| How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer |
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| by Diet Detective Editorial Staff | |
| Friday, 07 July 2006 | |
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You want experience, personality and the right credentials? Read on and
find out what you really need to know before choosing a personal
trainer. After you've finally decided it's time to hire a personal trainer, what's next? It takes a lot more than just showing up on time for your appointment to really meet your fitness goals. When in pursuit of a personal trainer, finding the right mix of knowledge, talent, credentials and affordability could make you dizzy. Still, it's really not much different than the challenge of finding the right hair stylist, masseur or even therapist. Before you make a decision, keep these things in mind when interviewing personal trainers.
Professional credentials: First things first. You must find out the trainer's professional background. Ask if he or she has been certified by an accredited association. The ones to look for are the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). You should also ask if the trainer is insured and if he or she is a freelancer or employed by the gym (this could significantly affect your fee).
Fees: Personal trainers come in all shapes, sizes and even age groups-not to mention price points. Fees vary widely, from only $20 an hour to $200 or more (for big-name celebrity trainers). It all depends on the city you live in, the type of fitness facility you belong to and the experience and status of the trainer. Here's a few tips before you end up draining your savings account: Package deals are usually available, so pretend you're at the flea market and negotiate, negotiate, negotiate! Remember, the competition is intense among personal trainers for new clients, so don't be shy. Your body-and your pocketbook-will thank you.
Personality: Don't fool yourself, because this is an important one. After all, how can you be motivated to sculpt your body when you don't have a rapport with your trainer? When you first meet your potential trainer, ask yourself some questions. Is it easy to have a fun conversation? Do I feel comfortable with this trainer? Can I trust this person? The more upfront you are about your goals, needs and expectations, the better off you'll be. More than likely, you'll be spending a lot of time together, so here's a hint: If your trainer can make you laugh, you're off to a great start.
Aesthetics: Is a buffed, picture-perfect trainer better qualified than a less imposing one? Watch out: Looks alone can be deceiving. More muscles on your trainer will not always translate to a better workout (or trim, toned biceps) for you. This quality is only as important as you make it. If it's eye candy you're looking for between sets, then looks might be something to consider. If not, stick to the credentials mentioned above. Bookmark:            Trackback(0)
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