But personal training is not about glamour. It is about becoming healthy and staying healthy. It is about learning exercise and nutritional strategies and techniques that will help keep you fit and feeling better. It is not just for "superstars": it is for everyone.
We live in a fast paced society that seems to leave us with no time to exercise or to eat right. Thank goodness, our society has so graciously provided us with the awesome convenience of prepackaged unhealthy processed food that we can simply toss in the microwave or grab and eat on the run (um...no thanks!). The result is a nation of people who ultimately find themselves out of shape and wondering how they got there. The solution that many find to fix this problem is to join a gym. But all too often, their gym membership suffers due to eventual lack of motivation and the frustration of not seeing results.
This is where the option of employing a personal trainer becomes very practical. More and more folks are choosing to work with personal trainers now then ever before because of the serious state of our health in America. Having a personal trainer provides them with the education, motivation and accountability they need to finally get physically fit. Each one of us can benefit by working with a personal trainer, as long as we have the right trainer.
Finding a good trainer, and finding the right one for you, is absolutely essential to your success. You are investing your time, money and yourself into this person so it is wise to make sure that you find a trainer that is the best fit for you. Here are some important things that you need to look for when choosing a personal trainer. As you read through these, you will also understand many of the advantages you will receive by working with a personal trainer.
1. Make sure that your trainer is certified and that the certification is reputable and up to date. Ask to see their certification and look up the organization on line to make sure they are accredited. Beware of any certification that you can not find credible information on. There are "personal trainers" out there who have received a certification by simply paying $50.00 and filling out a form. I have had many clients who have come to me from these types of trainers and they come with horror stories. Make sure your trainer is properly certified and educated.
2. All trainers should be carrying updated certification in CPR. It is also a plus if they have first-aid training and certification. A good trainer will want to be prepared for any possible emergency situations that may arise.
3. It is important that any trainer you employ carries liability insurance. Even though your trainer may have you sign a Liability Waiver, they need to protect both you and themselves with this type of insurance. You can ask to see their policy.
4. Does your trainer have experience? Experience is essential as you want to make sure that you are working with someone that has a proven track record. Ask for references and client testimonials. Talk to some of the trainer's current clients and ask them specific questions about issues you may have concerns about. A good trainer will be happy to oblige you in this because they know that they have maintained a good reputation with everyone they have worked with. Knowing that your trainer operates in a professional manner and is a person of integrity is a must!
5. You can choose a personal trainer simply by observing them with other clients. Are they professional and courteous when dealing with their clients? Do they seem to have good rapport and are they sincere or just saying what they think their client wants to hear? Do they stay focused on their client or do they strike up conversations with others or play with their phone? Are they enthusiastic about their job and are they able to motivate their clients? Are they instructing, educating and correcting their clients or are they just putting their clients through the motions. Do they address questions that their clients may ask or do they ignore them or skirt the issue? Is their clients safety a concern? Observing a trainer will definitely let you know if this is the person for you.
6. A good trainer is concerned about you as a total person and not just as a "training session". A trainer should be interested in your overall health and not just getting you to exercise. It is important that your trainer sits and talks with you before you ever hit the gym floor. There is no way that a trainer can put together the proper program for you if you have not discussed your goals, medical history and current physical state and health issues. A good trainer will glean as much information from you as possible before determining what direction would be best for you. Your trainer should also put you through an initial physical assessment based on the information that you have provided. This assessment will inform both of you where you stand and it will act as a baseline to compare your future progress with.
7. Are they goal oriented? As a client, you are employing a trainer to get you from point A to point B. It is the trainer's job to help you set goals, work towards those goals and achieve those goals. A good trainer writes down and keeps good records. These records are the data that is used to track your progress and measure your success. These records are also used by the trainer to assess if what they are doing for you is working.
8. Your trainer should be as concerned about your nutrition as your exercise regimen. Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. You can exercise all you want but if you are not getting the proper nutrition, all that exercise can actually be counter productive.
9. Using a personal trainer is not just about your training "sessions". Your trainer should prescribe an outside program for you that will compliment and enhance what you are doing with the trainer during personal sessions. The overall training program should be one that takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to new levels. All programs should be designed to your current level, goals and with your safety in mind.
10. A good trainer is always available to answer your questions or address your concerns. Of course, your personal time with your trainer is sacred just as the trainer's time with his other clients is sacred. But a good trainer will communicate with their clients when possible to provide them with the information they need.
There are also several red flags that you should watch out for in a personal trainer. If your trainer exhibits any of these signs, especially on a regular basis, then I would suggest not using that trainer and finding another. Here are some of the red flags:
-They ignore or don't address your questions.
-They never return phone calls or e-mails.
-They do not concentrate on you during your personal session.
-They push you beyond your ability and to the point that you feel pain or hurt in a way that you shouldn't or they work you so hard that you can't get out of bed the next day. Of course, you should expect some soreness but not to the point of being disabled.
-They tend to brush off injuries telling you to push past them or they diagnose injuries without referring you to a doctor.
-They recommend supplements, weight loss products or other "fitness" products without having you talk to your doctor first.
A good personal trainer can provide you with what you need to help push you past where you are now. They will provide the know-how, the experience, the accountability and the enthusiasm to keep you moving towards your goals. They will become your advocate and your friend. It is a great thing to have someone in your corner who cares and is interested in your success. Even top professional athletes and Olympians have personal trainers. They understand that partnering is essential for bringing out the best in them. Personal training can be a benefit to anyone.
And here's the bottom line: It is so important that you and your personal trainer mesh. After, all...it is your "personal" trainer. Your trainer needs to be about you!
Happy Training,
Mark