Benefits of Working with a Great Trainer, Part 2

In Part 1, I talked about what a great trainer can do for you. Part 2, you will discover how you can start getting a feel for a trainer's worth. Start with a paper trail.

1) Degrees & Certifications: Although a piece of paper is not necessarily proof of competence, it is a place to start. It represents a certain level of commitment on the part of the trainer to become educated. It also attests to a level of seriousness with regards to their profession. At the Millburn Short Hills Athletic Club, we require at least a 4 year degree in a health related field. As far as reputable certifications, the following bodies represent a fairly decent degree of quality control: NSCA, USAW, IYCA, ACSM, to name a few.

2) Professional Development: A trainer who earns his or her degree and certification and never follows up with more advanced  information isn't going to be as effective. In my opinion, a great trainer is taking at least 5-6 extra courses or certifications per year. The important thing is continued learning.

3) Specialization: Many great trainers will take their practice to a new level by seeking certifications in specialized systems or training areas. My area of specialization is in the Circular Strength Training system. Also specializing in better movement, olympic lifts, and children's development.  Again, this demonstrates passion and drive. It's important to match your trainers skills with your goals and interests.

4) Portfolio: Trainers keep portfolios or websites where you can view feedback and testimonials from clients.

5) Resume:A trainers total life experience can give you an excellent idea of what you can expect from them.The paper trail allows your logical side to go to work for you. You also have to tap into your intuition when assessing your fit with a trainer.

Intangibles:

1) Walking the Talk: Does your trainer live the lifestyle he or she proposes? I don't think a trainer has to look like a fitness model. I do think they have to look healthy, move well, and be able to proform everything he or she asks a client to do.

2) Value system: A trainers value system guides his or her approach to training and greatly affects compatibility with a given client. I can't stress enough the importance of personal fit when it comes to matching value systems. At the MSHAC, we hold health, longevity, and quality of movement at the top of our training hierarchy.

3) Communication Style and Skills: Our low-key approach to training fits perfectly with our clientele. We are not the "cheerleader" type of trainers.

4) Confidence and Leadership: To me this goes a long way towards indicating the capability of a trainer to put his or her theoretical knowledge into practice. If a trainer is confident and leads the way, chances are he or she has a good handle on their material.

5) Systemic: A great trainer has a system. Our interview process is coherent. We assess you and your needs. We build and explain a logical program around what we learn from you. These are good ares to be aware of in determining if your trainer has a system.

6) Professional Allure: A trainer who takes care of his physical presentation is probably more likely to care about his or her business, and by extension the success of his clients. It matters.

In Part 3, you will learn how to examine yourself and your motivations for wanting to hire a trainer.