Once reserved only for the rich and famous, personal fitness training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good cross trainers and a water bottle.
But unlike your hair stylist, your fitness trainer doesn't need to be tested and licensed by a state licensing board. Someone with little more than a great body--but no experience--can print business cards, call themselves a personal trainer, and take your money.
So if you're looking for a trainer, you're on your own. Here are six questions to ask trainers either in person or by phone before hiring them.
1. Can I have references?
This is the best way to get honest information. A prospective trainer should be more than happy to give you a list of at least three clients whom you can contact. Ask the references if they achieved their goals, how the trainer helped them to do so, and what they liked best about the trainer.
If the trainer refuses to give references or acts as though it is a major inconvenience, look elsewhere.
2. Through what organization are you certified?
Certification is a credential given by an agency or institution with its own educational and testing procedures. Quality credentialing agencies require a thorough, and often expensive, process of certifying trainers. Usually this includes written, oral and practical exam components. Other agencies will literally "sell" a certification as long as the check clears.
Current popular and reputable certification associations include the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and American Council on Exercise (ACE). Certification from any of these organizations doesn't guarantee trainer excellence but shows only that the person successfully passed the minimum requirements for certification. While important, certification is a factor that should be used in combination with all of other information that you collect.
The trainer should be certified in CPR / first aid and be able to give you access.
3 What is your training / exercise philosophy?
A credible trainer should be able to explain a philosophy of training. You do not need a PhD thesis here only a description of how to help clients achieve their goals. How do they train clients? How do they motivate? There is a process of evaluation? Learn howas much as possible on how to reach the objectives of the client.
What are you looking for here is a reflection of the credibility of the coach. If the coach says something like "I kick my ass ... Customer No pain, no gain, my friend," I thank them for their time and move on. Be a smart consumer. Ask for information and clarification if you do not understand something. This person will tell you how to train, an information service, lifestyle and hold very heavy weights onhead.
3 How much do you charge and how you expect to pay?
Prices for personal fitness instruction vary widely on where you live and the coaching qualifications and experience. Like everything else, you usually get what you pay for, but there is no guarantee that the most expensive coach most suitable for you and your goals.
You used to talk to other people, the fitness trainer. Or call the health club in your area to determine the average speed in your area. If 'trainer is meeting you at your home, expect to pay slightly more than average. If you are meeting at a health club, prepare to cover the cost of a guest fee if there is one.
Get specifics on all fees and how payment is to be made. Some trainers charge on a per session basis, while others offer packages and discounted rates for a given number of pre-paid sessions. Some accept only cash. Others accept checks and credit cards. Most fitness trainers have some sort of cancellation policy. Agree on all financial obligations before the first session and insist that both parties sign a billing contract.
Avoid at all costs the trainer who responds to a question about fees with statements like "How much can you afford?" or "How much are you looking to spend?" This is someone who has their wallet--not your fitness goals--in mind.
5. How do they look?
You should never base your selection solely on physical appearance. A person with a flawless-looking body may not know the first thing about safely teaching you how to achieve your own goals. This is especially true if they have achieved their own results through things like drugs, eating disorders or exercise obsession.
The person you hire will be teaching you skills and lifestyle habits and doesn't need to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But trainers do need to practice what they preach. Let's face it. Are you really going to respect someone's opinion if you're in better shape than they are? Probably not.
6. What's your comfort level?
Above all, make sure you choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortable and whether their personality is a good match with yours. Above all, trust your instincts. Hiring someone with superior training knowledge is worthless if you don't feel comfortable. You need to trust, respect and feel at ease with them.
You wouldn't buy a pair of exercise shoes without at least trying them on to see if they're comfortable. The same concept holds for hiring a personal fitness trainer. Set up an interview, ask the right questions, and follow your instincts for the perfect fit.
