Choosing a Personal Trainer

Why should I use a personal trainer.

What ever the motivating factor, whether it is to lose weight, build muscle, or prepare for a sporting event, hiring a personal trainer might be a good call. Generally you could expect to achieve better gains in a shorter amount of time if you hire a good trainer.

What is a Personal Trainer?

This person's job is to listen to your goals, assess your fitness level, set up a safe and effective program and motivate you beyond what you could do yourself.

A trainer also provides:

• assistance in goal setting and achieving these goals.
• education on all aspects of your training including nutrition.
• a scheduled appointment which you are obliged to keep.
• motivation, motivation, motivation.

What you can Expect with a Personal Training Session

Most Personal Trainers will train you for an hour. During this time you might expect a small amount of cardiac, some stretching and then the bulk of the session will be tailored to you needs. This might include circuit work, strength training, cross training, sport specific exercise or a combination of these and other techniques. Your trainer should keep you motivated and pushing solidly through your workout. The end may involve some trainer assisted stretches.

Down to the Nitty Gritty - How do you choose a Personal Trainer (the checklist!)

• Education: Standard certifications include ACSM , ACE or NSCA . Your personal trainer may have an alternative certification or degree. Make sure you check their credentials carefully
• CPR: certification is essential
• Insurance: check your personal trainer has liability insurance. Alternatively the gym may provide this coverage for the trainer.
• Experience: Choose a trainer that specializes in your area of interest. If you are interested in training for a triathlon it makes little sense in choosing a bodybuilder for a trainer.
• Medical: Make sure you inform your personal trainer of any injuries you have. He/She should be knowledgeable in common injuries and be happy to work with your doctor.
• Focus: During you training session your trainer should be totally focused on you! You know you are in trouble if your trainer takes phone calls during your session.
• Progress: A good trainer will monitor your progress, adjust your program, and discuss and modify your goals. Good communication is a key asset for a successful trainer.
• Interpersonal Skills: Along with all the technical stuff you should have a good re pore with your trainer. His/Her personality must gel with yours.

What you can expect to pay

This varies immensely. A typical price could be $40-$80 per session although many trainers offer a discount for an up front purchase of 10 sessions. Trainers that are in high demand may charge much more that this.

Where to start looking

If you cant find what you're looking for at www.TrainersUSA.com then you may consider some other alternatives:

• Get a referral from a friend who's had success in reaching their goals with a personal trainer
• When you're at the gym, watch trainers with their clients. This will give you an insight into whether any of the gym trainers may meet your needs

So you think you may have chosen the wrong Personal Trainer. Do they.......

• Is not focused on your workout.....ignores or dismisses your questions
• works you at a level that is obviously beyond you....or doesn't work you hard enough
• Recommends questionable supplements or herbs, steroids.
• Talks on their cell phone during your workout.
• Doesn't return phone calls
• Misses training sessions