Diamonds in the Ruff: How to find a good personal trainer
by Aaron
M. Potts
zone3
The question of how to find a good personal trainer is as old as the
industry itself. In fact, it usually gets transformed into an even bigger
question - should you even hire a personal trainer? Conveniently enough,
the answer to one of those questions will dictate the answer to the other
one - every time!
The short and simple truth of the matter is that you should only hire a
personal trainer if you can find an effective one that is right for you.
Here are several things to consider before you decide!
Professionalism
The term professionalism should cover our prospective trainer's skills,
as well as his/her ability to act in a professional manner. Both are
critical to the training process, and if a trainer is lacking in either
department, it will spell doom for your program eventually, either in the
short term, or later on down the road.
The days of personal trainers just being jocks with a certification are
(thankfully!) coming to a close. Today's personal trainer needs to be a
consummate professional with regard to his/her actual skills, as well as
ability to treat their clients in a professional and business-like
manner.
For now let's just agree that if your trainer doesn't have a clue about
how to get you in shape, you probably don't want to hire that trainer!
What about their level of professionalism? A good personal trainer will
always maintain their professional bearing. They don't need to be some
stick in the mud with no personality, but there are several things that a
trainer should NOT be doing during a training session. These include
things like staring at themselves in the mirror, daydreaming, excessively
talking to other people, talking on their cell phone, checking out members
of the opposite sex, and just generally not focusing on you during the
workout.
Your trainer should look professional as well. Although the actual
clothing standards vary widely, some things that you should not see are
excessive body jewelry, the latest fashions such as arm bands, beanie
caps, combat boots, etc., or any clothing or accessories that are worn
simply as decoration or because the style is in. The latest styles have
absolutely nothing to do with your training program!
Credentials
Which level of personal training certification is the best has been and
continues to be a matter of extreme debate. This article will not
propagate that debate with further discussion of the details. However,
what you should take home is the fact that regardless of your fitness
goals, your trainer should be qualified to train YOU.
For general health and fitness, any of the top 10 nationwide
certification agencies offer acceptable programs. A brief list includes -
but is not limited to - the International Sports Sciences Association, the
American Council on Exercise, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
There are others, and your trainer should be more than happy to point you
to the website that governs his or certification, so that you can learn
more on your own.
For more specific considerations like training for a sport or athletic
competition, your trainer will need a higher degree of expertise. The
American College of Sports Medicine has a great program and is one of the
most recognized certifications for sport specific training.
You should ask very specific questions about how a potential trainer is
going to tackle the particular issues that you want covered during your
training program.
Facility
Regardless of your potential trainer's credentials and professionalism,
you need to know where you are going to train. The industry standard of
only working out at a gym is being challenged more and more these days. It
is possible now to find a trainer who will come right to your house and
train you, or possibly meet you outside, or in your housing area community
fitness center. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to go
to the gym if you want a personal trainer!
Schedule
One of the biggest issues for trainers and clients alike is scheduling.
After all, you both have to be in the same place at the same time for a
minimum of 30 minutes, and possibly as long as 90 minutes. A good trainer
will try to find a way to fit you into their schedule. It won't always be
possible, especially with a highly sought after trainer, but if the
trainer truly wants to help you, they will do their best to fit you in.
Rapport
Having a good rapport with your personal trainer is crucial! If you and
your trainer don't get along, it's a waste of time for both of you. You
will likely end up more frustrated than ever, thinking that even a
professional couldn't help you!
Working with a personal trainer that you like is necessary, and on the
flip side, the trainer should like you as well. You don't necessarily need
to pick out curtains together, but you should at least be able to carry on
a comfortable dialogue while you exercise. Most good trainers are good
communicators as well, but if the two of you aren't very comfortable with
each other, then it will cause tension and increase the risk of your
program meeting with failure.
A good personal trainer will agree to meet with you face to face before
you actually sign up for a training program. Some trainers offer a free or
low-cost initial consultation, and that is the perfect time to size up
your trainer to make sure they fit your needs!
You should take home the fact that the definition of a good personal
trainer is someone who is not only a professional, but is also appropriate
for your specific personality, needs, goals, and desires. You may be
working with this person for awhile, so choose wisely!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Potts' experience as a Fitness Professional has included
management positions with local and nationally known fitness facilities,
as well as in-home and outdoor training with clients from all walks of
life. Find out more about Aaron's programs at his personal training site
at http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com/
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