Personal Trainers

Personal fitness trainers help you establish fitness goals, learn proper technique, and measure progress. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your investment.

What to Look for In a Personal Trainer

• Education: A personal trainer should be certified through a reputable personal training organisation. 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, difficulty getting 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 is important too since you'll be working very closely with this person. Make sure you get along with your trainer and feel comfortable asking questions. 

Networks with Medical Professionals. 

A quality Personal Trainer DOES NOT act independently to treat sports injuries or recommend diets, drugs or supplements. When a client reports pain, there should always be a reference to obtaining the proper medical help from a physician. Ideally, a Personal Trainer who is helping someone return from a sports injury is working with a client who has seen an Orthopedic Specialist and a Physical Therapist or Chiropractor. Only a physician can diagnose medical problems and direct the most effective treatment plan. However, since Personal Trainers are often observing clients for greater time periods, they are often very effective in contributing to the diagnosis and treatment strategy.Whenever a diet, drug or supplement is discussed, a quality Personal Trainer will also recommend that proper medical help from a physician be obtained.

How to Help Your Trainer

You can help your trainer do a better job by being a good client.

• Focus on what you're doing and try not to spend too much of your session talking.
• Be prepared by eating before your workout, bringing your own towel and a full water bottle.
• Give at least 24 hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
• If you have questions, write them down and bring them to your session--you'll spend less time talking and more time working out.
• If you have a problem with your trainer, address it immediately.
• Don't interrupt your trainer when she's with a client. Wait until she's finished before approaching her.
• Recognize that your trainer is there to guide you--but you still have to do the work. If you're confused about your progress, or lack thereof, schedule a meeting where you can talk about your concerns. Personal training can help you get closer to your goals, but it isn't a magic bullet.