There was a time not too long when only the rich and famous could afford a personal trainer. Today, personal trainers are much more available to the general public as gym and fitness center use has become all the rage. Even though a gym or fitness center might have a personal trainer or a staff of personal trainers, you should still use good judgment in selecting the trainer that is right for you. It is up to you to investigate the qualifications and make sure you are comfortable with the trainer you have selected.
There are several things that you need to ask about when looking for a personal trainer. Use caution when asking about their certification. There are hundreds of companies that will certify personal trainers and not all of them are reputable. The three that are recognized as the best are the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Counsel on Exercise. In addition, they should also be certified in CPR along with first aid. Also, these certifications only guarantee that they have met the minimum qualifications for that organization, so make sure to get a list of at least three references. Ask how much they charge? Is it per session only or do they provide package rates as well?
It is important to discuss qualifications because you need to develop a comfortable feeling with your personal trainer. You also need to discuss their training philosophy and how it might relate to you and your conditioning needs or style. It is also important to see if they inquire about your physical fitness levels and any medical problems or conditions in which you may have.
