Health Tips : Picking a Fitness Trainer

Selecting the perfect fitness trainer could be the difference between a successful exercise program and an unsuccessful program. Be very selective when selecting your fitness trainer.

Below are frequently asked questions that people looking for fitness trainers often ask. Ask yourself these questions to determine if your fitness trainer is the best for you.

Is the trainer within your budget?

You can expect to pay between $20 and $100 an hour for your fitness trainer. A few trainers will offer decreased package rates when you purchase more than one session.

Is your trainer available when you intend to work out?

Be sure that the trainer can accommodate your schedule.

Does the personal trainer have a certification, degree, or background in a related medical or exercise science field?

A certification or degree will assure that your trainer has the ability to construct a fitness program that will fit your needs.

Make certain the certification is a national recognized organization (ACSM, NSCA, ACE, AFAA, IDEA, etc.). Every person’s workout program ought to be different to accommodate different needs.

Does your fitness trainer have a current certification in CPR and First Aid?

Safety during your exercise program is very important. the trainer needs to have the knowledge to assist in an emergency.

Does your trainer or facility require a health screening or release from your doctor before starting your exercise program?

If you’ve special needs during your fitness program that are results of a past injury or medical problem, a specialist trainer will discuss any exercise considerations with the doctor.

How does the fitness trainer interact with their clients during the workout session?

An interested trainer will use hands on help, such as touching the bicep during a bicep curl as you concentrate on that muscle during the exercise.

When you are uncomfortable with hands on help, they need to provide encouragement and motivation.

You probably will not want to pay $100 an hour for your fitness trainer to only count your repetitions during the fitness session.

Demand more for your money.

Are you comfortable with your trainer’s gender?

A number of people like working with a personal trainer of the same sex, and others prefer the opposite sex.

Do you feel that you’ll get along with the trainer?

So that you can have the best working relationship, you ought to be sure that you lie your fitness trainers personality.

The two personalities should click. Carefully interview the trainer to see what approach he or she’d have with you.

Is your personal trainer willing to design a fitness program that you understand?

You should always know why you’re doing a certain exercise. Your fitness program should be developed so that you can participate in the fitness program without your trainer at all times.

Does your fitness trainer exhibit good listening skills and communicate well?

You want your trainer to be able to address your need. If the trainer doesn’t communicate effectively, you won’t know what to do during the fitness session.

A professional trainer will never make you feel uncomfortable to ask questions.

Does your fitness trainer address your objectives or expectations?

In the starting of your workout program, he/she should sit down with you to address why you want to start a workout program, what you expect to get out of the workout program, and your objectives that you want to achieve during the workout program.

Does your personal trainer provide you with clear cancellation policies and billing procedures?

Before starting, make sure you understand all policies attached to your fitness program.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 9:47 am and is filed under Fitness Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “Health Tips : Picking a Fitness Trainer”

  1. Hema Says:

    These are all really good points. You should meet with your potential trainer first for a free chat. During that chat you should ask about what you think they see as a realistic goal for you with a timeframe and what they see as your program consisting of. Make sure that there is enough variety in the program that you won’t get bored. Make sure there is no “steady state cardio” built in as that is just a waste of time. Make sure they will change your workout in 6 weeks.

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