By doing some research and asking the right questions, you can find a Personal Trainer best suited for your individual needs and goals. After all, it is called "PERSONAL" Training for a reason. Working with someone who has the right credentials, experience and personality can help you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently while keeping you motivated and educated.
The following are some important criteria which should be met to provide safe, motivating and effective fitness strategies.
Credentials.
I have said many times over, everyone who lifts a weight thinks they are trainer! I've seen several situations where well meaning people try to "play" personal trainer and end up injuring someone or creating muscle imbalances etc. Certified Trainers are educated to work with preexisting medical conditions, medications etc. A NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IS A BASIC MINIMUM REQUIREMENT! . To become certified, personal trainers must pass an exam through accredited organizations such as The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and many require a practical exam as well involving case studies. They must take courses every year or two (Continuing Education Credits) in order to renew their certification. This ensures the trainer is current with fitness trends, medical and nutritional information. This ensures they've met certain standards of professionalism and competence from a trustworthy organization as well as provides accountability. Always ask to see a current certification!
Experience.
We all have to start somewhere. I too was a new trainer with beginnings training at the YMCA in Barrington. I worked there for about 10-12 years and look back with fond memories! The YMCA is an excellent place for new trainers to start out! The Y not only nurtured me but sent me for courses to further my education. As a newly certified trainer, I had plenty of experience as a bodybuilder but was not accustomed to developing programs for other people. It took me a few years to realize it wasn't practical to train everyone the way I trained myself! WITH EXPERIENCE COMES WISDOM. Throughout the years, trainers will get to experience various medical conditions, different methods of training, different personalities of clients etc. An experienced Personal Trainer can offer tried and proven methods designed for your specific needs.
Personality.
This is huge! You can find a Personal Trainer with many certifications such as myself, have years of experience, but your personality doesn't mesh well! There is nothing wrong with that... Is your personality that which likes to be yelled at and a heavy dose of "tough love" or do you prefer someone with a more gentle approach and is more of a cheerleader? Do you prefer someone with a good sense of humour who will make the workouts fun or do you prefer some one who is all business and takes a military approach? I have clients who are both ends of the spectrum and have managed to meet both their needs. Be sure to meet with a prospective trainer and get a feel for their personality. Ask how they like to personally train and even what their hobbies etc. are. This will give you an idea of their personality and if you can work with them.
Philosophy.
This is a great one! Ask most Personal Trainers their fitness philosophy and they won't have a solid answer. What is their approach to fitness and your personal fitness routine? Do they prefer free weights, machines, bootcamp, crossfit or another type of training? On what believes do they structure their business? Do they communicate with their clients outside of the training sessions? Do they develop friendships or is it a business relationship? And if so, is it the type of philosophy are you comfortable with?
Specialties.
I used to say Personal Trainers are what the General Practitioner is to the medical field. They kind of cover a broad spectrum of training. They aren't a specialist such as a Physical Therapist , Massage Therapist of Dietician. However, most all trainers have a specialty(s). If you are looking to improve your time or make your running more efficient, it would make sense to choose a trainer who is a runner and has a history working with people who are triathletes and runners. If you are looking to improve in a certain sport, a trainer with a background in that specific sport will probably be more effective. Which background does the trainer come from? Chances are, she will be more passionate about it and will understand the nuances of the sport or weight loss programs.
Cost.
Cost can vary greatly depending on location, experience, certifications... The cheapest trainer isn't necessarily one who is inexperienced just as the most expensive trainer isn't necessarily going to be the most experienced. Shop around. If the cost of individual sessions is a deterrent, most trainers offer packages, couple and small group training as options as well.
Availability.
Consistency is key for results. Many good trainers are busy. I've seen some trainers who are great salesmen and could sell an ice cube to an Eskimo! But when it comes to maintaining client satisfaction are lacking. Trainers who are passionate and deliver results are generally going to have busy schedules. How many clients does the trainer currently have? Do they have a fixed or a floating schedule? Do they have openings for the time and days most convenient for you? Does the trainer like to book appointments the same day/time each week or does the schedule change frequently? Can missed appointments be made up? What is the cancellation policy and is it clearly laid out? How far in advance are you able to book appointments? These are all questions which can determine if the trainer is a good fit for your busy life.
Location.
Do you prefer a gym setting or the privacy of a personal training studio? Do you mind driving to the gym in rain and snow or do you like the convenience of having someone come to you? An experienced trainer will have the creativity and equipment to train people just about anywhere. I've personally trained people in parks using playground equipment, in homes using equipment I've brought such as kettlebells, rubber tubes, kickboxing equipment, people's workplace, and my favourite... even trained at the beach! Generally, if you train in a fitness facility, the price will be set by the individual facility management and the trainer receives a portion of the fee. In-home training will require the trainer to come to you which involves travel time and more creativity and experience on the trainer's part. There are additional costs incurred by the trainer such as travel, personal liability insurance, quarterly income tax payments etc. which may be reflected in the cost These are all factors when deciding location.
Reputation.
This is huge!!!! I believe reputation is important. The best compliment a person can receive is a raving fan. Does the trainer have clients who have achieved goals similar to yours, have INTEGRITY in their business when it comes to scheduling, handling payments, as well as showing up when they have an appointment? Ask some of the current and past clients what their experience has been. This will give you one of the best overviews of how your experience may be!
Choosing a Personal Trainer can be overwhelming. Keep in mind, YOU ARE THE BOSS! You are paying for a service and a product. There are literally hundreds of people claiming to be a Personal Trainer in this immediate area alone! By asking some key questions you can help find the right fit. I recommend watching the prospective trainer while she trains his clients. Are the people she trains motivated and consistent? Does the trainer seem engaged with the client or are they just in it for the paycheck? Meet with the prospective trainer to discuss your goals, medical and physical limitations and restrictions as well as their policies. Most trainers will give a free training session to allow a "test drive" before committing to a program. At the end of the day... you have the right to choose who you would like to work with to achieve your fitness goals and also have the right to terminate the relationship.
*Feel free to contact me if you would like help choosing a prospective Personal Trainer or have questions regarding becoming a Certified Personal Trainer.