How to pick a personal trainer

working out Today’s guest post is by Diane Raymond, an ACE-certified personal trainer. You can check her out at the Blue Sky Gym blog and Fit Girl in the City. I’m thrilled to feature her here at This Mama Cooks!

Pick a Pro!

You’ve probably seen them at your gym – gum-smacking dudes toting clipboards and buff chicks donning a wry, sadistic grin; both focused on a single goal: getting their clients in peak condition. And you’ve probably wondered, “Do they know what they’re doing?” Or “How does all this ‘trainer stuff’ work?” If you have thought about hiring a trainer, but aren’t sure where to begin, or doubt whether the investment is worth its sweat, read on…for not all trainers are pros.

Fitness professionals are trained to help guide you toward your goal, design effective and safe programs that match your abilities and facilitate progress, monitor your progress and offer support and encouragement. The problem is, there are so many fitness trainers today that finding the one that is perfect for you can be challenging. What separates the ‘good’ from the ‘great’? Use this handy guide to select a qualified trainer.

Certification

Having a certification alone does not guarantee quality. These days there are more certifications than trainers (industry experts estimate anywhere between 40 and 400 agencies offer certification.)

Accreditation is important because it helps ensure that professional you’re hiring has the ability to design safe and consistent fitness programs.

NCCA-accredited organizations include: ACSM, ACE, NASM, NSCA, IFPA and The Cooper Institute. For a complete, current list of organizations that pass muster, or have applied for accreditation, visit: www.noca.org/NCCAAccreditation/AccreditedCertificationPrograms.

Trainers are also required to be certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid.

All certifications should be current. Certifying agencies require trainers to maintain their certification by completing a certain number of continuing education courses every two years. If you are uncertain whether a particular trainer’s certification is up-to-date, ask to see a copy of his/her current certification(s).

Education

A degree in a health/fitness discipline, such as kinesiology, exercise physiology, exercise science, health promotion, or physical therapy gives trainers a sound foundation in the fundamentals of movement, health behavior change, program design, exercise testing and proper nutrition. Look for a BS or MS in a health or fitness-related field.

Training philosophy

Ask yourself: “What kind of shape do I want to be in? What would I like to be able to do that I can’t do now?” Then, find out how your prospective trainer likes to train. For example, if improving functional fitness so that the tasks of daily living are easier is important to you, then hiring a trainer who can help you develop optimal core strength and stability, flexibility and improved range of motion will be a better match than one who specializes in elite body building.

Location

Joe Trainer might be the best in the city, but if he only trains at Club Y and it is 50 miles from your house or office, will you be willing to schlep across town in the pre-dawn hours for your scheduled session? Many gyms have qualified trainers on staff. Start there if training at your gym is the most convenient option for you. There are a number of trainers who will also come to your home or train you outdoors, but be sure to ask if he/she charges more for in-home services, or for traveling a certain number of miles. A growing number of personal training studios catering to personal trainers and their clients are springing up around the country. This is a nice option if you don’t already belong to a gym and want quality time with your trainer without distraction or the curious stares of other gym members.

Client feedback

You wouldn’t hire someone to remodel your home without asking for references first. Follow the same protocol when selecting a personal trainer. Ask current and past clients about their experience with the trainer you’re screening and if the reviews aren’t stellar, move on. There are plenty of quality trainers to select from, once you know what you’re looking for.

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Diane Raymond is the Founder of Blue Sky Gym, a personal training business specializing in outdoor and in home personal training, lifestyle and weight management coaching, workshops and educational resources. She is a noted consultant, workshop presenter and freelance writer. Check out her daily musings about training, health, and personal fitness at Blue Sky Gym blog and Fit Girl in the City. You can also find her on Twitter or Facebook.