Hiring a personal trainer isn't a situation that should be taken lightly. They're not cheap, and if your trainer doesn't know what's up, your time with them can potentially lead to injury. Ideally, you want to find a knowledgeable and committed trainer who can help you reach your goals. Here's what to look for when in the market for a trainer.
Accreditation and Education
Since there are a lot of shoddy personal trainer certification programs, make sure to look at any prospective trainer's credentials. First, find a trainer who has completed a personal training certification program from a NCAA-accredited organization: the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Council on Exercise, and National Academy of Sports Medicine are all respected within the industry. But don't stop at personal training certification; ask if they have any supplemental education in their field. If possible, find a trainer with a degree in an exercise science or physical education program. It's more than OK to ask to see their résumé.
Personality and Professionalism
Before getting yourself locked into a contract, notice what kind of professional mannerisms a trainer has. First and foremost, make sure that they listen to you carefully — the last thing you want is a trainer who doesn't care about your needs. Since every client is different, a good trainer will set up a program tailored to the individual needs of each client. Honesty and passion also go a long way in a good trainer. You want someone who can set up realistic goals with you and also be candid about how you are doing. Ultimately, the relationship you have with your trainer is a professional one, but finding someone that you mesh well with can be the difference between being able to do 10 push-ups or 20.
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Accreditation and Education
Since there are a lot of shoddy personal trainer certification programs, make sure to look at any prospective trainer's credentials. First, find a trainer who has completed a personal training certification program from a NCAA-accredited organization: the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Council on Exercise, and National Academy of Sports Medicine are all respected within the industry. But don't stop at personal training certification; ask if they have any supplemental education in their field. If possible, find a trainer with a degree in an exercise science or physical education program. It's more than OK to ask to see their résumé.
Personality and Professionalism
Before getting yourself locked into a contract, notice what kind of professional mannerisms a trainer has. First and foremost, make sure that they listen to you carefully — the last thing you want is a trainer who doesn't care about your needs. Since every client is different, a good trainer will set up a program tailored to the individual needs of each client. Honesty and passion also go a long way in a good trainer. You want someone who can set up realistic goals with you and also be candid about how you are doing. Ultimately, the relationship you have with your trainer is a professional one, but finding someone that you mesh well with can be the difference between being able to do 10 push-ups or 20.
Read more...