Once reserved only for the rich and famous personal training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good elliptical machines and a water bottle.
But unlike her stylist, his coach does not need to be tested and approved by a council of state licensing. Someone with a little over a great body - but has no experience - can print business cards, they ask a personal trainer and take their money.
So if you are looking for a coach, you're on your own. Here are six questions to the coaches in person or by phone before hiring them.
1. Can I have references?
This is the best way to get accurate information. A prospective coach should be happy to give a list of at least three clients that you can contact. Ask the references if your goals are achieved, how the coach helped them to do, and what they liked most about the coach.
If the coach refuses to give references or acts as if it is a major drawback, look elsewhere.
2. By what organization certified?
Certification is given by an organization or an institution with its own procedures and tests securities teaching skills. quality accreditation agencies require costly extensive research, and often, coaches certification process. Usually, this includes written, oral and practical exam components. Other organizations literally "sell" certification, as long as the check clears.
associations accredited certification courses and popular include the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Certification of one of these organizations does not guarantee excellence drag, but only shows that the person has passed the minimum requirements for successful certification. While they are important, certification is a factor that must be used in combination with any other information you collect.
The coach must also be certified in CPR and / First aid and be able to show credentials.
3. What is your philosophy of training / exercise?
A credible trainer should be able to explain a philosophy of exercise. No memory is required here, only a description of how to help customers achieve their goals. How to train clients? How to motivate? Is there an evaluation process? Find out everything you can about how they work with clients to achieve goals.
What is sought here is a reflection of the credibility coach. If the coach says something like "I pulled my client's butts ... No pain, no gain, dude," grateful for their time and move on. Be a smart consumer. Application details and clarification if you do not understand something. This person tells you how to exercise, give you lifestyle information and hold very heavy loads on her head.
3. How to load and how would you pay?
Prices personal fitness courses vary greatly depending on where you live and qualification and training experience. As with everything else, you usually get what you pay for, but there'a no guarantee that the most expensive coach will be best for you and your goals.
Talk to others who have used fitness trainers. Or call the nearest health clubs to determine the average rate in your area. If the coach is in your house, paying a bit more than normal. If you encounter in a gym, they prepare to cover the cost of a guest fee if there is one.
Specific information on all fees and payment must be made. Some trainers charge on a per session while others offer packages and discounts for a number of pre-paid sessions. Some only accept cash. Others accept checks and credit cards. Most fitness trainers have some sort of cancellation policy. They agree on all financial obligations before the first session and insist that both parties sign a billing contract.
Avoid at all costs the trainer who answers a question about fees with phrases like "How much can you pay?" or "How much are you looking to spend?" This is someone who has your wallet - not your fitness goals - in mind.
5. How do you see?
You should never base your selection solely on physical appearance. A person with a flawless-looking body may not know anything about teaching surely how to achieve their own goals. This is especially true if they have achieved their own results through things like drugs, eating disorders or exercise obsession.
The person you hire is taught the skills and lifestyle and not have to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But coaches need to practice what they preach. Let's be honest. Are you really going to respect someone's opinion if you're in better shape than they are? Probably not.
6. What is your comfort level?
Most importantly, make sure you choose a coach with whom you feel comfortable and if your personality is a good match with yours. Above all, trust your instincts. Hiring someone with superior training knowledge is useless if you do not feel comfortable. You need to trust, respect and feel comfortable with them.
You would not buy a pair of shoes without exercise at least I tried to see if they feel comfortable. The same concept holds for hiring a personal trainer. Set up an interview, ask the right questions, and follow your instinct for the perfect fit.
About the Author:
Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a personal fitness trainer and instructor in Chicago specializing in in-home and in-office fitness training. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted at
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