You've seen the men with the bulging muscles and women with tightly toned bodies instructing clients in the gym and outdoors... But what are personal trainers all about?
What makes a "good" trainer and should you consider hiring one?
The health and fitness community is overwhelmed with gimmicks, flashy individuals, and under-qualified "professionals" but do not let this dissuade you from seeking out a trainer. Many men and women in the fitness industry take pride in helping their clients reach their fitness goals! Here is what to expect...
The Purpose Of A Personal Trainer
A quality trainer will provide education, guidance, and expertise to their clients in the following areas:
- Proper Exercise Form
- Workout and Training Programming
- Motivation
- Accountability
- ...and so much more
A trainer can save you valuable hours and days of wasted exercise - ensuring that each of your workouts are progressing you towards your fitness goals! Many will offer to create a program to follow on your own and keep you focused and out of the dreaded fitness "plateau!"
Personal Trainer Certifications
You should always inquire about the credentials of a fitness trainer before hiring them. Along with insurance and CPR training, the top certifications for personal training are:
- ACE (American Council of Exercise)
- ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
- NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine )
- ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association)
- AFPA (American Fitness Professionals and Associates)
Also ask about any certifications or degrees from colleges and universities. Any fitness professional will be proud to show you these. It is essential that your trainer is certified. This means that they were tested to ensure they have the fundamental knowledge of anatomy and exercise to keep you safe and out of harm's way!
Finding The Best Personal Trainer
You should never settle for the first personal trainer you run across. Always interview multiple trainers before making a commitment. You should be looking to stick with this individual and reach your goals within a reasonable time period. Obviously, you wouldn't want to continue training if your results are not satisfactory, but you should not form the habit of hopping from one individual to another - constantly restarting your program! Here is a basic timeline of events that a quality fitness trainer should follow:
- Initial Interview - Discussing your fitness goals, exercise history, and basic medical concerns
- Facility Walk-Through - A tour of the facility you will be training at
- Fitness Assesment - A thorough test and evaluation of your strength, endurance, and coordination
- Fitness Programming - A customized plan to progress you to your final goal(s)
- Periodic Evaluations - Re-evaluations of your progress and amending the program if needed
Do You Need A Personal Trainer?
The short answer - it depends on you an your goals!
Fitness trainers are not always needed. However, it would be a wise decision if you are:
- A Fitness Beginner
- Recovering From or Working Around An Injury
- Lacking Motivation
- Bored With Your Fitness Routine
A high quality personal trainer will ensure your safety, save you time and frustration in the gym, and keep you on track and motivates to reach any fitness goals that you may have!
Do your homework, get to know the trainer personally, and feel confident that you are taking a step to a healthier lifestyle!