How to Select a Fitness Trainer that’s Perfect for You (Part I)

Are you thinking of hiring a personal trainer? Sometimes that can be a good idea because they can help you attain your fitness and health goals; yet other times it can be a huge waste of time and money. It’s hard to decide whether you actually need a personal trainer; but if you prefer a variety of exercises yet don’t know how to develop a program for yourself, don’t have any motivation to exercise by yourself or your training goals are very particular, then a personal trainer may be to your advantage. Luckily, they aren’t only for the celebrities or wealthy anymore. It’s essential that you make the right choice with the trainer that’s right for you and who’ll assist you in achieving your goals. In this two-part blog we’ll show you how to choose a personal trainer that’s right for you.

Where Would I Locate a Trainer?

One of the most popular ways to find a trainer is at your local fitness center or gym. These places normally provide personal training packages which are an extra fee added on to your membership fee that you already pay. If you aren’t a member at a gym or fitness center, you might be lucky enough to live near one that will still allow you to train there. Not all gyms expect you to become a member just to gain the benefits of one of their personal trainers. However, you should be aware that you may end up paying a bit more for the trainer since you’re a non-member.

Another way to find a personal trainer is to peruse the yellow pages, city/town newspaper or internet. Do you own your own exercise equipment? If so, the trainer may be willing to come to your home which might be a real time-saver as well as a suitable method of using their services. One safeguard which is wise to make is conducting a complete background check of anyone you plan to have in your home for private fitness training.

Of course, there’s always word-of-mouth which is a good aid in that you’ll hear from someone else what they think—or thought—of the trainer and his training. Just remember that what worked for your friend or family member, might not work for you.

What Do I Need to Look For?

The main thing you must inquire about are the trainer’s credentials. The trainer you select must be legitimately certified and it’s preferred that the trainer have a degree in the field of fitness or exercise. To explore trainers in your community that are certified, there are some websites that you can go to for help:

These are very helpful sites since they not only give you information about his/her certification but provide you with all of the qualifications of the trainer; knowing the trainer’s qualifications is critical when you’re trying to figure out whom to hire. In addition to being trainer certified and having the proper qualifications, he/she must be First Aid and CPR certified too. Never be scared to ask to view every copy of their up-to-date certification cards.

Do you want to learn more about how to choose a personal trainer? Well, you’ll have to return next week to read the second part for more great information!