Q: I am ready to hire a personal trainer, but I am unsure how to find the best one for me. Any suggestions?
A: Hiring a Personal Trainer is well, personal. Each person has their own goals and personality, and the key is finding a trainer that can keep you motivated, and on track with your goals.
Below are some suggestions on how to choose the right personal trainer.
1. Education
Look for a personal trainer with a NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) certification, and/or a college degree in exercise science or a related field. This lets you know that your personal trainer has a solid educational foundation in exercise program design.
NCCA certifications include ACE, NASM, AFAA, and many more.
2. Work experience/Areas of Expertise
Does he/ she have expertise in a certain area of fitness or prefer to work with certain types of clients, for example — sports conditioning, pre-natal fitness or post-rehabilitation? Ask them about your specific needs and limitations.
3. Rates
Personal training fees can be based on a trainer's experience and reputation, as well as facility prices if the gym regulates trainer's costs. Though you will meet with your trainer more often at first, your financial investment should decrease as you become more independend, knowledgeable and fit.
Does a trainer offer individual personal training and/or do they offer group personal training? Group personal training can be a great budget friendly option to individual training.
4. Talk to Your Trainer
Developing a personal yet professional relationship with your trainer is important. The personal trainer you select should motivate you using positive, not negative reinforcement. A trainer that listens to your goals and limitations is important to your overall success. Importantly, that trainer should be someone you like, you will get the best results with someone you connect with.
5. Professional Liability and Business Policies
Many personal trainers operate as independent contractors and are not employees of a fitness facility. Ask your trainer if they carry professional liability insurance, and make sure you understand their cancellation policy. If you are hiring a Personal Trainer at a 'Big Box" gym (Ballys, 24hr Fitness), make sure they listen to your goals and limitations, and respect them! If you find that your trainer isn't meeting your needs, ask for another trainer!
