Q: What certification should I look for in a personal trainer?
Answer: Most importantly, no certification will guarantee that someone is a great trainer. The information taught in almost all certifications is generally outdated and basic.
It is really up to the trainer to learn outside of the certification process. A good trainer will have a mentor (preferably many mentors) that has shown them how to successfully deal with many situations, train people efficiently and effectively, and how to design a great training program.
A good trainer should also possess critical thinking skills. They shouldn’t simply do what all the other trainers are doing or copy workouts and exercises straight from a book or website.
If you are familiar with my training programs, you will know that they contain basic, no-fluff exercises. There’s no standing on gym balls or other dangerous and relatively ineffective training methods. There is nothing in my programs that I can’t justify. The trainer you choose should also be able to justify their exercise programs.
If I were picking a trainer, I’d insist on them meeting a very high level of criteria. After all, your trainer is in charge of your body and your health. You should demand a lot from your trainer. That’s the only way your training will reach another level.
Feel free to email me for trainer recommendations throughout North America. I might be able to recommend someone for you.
Craig Ballantyne trains athletes and executives in Toronto, and writes for Men’s Fitness magazine. His trademarked Turbulence Training workouts and his comprehensive workout manuals (including “The Ultimate Bodyweight Workout”) are featured on his website Turbulence Training [http://workoutmanuals.com/ModShow/ShowPage/74952].
