Selecting a Personal Trainer

by Sherry Shelton


There are five key questions to ask when looking for a personal trainer


  1. Is the trainer nationally certified?

  1. Does the trainer have liability insurance?

  1. Is the trainer CPR-certified?

  1. Does the trainer have experience?

  1. Does the trainer have references?

In the past, only celebrities had a personal trainer that would come to their homes to help them sculpt their bodies or maintain sleekness. It's not that way anymore. It has become commonplace for homemakers, business professionals, and retirees to pencil in regular appointments each week with their personal trainer to work out in the privacy and comfort of their own home. These clients are looking and feeling better because they are improving their health and fitness.


It's easy to get started with a trainer but you have to do a little homework to get a competent professional to work with you. Many local gyms or personal training studios have trainers on staff or in-home trainers they recommend. One of the best sources is to check with co-workers, neighbors, or friends.


CONVENIENCE


The bottom line is that people want convenience. They're tired of fighting traffic driving to the local gym only to find they must wait to use various work out equipment or to find out a particular fitness class is already full. Convenience coupled with the recent high gas prices makes working out in the privacy and comfort of their own home makes working out rewarding.


COST


In metro Atlanta, in-home personal trainers typically charge from $60.00 to $75.00 per hour though some can range as high as $100.00 per hour depending upon location. Some trainers sell packages consisting of either 4, 8, or 12 one-hour sessions, while others require a full one-year purchase of training sessions.


CHALLENGE/COMMITMENT


Nutrition, health concerns and fitness goals are discussed in the initial meeting of trainer and client. If the client has diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, or other health issues, approval from the client's physician is recommended. This is also the time to see if the trainer's personality and coaching techniques will match the client's personality and to find out how committed the client is toward working to a healthy goal. Usually clients are given “homework” by their trainer after each hourly session. Lifestyle changes are discussed and goals are set. The trainer teaches the proper way to exercise and how to live out a healthy lifestyle but it's up to the client to work hard to get the results they want. Personal trainers are not magic. They can provide recommendations, knowledge and guidance but the client is responsible for the exercise. You should work with a trainer to be sure the exercise recommendations match the time and effort you're willing to spend on an exercise program. Be ambitious, but be realistic. Spending money on a personal trainer doesn't get you in shape – exercise does.



Published in: Consumer News

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