Choosing the right trainer is just as important as choosing the right pair of shoes. You want a trainer who knows how to help you accomplish your specific goals and offers the right availability,budget and personality "fit."
Working with a trainer is a partnership. Use the criteria below to ask the right questions of any trainer you interview to be sure your fitness partner will help you achieve what you set out to do.
What to look for in a Personal Trainer?
A personal trainer should be educated and certified through a reputable fitness organization (see below). Their job is to assess your fitness level, help you set goals, and develope a program that keeps you motivated. Remember it is his or her job to push you past your comfort level--something difficult to do on your own.
A trainer should provide:
- Guidance and encouragement for reaching your goals
- Education about strength training, cardio and basic nutrition
- A reason to show up at the gym each week
- Accountability
- Ways to help track your progress
- A clean welcoming environment you are comfortable working out in
What is a Session Like?
Each session usually lasts about an hour. The first meeting is devoted to assessing fitness level, body measurements, exercise and health history and goals. Be prepared to step on the scale, have your body fat tested and answer specific questions about your goals.
After that, you'll spend each session doing cardio, weight training, flexibility or other activities depending on what your goals are. Your trainer will show you how to do the exercises, help you figure out how much weight to use and give you pointers for getting the most out of each exercise.
What to Look for In a Personal Trainer
- Education: A personal trainer should be certified through a reputable personal training organization. An exercise science or other related college degree isn't necessary, but the more education your trainer has, the better your workouts will be.
- CPR: your trainer should have an updated certification in CPR and/or first aid.
- Experience: Make sure your trainer has experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you're a bodybuilder, you want someone knowledgeable in that area.
- Specifics: If you have a specific medical problem, injury or condition (such as being pregnant, heart problems, diabetes, etc.) make sure your trainer has education in these areas and will work with your doctor.
- A good listener: A good trainer will listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals.
- Attention: A good trainer will be focused only on you during your sessions.
- Tracking progress: A good trainer will regularly assess your progress and change things if necessary.
Personality compatibility is CRUCIAL to your success. You'll be working very closely with this person who will be pushing you hard to help you see results. Make sure you get along with your trainer and feel comfortable asking questions.
How to Find a Personal Trainer
Learn how to ask the right questions and do your homework before you take the plunge: - Get a referral from a friend who's had success in reaching their goals with a personal trainer.
- Ask the trainer if they offer a trial session for you to see how you work together.
- Watch trainers with their clients and see how they interact. Make a note of trainers who get along with their clients and seem fully involved in their workouts...that may be a good one to choose.
- Think about whether you would be more comfortable with a male trainer or a female trainer. All trainers should be courteous and professional to ensure your comfort at each step of the process.
- If there's anything special you'd like to work on (getting in shape before pregnancy, getting ready for a marathon, etc.) ask your trainer if they have experience in that area.
For more specific questions feel free to contact Corey directly 573-823-8753 or kleinfitness@gmail.com
