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How to Choose a Personal Trainer
   
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How to Choose a Personal Trainer
In the fitness industry there is a joke that goes something like
this: The reason I decided not to become a personal trainer is
that I had no table waiting experience and I didnt want to
become an actor.
This may sound humorous but, unfortunately, there is a core of
truth there. Because there are no strict guidelines about who
can call themselves a trainer, almost anyone who has a job or
career aspiration that demands a high degree of physical fitness
can hang out a shingle or get a job coaching at your local gym.
In fact, it is very common for an actor, sports model, or
athlete to try to pick up extra money by working as a fitness
instructor, especially because there is good money to be made by
doing so.
While these individuals may know what works for them as far as
exercise and diet goes, that does not automatically qualify them
to train others or to give them nutritional counseling. What Are
Your Goals? The first thing you need to be clear about when
considering a trainer is what goals you have in mind. Do you
want someone who can design an exercise and nutritional protocol
that will help you to shed 20 or more pounds? Do you want to
develop greater strength and muscularity, perhaps with the
guided use of protein drinks and sports supplements? Do you want
to get back into shape after a pregnancy or a long period spent
without exercise? Or maybe you are trying to slim down for a
class reunion, wedding, or other family event.
Once you are clear on what you would like to accomplish, it will
be easier to find the person who has the experience and
qualifications to help you get there.
Where Do I Find Trainers to Interview? There are several ways to
locate trainers. Word of mouth through friends, colleagues, or
your family doctor are good places to start. You might also
check your Yellow Pages under Personal Trainers, Health
Clubs, and Exercise and Physical Fitness.
Another great resource is the National Strength & Conditioning
Association (NSCA), one of the largest nationally recognized
fitness organizations (www.nsca-lift.org).
Questions You Should Ask a Prospective Trainer Once you have
found a trainer who look promising, you need to learn as much
about their qualifications as possible. The first and most
important question you should ask is What qualifies you to be a
personal trainer? NSCA and Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialists (CSCS) are two nationally recognized certifications.
A background in exercise physiology, sports medicine, physical
education, or anatomy and physiology are also helpful because
that tells you that this individual has made a thorough study of
the body and how it works.
It would also be a plus if your trainer were involved in some
sort of elite exercise him- or herself, such as body building.
If you need nutritional guidance from a trainer, make sure that
he or she has some kind of solid education and background in the
subject.
Ask your prospective trainer what their goals are. If they tell
you they want to star in films or have their own sitcom on NBC,
they are probably not the right person for you. You will also
want to know the length of time a person has been working as a
trainer and how many clients they have coached.
The most important thing you can request are client referrals.
Speaking with people who have received fitness instruction from
the trainer you are considering will give you an idea whether he
or she is the right person for you.
Some questions you might consider asking clients are:
How long have you worked with this trainer? Has he or she
helped you to achieve your goals? Do you feel like this trainer
makes efficient use of the time you have together? Does this
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perform it with good posture and body positioning? Have you
ever been injured when working out with this trainer? Do you
find him or her professional and supportive of your goals?
Starting Out: What to Expect Once you have chosen a trainer,
there are certain questions they should ask you and evaluations
they should perform.
First, they should be very clear about what your goals are and
make some suggestions as to how they can help you to achieve
them.
Before even beginning an exercise program they should do a
complete physical evaluation of your strength, range of motion,
flexibility, current exercise routine (if youve been working
out on your own), any injuries you might have sustained over the
years, and any physical limitations you might have (such as a
weak lower back or arthritis in your knee or shoulder joints).
Once they have designed a unique program to fit your body type,
level of ability, and goals, they should be able to give you
clear instructions and a clear idea of how to correctly position
your body on any exercise ball, machine, or with any free
weights.
You will only get the maximum benefit from each exercise and
avoid injury if your trainer is knowledgeable about physiology.
They should be able to coach you on correct posture, which
includes good head, neck, shoulder, arm, lower back, hip, and
leg positions for each machine or exercise.
Good posture and positioning of the body will enable you to
perform exercises correctly and without pain. If something is
hurting you or you feel undue strain, stop immediately and
communicate this to your fitness instructor. Improving your
level of fitness takes effort, endurance, and consistency, but
not to the point of strain or injury.
A good workout program should include enough sets and
repetitions of each movement to challenge you and to fully work
each body part. If you are doing two sessions per week with a
trainer, they should spend one on upper body and abdominals and
the second session on lower body and abdominals. In other words,
they should thoroughly work each section of the body and allow
it enough time to recover in between workouts.
Warning Signs There are certain behaviors you should be aware of
that might indicate that a trainer is not being as professional
as they should be with a client.
A trainer should be a good listener, always attentive to your
goals. If your trainer is constantly using a lot of I and me
statements, they are not making good use of your time together.
They should be focused on your needs, your progress, and what
you require.
A good trainer should always respect emotional boundaries.
Beware of trainers who want to tell you their life story, ask
you for advice in their career, or pour out their heartaches and
stories about their love life. You are their client, not their
therapist. It is equally time-wasting to work with a trainer who
encourages you to take about your own problems. In such a
situation is it easy to feel sucked dry emotionally and talk
your way through your hour, instead of getting the full workout
you are there to do.
We are all human and have our ups and downsand we mention them
from time to timebut this should first and foremost always be a
professional relationship from which you need to get a certain
amount of value for your physique.
Lastly, a good trainer should always keep upgrading your
workout. If weeks go by and someone is still having you do the
same amount of sets and reps with the same amount of weight,
they are not helping you to make progress. The body will
eventually acclimate itself to any exercise routine and it needs
to be continually challenged. If you follow these guidelines,
you should be able to find a trainer who will help you to meet
your goals and improve your physique, energy levels, and general
health. Good luck!
About the author:
Philip Goglia is a Los Angeles-based nutritionist, trainer, and
author. Goglia has just released SmartJourney, a metabolic food
program that is personally tailored for each individual. There
is no one-size-fits-all diet, says Goglia. We realize that
everyone has their own unique metabolic type, and we design a
program just for you. For more information about effective
exercise and nutrition, please visit his website
www.SmartJourney.com.