Choosing The Right Personal Trainer

When I was working full time as a personal trainer several years ago, I was an independent contractor at a gym in Seattle. I was responsible for keeping my books in order and filing taxes both quarterly and at the end of the year. In other words, I found a really nice CPA who was willing to take my (not very organized) box of receipts and income information and then let me know how much to send the IRS.

In a similar way, I know that when people have issues related to their teeth, they see their dentist. When people are ill, they see their doctor. Isn’t it a relief to know that when you need a particular service, there are people who have studied, trained and are specialized to help fill that need? It would be very disturbing to find out that someone you hired to fix your car had never really had any schooling to become a mechanic, wouldn’t it?

I absolutely love what I do; I always have. However, one of the most frustrating things about the fitness industry is how unregulated the field of personal training is. There is no exact path that someone must travel to become a personal trainer. Some obtain a college degree in physical education, exercise science, exercise physiology or something similar area of study. Others choose to attend a trade school. Still others study and take a certification exam from one of many different organizations. Every gym is different in what they require of their personal trainers, so it really is up to the client who is doing the hiring to research and decide what the most important qualifications are to them.

What should you look for when choosing a trainer?

In my opinion, one of the most important questions to ask is, 'What are the trainer’s credentials?' At the very least, the trainer should be certified through a reputable organization that requires testing to obtain it, and that also requires the trainer to take continuing education for recertification every couple of years.

Because the fitness industry is constantly changing, it is important to stay on top of the latest trends and findings. True professionals will be happy to share with you information about the classes and conferences they have attended to continue learning. As for reputable certifications, there are quite a few, but here are some websites of some very well-known organizations:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association: www.NSCA-Lift.org
• American Council on Exercise: www.AceFitness.org
• American College of Sports Medicine: www.acsm.org
• National Academy of Sports Medicine: www.nasm.org

If you are a member of a fitness facility and have the ability to watch the trainers with their clients, this can be very helpful in deciding which one to hire. Each trainer has a different motivational style and way of interacting with their clients.

Is the trainer engaged with the person, or distracted? Is she carrying a cell phone and taking calls or texting during an appointment? Does the trainer encourage the client, or yell? You may find the “drill sergeant” style very appealing. Perhaps you like a more gentle approach. Remember, you will be spending concentrated time with this person and spending money to obtain his or her services; make sure the trainer's personality makes you feel comfortable.

Since each human body is different, each program that a trainer designs should be different. There will be similarities and some of the same exercises from client to client, but make sure the program is unique for your needs. A program should also be changed frequently. If your trainer is not changing your program on a regular basis, this should be a red flag.

While personal trainers can have a variety of clients, each one tends to have strengths in one or two areas. Be very thorough when interviewing trainers if you have had an injury that you need to work around. Your trainer should be willing to communicate with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure you are getting stronger and not risking further injury. Make sure he or she has experience working with clients with similar conditions.

Finally, is this potential trainer someone you admire? Does he seem to be living a healthy life and practicing what he preaches? While a “perfect” body is not necessary, I would want to know that what this person was telling me really works!

In general, hiring a trainer is a great way to make your workouts challenging, enjoyable and effective. It is crucial that you do your research when deciding whom to hire. Ask for references! A referral from someone else goes a long way to ensure you are making the right decision. The more homework you do, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your investment and the closer you will be to reaching your fitness goals!