rush into committing to a trainer before you have carefully considered all the options. Personal trainers are seldom cheap, and you need to ensure that you have the best match for your personal needs.

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