Choosing a Personal Trainer

A good personal trainer is more than just a repetition counter. A good trainer will be a personal motivator, helping you to stick to your personal program and move past your road blocks. They should also applaud your accomplishments. A personal trainer should have a four year degree in a fitness related field or should be certified by such certifying organizations as the American College of Sports Medicine, American Council of Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

How do you choose a personal trainer? A personal trainer's education and certification is crucial. The more education a trainer has, the better your workouts. What kinds of programs the trainer offers is important. Can they work with weight loss, strength training, increased energy and nutritional consulting? A personal trainer should take several hours to get to know you. Your trainer should ask specific questions about your health, limitations and goals. Ask your trainer for personal references and check them out. If a trainer works in a facility, ask if you can observe his/her interaction with other clients. The average cost of a personal trainer ranges from 50 to 150 dollars per hour. You personal trainer should be willing to give you personal progress reports verifying your progress.

Here are some points to use to evaluate your trainer. Are you comfortable with him or her? Does your trainer communicate well with you? Does he or she listen? Is your trainer willing to adapt your goals to you as you work with the program or are the goals rigid and set? Do you and your trainer have a rapport that makes your sessions enjoyable?