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Diamonds In The Ruff - Finding A Good Personal Trainer
Aaron Potts
The question of how to find a good personal trainer is as old
as the industry itself. In fact, it usually gets transformed
into an even bigger question - should you even HIRE a personal
trainer? Conveniently enough, the answer to one of those
questions will dictate the answer to the other one - every
time!
The short and simple truth of the matter is that you should
only hire a personal trainer if you can find an effective one
that is right for you. Here are several things to consider
before you decide!
Professionalism
The term professionalism should cover our prospective trainer's
skills, as well as his/her ability to act in a professional
manner. Both are critical to the training process, and if a
trainer is lacking in either department, it will spell doom for
your program eventually, either in the short term, or later on
down the road.
The days of personal trainers just being jocks with a
certification are (thankfully!) coming to a close. Today's
personal trainer needs to be a consummate professional with
regard to his/her actual skills, as well as ability to treat
their clients in a professional and business-like manner.
For now let's just agree that if your trainer doesn't have a
clue about how to get you in shape, you probably don't want to
hire that trainer!
What about their level of professionalism? A good personal
trainer will always maintain their professional bearing. They
don't need to be some stick in the mud with no personality, but
there are several things that a trainer should NOT be doing
during a training session. These include things like staring at
themselves in the mirror, daydreaming, excessively talking to
other people, talking on their cell phone, checking out members
of the opposite sex, and just generally not focusing on you
during the workout.
Your trainer should look professional as well. Although the
actual clothing standards vary widely, some things that you
should not see are excessive body jewelry, the latest fashions
such as arm bands, beanie caps, combat boots, etc., or any
clothing or accessories that are worn simply as decoration or
because the style is in. The latest styles have absolutely
nothing to do with your training program!
Credentials
Which level of personal training certification is the best has
been and continues to be a matter of extreme debate. This
article will not propagate that debate with further discussion
of the details. However, what you should take home is the fact
that regardless of your fitness goals, your trainer should be
qualified to train YOU.
For general health and fitness, any of the top 10 nationwide
certification agencies offer acceptable programs. A brief list
includes - but is not limited to - the International Sports
Sciences Association, the American Council on Exercise, and the
National Academy of Sports Medicine. There are others, and your
trainer should be more than happy to point you to the website
that governs his or certification, so that you can learn more
on your own.
For more specific considerations like training for a sport or
athletic competition, your trainer will need a higher degree of
expertise. The American College of Sports Medicine has a great
program and is one of the most recognized certifications for
sport specific training.
You should ask very specific questions about how a potential
trainer is going to tackle the particular issues that you want
covered during your training program.
Facility
Regardless of your potential trainer's credentials and
professionalism, you need to know where you are going to train.
The industry standard of only working out at a gym is being
challenged more and more these days. It is possible now to find
a trainer who will come right to your house and train you, or
possibly meet you outside, or in your housing area community
fitness center. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you
have to go to the gym if you want a personal trainer!
Schedule
One of the biggest issues for trainers and clients alike is
scheduling. After all, you both have to be in the same place at
the same time for a minimum of 30 minutes, and possibly as long
as 90 minutes. A good trainer will try to find a way to fit you
into their schedule. It won't always be possible, especially
with a highly sought after trainer, but if the trainer truly
wants to help you, they will do their best to fit you in.
Rapport
Having a good rapport with your personal trainer is crucial! If
you and your trainer don't get along, it's a waste of time for
both of you. You will likely end up more frustrated than ever,
thinking that even a professional couldn't help you!
Working with a personal trainer that you like is necessary, and
on the flip side, the trainer should like you as well. You don't
necessarily need to pick out curtains together, but you should
at least be able to carry on a comfortable dialogue while you
exercise. Most good trainers are good communicators as well,
but if the two of you aren't very comfortable with each other,
then it will cause tension and increase the risk of your
program meeting with failure.
A good personal trainer will agree to meet with you face to
face before you actually sign up for a training program. Some
trainers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and
that is the perfect time to size up your trainer to make sure
they fit your needs!
You should take home the fact that the definition of a good
personal trainer is someone who is not only a professional, but
is also appropriate for your specific personality, needs, goals,
and desires. You may be working with this person for awhile, so
choose wisely!
About The Author: Aaron Potts is the owner and creator of
Fitness Destinations. Aaron's experience in the health and
fitness industry includes one on one personal training in many
different environments, maintenance of several health-related
websites, and authoring of many fitness-related products for
consumers and fitness professionals.
http://www.fitnessdestinations.com/journal.html
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