Choosing a Personal Trainer
By Rochelle Caviness
Is a Personal Trainer Right for You?
Do you like having personal attention, or do you need one-on-one training to stay motivated? Perhaps you don't like working out in a group setting? Do you need specialized training to prepare for an athletic competition? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, a personal trainer may be right for you.
What Do They Do?
A personal trainer is your own private fitness instructor.
- They will help design a workout routine to meet your physical goals and they will teach you how to do the exercises correctly.
- If you have a medical condition or disability that limits your ability to workout, a trainer will coordinate with your doctor to design an effective and safe workout for you.
- A trainer will also help insure that your workout is well rounded, so that you achieve the maximum benefit from your exercise regiment.
- More important, a trainer plays good cop, bad cop. A trainer offers encouragement when needed, or a trainer might turn 'mean' and browbeat you in order to help you achieve your fullest potential. In other words, a trainer is skilled at motivational techniques and will use whatever method is right for your personality, to keep you moving.
How Much Do They Charge?
Personal trainers charge anywhere from $20 an hour on up to $200 dollars or more. Where you have your workout will also affect your cost. A home consultation will normally cost more than one conducted at a gym. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 an hour.
- When hiring a trainer, be sure to ask, and get in writing, exactly what the fee covers. Some trainer's charge additional fees for equipment or materials used, or for telephone consultations. You may also be required to pay for certain health club or gym fees.
How to Choose a Personal Trainer
To a large extent, choosing a personal trainer is a matter of personal choice. For example, most people have a distinct preference as to whether they want a male or female trainer. The choice should also be one based upon the skill of the trainer, cost, and if you are comfortable working with a particular trainer.
- To find a trainer,
contact your local hospital or your doctor. They may be able to recommend a qualified trainer. Another effective method is to talk to your friends and people at the gym. Ask them if they have ever used a trainer and if they would recommend that person. In addition, talking with other people who have used a trainer will help you decide if using a trainer is right for you.
Before choosing a personal trainer, be sure to do your homework.
- Is the trainer certified? Many certification groups exist, but as of yet there is not a national standard. Some gyms offer their own certification programs. A certificate earned from a national, nonprofit organizations such as the American Council on Exercise or The American College of Sports Medicine, may indicate a higher level of expertise.
- Is the trainer certified in first aid and CPR?
- Has the trainer received special training in physiology, such as a college degree?
- How long has the trainer been in business? This is not necessarily an indication of a trainer's ability, however the longer he has been in business, the longer his track record.
- Does the trainer carry liability insurance? If the trainer is uninsured, look elsewhere for a trainer.
- What is the trainer's workout philosophy?
- Will the trainer come to your home or do you need to meet at another location?
- Does the trainer provide any needed equipment?
- Is the trainer willing to modify his program to meet your speed and goals?
- See if the trainer will allow you to sit in on a session with another client, or if the trainer will offer a trial session so that you can get a realistic feel for the trainer's style and methodology.
- What is the policy if you or the trainer is ill, at the time of scheduled appointment?
- Compare costs for similar services. If full time training with a personal trainer is too costly for you, consider having only one or two sessions a month to help you learn new routines and to update your program.
- Ask for, and check, the trainer's references.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.
Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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