Selecting a Trainer
Selecting a trainer can be a challenging task but with a little luck - and a lot of common sense - you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
Some of the basic things to look for in a Fitness Trainer include:
- Certification by a creditable organization
- Experience
- Attitude and personality
- Appearance
- Overall fitness philosophy
Take the time to interview your trainer - that's right, interview. This person is interviewing for a job as your personal trainer. Don't accept being told that a trainer will be assigned to you or that you have to settle for the next available trainer. That's not what you're paying for.
Find out what kind of credentials or certifications they have (we covered this in the previous section). Find out how long they've been a trainer. Where did they work before? For how long? Do they know CPR? What routines do they use? How often do they exercise? You want someone who's been doing this long enough to know what they're doing and who obviously looks like they practice what they preach.
Next, ask about their overall fitness philosophy. What you want to hear are words like balanced, holistic, whole body, and so on. Make sure their philosophy matches yours so you don't get pulled in a direction you don't want to go.
You also need to ask about the business side of things. What are their rates? What are their payment terms and conditions? Payment up front or afterwards? What if you're not satisfied? Are there refunds? Are they insured?
Lastly, ask yourself, "Would I feel comfortable working with this person?" If the answer is "yes," you just might have a keeper.
A Few Parting Thoughts
Here are a couple of final thoughts on Fitness Trainers:
- It's a trainer's job to push you. However, if something hurts or just doesn't feel right, stop. Don't let the trainer inadvertently push into an injury.
- Your trainer should encourage and motivate you in a positive way. You shouldn't stand for abusive or insulting comments from a trainer unless you've signed up for some type of "Boot Camp Drill Instructor" type of program.
- You are paying for the trainer's time. Make sure you get your money's worth. Your trainer's attention should be on you during your workout and not talking on the phone or doing paperwork or working with other clients.
- Be wary of a trainer that urges you to purchase vitamin supplements, diet pills, gym membership, or any type of exercise equipment. They're probably getting a commission on each sale. Remember, you paid for fitness training, not a sales pitch.
- Lastly, remember that your physical health is ultimately your responsibility. Your trainer can help, but you've got to make the decisions that keep you on the path to balanced health and fitness.
Your Next Step
Working with a Fitness Trainer can supercharge your workouts. Your next step is to learn What to Consider when Selecting your Workout Clothes, or you can return to the Physical Health page.
Page Updated: 10/26/06
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