If you’ve committed yourself to being the best that you can be, physically and mentally, through a dedicated fitness program, then it is vital that you approach it highly informed and with ample motivation. Anything less may result in injury to yourself and discouragement, which will put you back where you started.
You can do all of the research and information gathering yourself, which is a great excuse for procrastinating, or you can engage the services of a personal trainer and get started today. For those who are intimidated just by walking into a gym, the idea of finding the right personal trainer may be downright scary.
Personal trainers exist because, as fitness goes, the same things are not right for all people. Even though the same basic principles apply to everyone, each individual needs their own strategy to achieve their own particular goals. A good trainer will help you zero in on your ideal strategy and motivate you to achieve your goals.
Finding a good personal trainer doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. There are some basic guidelines to follow and just remember: You’re the boss!
Here’s what to look for in a good personal trainer:
Education and Certification. There are a lot of certification programs out there. Look for the most recognized such as, NASM, ACSM, NSCA (you can Google these) and make sure that they’re current. Consider those with B.S. degrees in related field.
Experience counts. There are scores of new trainers entering the field. Many are here today, gone tomorrow. Find one with at least 5 years of experience. These trainers should have a decent client base for you to tap into for references.
Personality type. You need the right personality in a trainer. It doesn’t necessarily have to match yours, but it should be one in which will mesh well with yours especially under the stress of a butt-kicking workout.
Seeks to understand. Does the trainer ask the right questions? Even in an initial screening, he or she should ask about your specific health goals, your current fitness level, current life style and any restrictions you might have. Check his communication style. Ask a few question of him and see how he responds. Does he just like the sound of his own voice or is clear and concise in his answers. Trainers who like to let you know how much they know may not be as attuned to your needs.
Knows you inside-out. There should be a thorough assessment process for taking measurements (blood pressure, body fat, circumference, muscle imbalance, movement range, and flexibility) as well as complete medical questionnaire. Some trainers will put you through a few endurance tests to gauge your fitness level. The more your trainer knows about you the more streamlined your program will be.
Has the answers. Be ready with your questions. You want to know that he is a professional with solid character as well as an effective trainer. What’s his training philosophy? Ask for a written mission statement. Ask about rates and cancellation policies. They should be in print. What specific services are provided? Is there a contract? Get a copy. What are his hours? Do they fit your schedule? Do you need to pay for a gym membership?
You will want to interview at least three or four trainers and don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials or the opportunity to speak with some clients. Use a star system to rate each one. As long as they meet the basic requirements list here, your final decision may well come down to your gut feeling.
You’ll know that you have chosen well, when in your fifth or sixth week you see and feel the results, and you’re as motivated then as you were the first day. Finding the right personal trainer can be the most rewarding thing you do for your long term fitness and health.
If you live in the Birmingham, Alabama area, and are looking for a licensed Birmingham personal trainer [http://personaltrainerinbirmingham.com/] to assist you in achieving your fitness goals, call us at 205-202-1877 or visit us at http://www.personaltrainerinbirmingham.com [http://personaltrainerinbirmingham.com/].
John Michaels
