Getting in shape can be difficult – especially if you're unsure how to exercise. Hiring a personal trainer takes the mystery out of exercise, making fitness work for you.
by Melyssa St. Michael, CPT
Personal trainers, once considered a luxury for the elite, are now accessible to all. A rapidly growing profession, with roughly 350,000 certified trainers nationwide, personal trainers not only have extensive education in the areas of exercise physiology, exercise science and kinesiology, they are also the most satisfied with their careers. According to a survey performed by the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, 88 percent of respondents reporting were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their jobs, compared to the national average of 71 percent. Helping people find a way to get fit is a trainer's modus operandi. This is what makes personal trainers so effective — they love getting results for their clients.
While you may not have considered utilizing a trainer before, working with one can benefit you in ways that working out by yourself may not. For instance, a personal fitness professional assesses exactly what your body can and cannot do, taking the guesswork out of which exercises are appropriate for you, and, above and beyond that, how many times and how often you need to work out. Trainers also teach you proper exercise form and progression, which, in the long run, protects you from potential injuries caused by incorrect movement or lifting too heavy. Trainers help you to get to your goals faster, teaching you how to work smarter, not harder.
With your trainer looking after your body's best interests, you're free to concentrate on your main goal — working out and getting results. Even if you just use one for a couple of sessions to learn the basics, it's worth it. However, before you hand over your credit card to the first trainer you see, learn how to hire the best trainer for you.
finding a trainer
Almost all gyms have personal trainers on staff, or available by appointment. If you're new to a gym and unfamiliar with the staff, keep a watchful eye around you as you work out. Observe your gym's personal trainers while they work with clients. This is a great way to start narrowing down your choices. Some gyms provide a free personal-training session to help orient new members. If that sounds like you, give it try. You have nothing to lose, but don't hesitate to try a different trainer if you don't connect.
Look for trainers who are active, attentive and watchful of their clients during a session — beware of the trainer loitering on a piece of equipment, looking the other way while his or her client performs an exercise.
Another great way to find a trainer is to ask for recommendations from friends who have worked with trainers. Friends will give you an honest opinion, preventing you from having a not-so-great experience with a trainer.
Once you've got an idea about whom you would like to work with, set up an introduction. Some gyms may require you to contact the trainer that you wish to work with directly, while other clubs may be able to book the appointment for you.
the initial consultation
The first appointment is a very important step. This is where your trainer-to-be asks pertinent questions. Most commonly, you will discuss your medical history, your needs, goals, current lifestyle, as well as exercise history and current exercise regimen. Though most of the appointment will be spent talking about you, it's imperative that you use this time to interview the trainer thoroughly. Here are the top three questions you'll want answered.
Q. Are you certified?
Currently, there are more than 100 certifying bodies for personal trainers. Certification requirements vary, with the most stringent mandating a four-year degree. Others are not as strict, but they do have high testing standards and continuing-education guidelines. Yet some require candidates only pay $99
for a certificate by mail. Making sure your
trainer-to-be is certified through a reputable
organization is important — it could mean the difference between getting results vs. getting injured. A trainer who's certified has the knowledge to impart safe exercise standards and guidelines through exact testing and assessment protocols.
Q. What are your qualifications?
Is your trainer new to the profession? Are you the trainer's first client? What's the trainer's experience level and how many clients is the trainer servicing? What certifications does the trainer hold, and what was the source of the training education? These questions will lend insight into your prospective trainer's background, knowledge and experience.
If your trainer is brand new, that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she won't be any good. However, if you have specific needs, such as a weak back or tricky knee, an inexperienced trainer may not be the one for you. You may be better off with somebody who has experience with your unique situation.
Q. How do you think you can help me?
Listen carefully. This is where your trainer-to-be will let you know if he or she has truly been listening, or if the trainer is just intent on selling you the biggest personal-training package possible. It's important that any trainer you work with understands your goals and needs.
Also, it is imperative that what a trainer suggests is realistic for you based on your lifestyle. If you had originally explained that you have only two hours per week to work out, and the trainer implies that you need to work out five times per week, you may want to talk with a different trainer.
signing on
Once you've found a trainer you feel comfortable with, you'll want to get started immediately. However, there are a few final details you'll want to know before signing.
The cancellation policy What happens if you have to cancel your contract, or, conversely, if the trainer can't meet his or her end of the agreement?
The refund policy Should you not be able to finish out your personal-training package, will you be able to get your money back?
Liability If you were to hurt yourself during a session, how would that be handled?
Availability Is your trainer available during the times that you are able to work out?
Price If you buy more sessions, is the cost less — can you split sessions with a friend?
Workout details How long is a typical session? Do you need special equipment or gear?
next steps
Your first session will most likely be a fitness assessment. After testing your muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity, your trainer is then able to put together an effective workout regimen. The next appointment with your trainer will be a full-on workout. And that's when the real sweat and satisfying results begin.
