| Written by Diana Hoffman, on 20-08-2007 13:01 |
Training Your Eye for a Good Personal Trainer
If you want to lose weight, build muscle or just get healthier, hiring a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction. But not all trainers are the same. Here are a few things your trainer should - and shouldn't - be.
Did you ever daydream about having that healthy body and lifestyle,
but just can’t seem to find the right plan? Does your weight go up instead
of down? Jogging or facing the treadmill everyday just isn’t your
thing? Hope is on the way. With the fitness boom, personal trainers are
taking action and ready to mold your body and shape your lifestyle no
matter what your goal.
The good? Gone are the days when only a certain financial status could
afford a spandex-clad trainer. Today, personal trainers are accessible
and affordable for everyone. The down fall? With every craze, many
unqualified salespeople try to take advantage of those who are just
looking for a motivator and partner.
Here are some guidelines for planning your search for the right
personal trainer. Think of it as shopping for your new healthy
lifestyle:
1. The Difference Between a Personal Trainer and a Sales Consultant
A personal trainer is an educated professional who is certified to help clients meet fitness and lifestyle goals, educate them on specifics like strength
and endurance training or nutrition, motivates them for a progressive
plan while tracking progress and stands accountable for his or hers client's success. A
consultant may see you once and not follow up with your plan or just pushes
you into buying a program.
“Know what your getting,” says Rocco Castellano, Personal Trainer of AskRocco.com. “There are so many trainers out there, it’s
important to do your homework. Find someone who knows what do do with
the information you give them and sets a plan.”
2. What to Look For in a Personal Trainer
You found a prospective trainer through a referral or Internet, now
it’s time to interview. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s your
pocketbook, but even more importantly, your body.
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Education: The resume doesn’t cut it. We all know these can be beefed
up by fancy words. Check out the certification. Respected associations
include the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National
Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council
on Exercise (ACE). Your trainer should have a continuing education and
frequent practice. Notable organizations, such as, ACSM require
certified trainers to have a formal education in an exercise science or
related field. In addition, ask about their knowledge of specific
training, such as, strength or endurance or nutrition.
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CPR: A trainer must be able to perform CPR and present the updated certification.
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Liability Insurance: Can they provide proof of insurance to cover any injuries?
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Experience: A professional should be able to prove results from former
clients and the proper plan based on experience and knowledge.
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Good Listener: Make sure your prospective trainer asks specific
questions on your goals, background, family history, medical conditions
and current fitness activities. Do they offer a plan? Do they give you
attention or talk jargon? If they ignore your questions or neglect to
follow up with a plan-move on.
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Appearance: Yes, appearance in this case reveals a successful trainer.
Can they talk the talk or are they full of fluff? A trainer should
exhibit a well-toned body and healthy lifestyle with a plan they
followed personally.
3. Your Financial Investment:
According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association in a
recent study, the average price of a personal trainer costs $50-$100
per hour. Make sure a trainer is within your budget. Is there a cancellation fee?
Get everything in writing and compare it to your income. You don’t want
to be stuck making payments and not seeing results. No fun on this one.
4. Your Plan:
Come prepared not only with the right questions, but also know what your goals
and objectives are. Do you want to lose weight, gain strength or endurance,
look like a dancer? Write down everything. Follow up with research on
your medical history or important information. A visit to the doc isn’t
a bad idea before getting started with your trainer.
Remember for any plan, it’s about you and your happiness. Stay
consistent and don’t expect miracles in a day. With the help of a
motivator and professional, you’ll get there with the lasting results.
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