A personal trainer’s job is basically to design an exercise program geared toward your individual health needs and concerns, taking into consideration your own fitness goals and your schedule of course. A trainer can also provide guidance and information on the various training principles and should be a motivational and inspirational person to help you adhere to your exercise program. Personal training should not be considered a luxury; it is an investment, one of the most important investments you can make. It is an investment in your health and well being as well as an investment in your time.

Without doubt, I would certainly recommend that anyone who is uncertain about ‘what to do’ when starting an exercise program, or even any ‘experienced’ exerciser who has reached a plateau in their own program, should seriously consider hiring the services of a personal trainer.

Once you have made the decision to hire a trainer, there are a couple of questions that you may find yourself asking; Where do I find one? What should I look for in a trainer? As I mentioned earlier, personal trainers have for a long time been seen in health clubs, fitness centers and spas, the staff at these facilities should be able to recommend a trainer for you to meet with. You may also find that exercise instructors and fitness organizations can recommend trainers to you. Colleges and Universities may also have personal trainers associated or connected to their Physical Education departments.

What should I look for in a trainer?

The trainer you employ should have completed and passed a nationally recognized fitness training certification. Unfortunately, due to the fact that there is no governing body to regulate or maintain standards of personal training certifications, this means that there are literally hundreds of fitness related certifications currently available in the United States. Certification certainly adds credibility to a trainers resume and provides that added assurance for a potential client.

Certifications such as American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA) and The Cooper Institute (Physical Fitness Specialist Certification) are all highly recognized and regarded within the industry worldwide. There are of course many other reputable agencies that offer excellent certification programs. Information on these agencies can be accessed from the Internet. The trainer should also possess up to date First Aid and CPR certifications.

I strongly believe that a trainer should ‘look the part’ as we all know, a picture paints a thousand words. In simple terms what I am saying is that the trainer should portray a very professional image; they should look like they work out also. In fact they should work out! They should practice what they preach, right? What would your thoughts be if you arrived at your club for an appointment with your trainer and found him/her waiting outside sucking on a cigarette and munching on a double cheeseburger? Not what you want to see is it?

So, what else do I need to consider and ask a trainer?

“How long have you been a trainer?” (experience does help but don’t ignore ‘rookies’ if they meet your needs; you may have just found yourself a great trainer!).

Does the trainer have a portfolio of client success stories and testimonials showing the effectiveness of their training programs? This is extremely important.

Does the trainer have experience with “special populations?" (this is important if you have any special needs such as arthritis, diabetes, joint problems, back problems or any other medical concerns. You need to make sure and communicate this).

Is the trainer insured? (you may find that they will come under the insurance of their employer, if they are an independent trainer check this out because it will be important in the event of any possible accidents).

“Are they available when YOU are available?” (if you cannot get a session with them at a time convenient to you and compatible with YOUR schedule, you are most likely wasting your time with that particular trainer).

“Does the trainer speak in plain, understandable language?" Do they avoid all the trendy “jargon?” (the vast majority of trainers are extremely knowledgeable, but if you don’t understand what they are explaining to you, there will be communication problems in future sessions.)Some trainers can be too technical.

“Do I like this trainer?” (this may seem trivial and silly to some people, but if you really don’t like your trainer, chances are you will not enjoy working with them and remember YOU are paying THEM!)

I also believe that a trainer should be energetic, motivating and fun, so you are more likely to stay with your program and achieve the results you dream of!

A trainer should also understand what YOUR needs and goals are. For example, if a trainer is let’s say, a competitive body builder, it would not be appropriate for the trainer to put the you on the same kind of program as them, unless of course you too are starting or competing in bodybuilding yourself. Similarly, if the trainer is a marathon runner, you won’t want to spend you time pounding the treadmill each time you have an appointment with them. It is all about balance! A balanced program should include resistance and cardio exercises and should cater to your needs; a balanced program should be a tailored program to help you reach your goals in the most efficient and safe way.

How many sessions will you need?

This is generally up to you, the client. However, some trainers do require a minimum amount of sessions to be purchased when starting a new client, while others might allow you to enroll on a one by one basis. Much of this will also depend on what you are trying to achieve, what goals you have set for yourself and of course how much you can afford to spend!

Consider what you need; are you looking for that ‘something extra’ (maybe a couple of new exercises) to boost an already somewhat successful exercise program? Or, are you looking to go all the way and have a full fitness assessment, program design, nutritional guidance as well as the one on one assistance? If the latter is the case, you may be wise to ask the trainer if there is a discount incentive for purchasing multiple sessions at once.

Pricing…………….

Considering that an average personal training session lasts somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour. Health Club trainers are most likely to charge $25 – $40 per session at the club where they work.

Independent trainers with a strong and highly regarded reputation can charge between $50 - $100 per session. All ‘high end’ personal trainers that have established a ‘before & after’ series of incredible magnitude could charge as high a $200.00 or more per session.

One of the reasons why I have developed my Personal Trainer Video® and my Personal Trainer DVD’s® is to help millions of people experience in-home personal training, One on One at a reasonable cost and in a time convenient manner for you.

Program adherence………….

Personal trainers for all their worth, do not weave a magic wand! It is YOU that is responsible for the exercise. YOU must make the time in your schedule to work out. YOU are responsible for showing up for your appointment with the trainer. YOU are responsible for your own self discipline. YOU spent the money….only YOU can waste it!

You have taken the boldest step by making the decision to adjust your lifestyle, stick with it, don’t give up and remember…………

YOU CAN DO IT……………………

Always believe in yourself! America's Personal Trainer™