How to Choose a Personal Trainer
A personal trainer can greatly improve your chances of attaining your fitness goals, so it's important to choose one who's certified, motivating and, above all, knowledgeable.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine your fitness goal. Whether it's to lose weight or complete a marathon, a clear goal will help you narrow the choices of trainers and find one with related experience and expertise.
-
2
Consider where you want to work out. Location can often determine your selection of trainers.
-
3
Decide how much you're willing to spend. Trainers can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 an hour, depending on their professional background, clientele and services.
-
4
Research your options by requesting trainers' brochures from local gyms and asking for referrals from friends.
-
5
Check for certification. Your trainer should be certified by at least one nationally recognized organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) or the National Strength and Conditioning Council (NSCC).
-
6
Check for personal liability insurance. Most trainers are required to carry insurance to protect their clients and themselves against personal injury and property loss.
-
7
Ask if the trainer knows CPR. Most certifications require CPR training, but it's good to ask anyway.
-
8
Talk with the trainer and determine whether you feel comfortable and confident with his or her skill level and dependability.
-
9
Set a date and time to begin training.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Some trainers are willing to train small groups, which can reduce your cost.
If you haven't exercised in a while, prepare to be sore after your first training session. Ask your trainer for suggestions on how to ease the soreness.
Alert your trainer to any orthopedic concerns you may have, such as shoulder, back or neck injuries.
Check with your physician or health care provider before beginning an exercise program.
Related Searches
Comments
-
goldiec
Feb 23, 2009
Great article. I've known some great personal trainers and they really know what they are doing. -
starlet67
Jan 19, 2009
Great tips for finding a personal trainer! 5*
-
laurie1979
Jan 05, 2009
I was thinking about writing an article about this myself. Maybe someday, I would be a PT but for now, I'm too busy to be one. I do love to help people with weight loss if I can. Great article.
-
Jacqueline Abner
Jan 03, 2009
Great article. In Massachusetts, you don't even have to be certified to work! People need articles like this to open their eyes to the inept trainers that are out there.
-
Joe Rivera
Dec 27, 2008
well I have written an article on how tofind a kickboxing instructor and one on how to pick the Martial Art that is best for you...those might help your search
