Trainer Training
A personal trainer with 5 or more years of experience does not necessarily have knowledge on fitness subjects. A recent study showed personal trainers with a degree in exercise science and high-level trainer certifications were much more likely to be knowledgeable than those who just had experience.
What a Trainer Does--Exercise
A personal trainer should be able to give you a weight training program that is right for you and supervise you while you do it, correcting technique and providing motivation. Personal trainers should help you plan your aerobic exercise, but not necessarily do it with you. They may run or walk with you or work out with you, but it is your choice if you want to pay someone to do that. Some personal trainers may also give you the option of going outside for a circuit or obstacle course sort of routine.
A personal trainer can give you exercises to strengthen the muscles you use in golf, but you still have to see a pro to perfect your swing. An occasional trainer may be able to teach you how to swim, for instance, but generally you need someone else to do that. Make sure trainers have credentials and experience before you ask them to teach you sports skills.
Medical Issues
A personal trainer should ask you in the initial interview about any medical problems you have or have had in the past, including medications you take. Personal trainers should contact your doctor if necessary or ask you to get a medical release if you have a condition that training can exacerbate.
What a Trainer Does--Nutrition
A certified personal trainer should be able to give you accurate information on nutrition, but not make out a diet for you or tell you specifically what to eat. That is the job of a registered dietician, not a gym pro with personal trainer certification. A personal trainer may refer you to a dietician if you need further guidance.
Also, personal trainers can give you information about natural supplements, but should not make taking supplements a required part of your program. Evaluate any supplements the personal trainer may try to sell you against others on the market and don?t take anything without reading the label.
Trainer Compatibility
Find a personal trainer you feel comfortable with. You may be spending a lot of time with this person, and you should be able to focus on the exercises, not the trainer. If you find you do not get along, or this person's teaching style isn't for you, ask the club's training supervisor to find you another trainer. Trainers usually understand this, as not all personalities are a fit. (If you're training at home, just quit and find somebody else.) Sometimes you may feel you have learned all you can from a trainer and would like to try working with somebody else. Discuss this with the trainer, who may be able to recommend someone.
On-line Training
There are a number of Web sites that offer fitness programs, ranging from an off-the-shelf version for your goals to fully interactive programs. Some personal trainers offer services on-line. You can save money with these, but you may also need to work out one-on-one with a real person to get best results. Some people need an appointment with a personal trainer, not a computer, to stay motivated.
If you have special problems or are very out of shape and a real beginner (as well as a Net enthusiast who's let fitness go), you may not be able to do exercises properly without seeing them in person. You may want to get a good start with an in-person personal trainer, then continue with an on-line version. Consider what fits your needs and personality, and choose accordingly.
Pushing Supplements
Be suspicious of any personal trainer who tells you your success will depend on taking certain supplements, especially if he or she is selling them. Reputable trainers and gyms often do sell supplements, but they should just make them available, not give you a hard sell. Your success depends on good nutrition and sticking with your exercise program.
Trainer Waiting List
If you?re ready to start an exercise program and the personal trainers who have been recommended put you on a waiting list, find another personal trainer equally qualified. If a trainer is busy, it doesn?t mean he or she is worth waiting for, especially if waiting is going to cause you to lose your enthusiasm for exercise.
Training at Home
Many people prefer working out at home, and lots of trainers are happy to come to your home. Some do home training exclusively. You may be asked to pay a little more for in-home training than gym training. Make sure you get a contract and understand the trainer's rules, including what happens if you cancel or if the trainer doesn't show up. Use the same criteria you would to evaluate a gym trainer, except be even more careful. Ask the trainer to come to your house for an interview before you commit any money, and have your partner or a friend with you until you are sure you are comfortable with the trainer.
How Many Sessions
You can see a personal trainer regularly for years, or you can take a few sessions and then work out on your own, perhaps seeing the trainer for a checkup every few weeks.
It is often worthwhile to book just a couple of sessions to make sure you?re using the equipment correctly. It?s customary for personal trainers to sell packages, often 10-12 sessions, at a reduced rate. These usually have to be taken in a certain time period and are paid for up front. Trainers who are club employees are bound by club rules, but those who are independent are more flexible. You may have to shop for a trainer you like who offers a deal you like. Don?t be pushed into something that?s too long or too expensive for comfort. You may not be able to get your money back.
Trainer Certifications
On your quest to find a personal trainer, make sure they are certified by a reputable agency. This indicates they have at least the minimum qualifications to work with apparently healthy people, though there are also advanced certifications. Some reliable certification agencies are ACSM, ACE, NSCA, NASM, and AFAA. If your personal trainer is certified by another agency, check the agency's website or ask to see their literature. Certifications should require continuing education and seem appropriate for what you want. You are within your rights to ask to see trainer certifications or talk to other clients they have trained, if you have any doubts about their credibility.
How Hard to Work
There can be a fine line between too little and too much effort. A good personal trainer can encourage and guide you to greater gains by getting you to work harder than you would on your own. However, if he or she pushes you so hard that you are constantly sore or begin to dread your workouts, it?s time to ask them to back off, or find a personal trainer who listens to your body.
Train With a Partner
Many personal trainers will train two people at the same time for a discount rate. If you have someone you want to work out with and you need a personal trainer, you might want to find out about training together. More than two people in a conventional session doesn't work as well, but clubs and trainers are coming up with more creative options.