How to Choose a Personal Trainer to Best Meet Your Needs
By Chad Tackett, president of GHF
Having your very own personal trainer has several great
advantages: Trainers provide motivation, professional expertise, and
personalized attention--all key components of reaching your personal
health and fitness goals. All the personal trainers in the Global Health
and Fitness (GHF) directory are certified by an accredited professional
organization (ACSM, ACE, etc.). However, personal trainers vary greatly,
not only in educational background and costs, but also in personal philosophy,
training and consulting practices.
Before simply hiring the first personal trainer listed
in our directory, click on the listing of each personal trainer in your
hometown. This will take you to their web page where you can learn more
about their personal philosophy, education/credentials, experience,
and rates. This way you'll know if the personal trainer is qualified
and likely to meet your personal needs before you spend your hard earned
money. Once you've narrowed down the list, you should talk with the
trainer, make sure your goals and objectives are very clear, and see
if the trainer is best-suited to help you. Call or meet with the trainer
and ask the following questions:
1. Why did you become a personal trainer?
Personal trainers should not only have a passion for good health and
fitness, they should also love to share their expertise and help others
reach their personal goals.
2. Do you keep current with research?
The answer must be yes! Personal trainers need to continually update
their knowledge through seminars, workshops, books, etc., in order to
provide you with safe and effective information.
3. Can you supply client references?
Good trainers have satisfied customers and won't hesitate to put you
in touch. Give two or three of the clients a call, asking about the
trainer's strengths and weaknesses, and if they were professional, informative,
and dependable. Also ask them if the trainer explained the reasoning
behind their recommendations and program decisions.
4. Do you have liability insurance?
Personal trainers should protect their clients by insuring themselves
and their services against personal injury and property loss.
5. Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
The trainer must know the proper procedures to follow in emergency situations.
6. Are you available on the days and times I've
selected?
The whole point of having a personal trainer is to get the personal
instruction and motivation you need, at times that are convenient for
you.
7. What are your fees?
The answer to this question varies greatly. Personal training can cost
as little as $20, or as much as $200 per hour. The personal trainer
should not only be qualified, he/she should also fit comfortably within
your budget. Be sure to ask if there are any additional fees and if
the rate includes the use of a local health club.
8. What are your training/business policies?
It's a good idea to find out up-front their policy on extra fees, contracts,
cancellations, and billing procedures.
After speaking with the personal trainer, ask yourself
the following questions:
1. Did the trainer ask me questions about
myself and my lifestyle?
2. Does the trainer promote an integrated
program that includes all five components of optimal health (strength
training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and
flexibility training)?
3. Did the trainer have good listening
skills and communicate well?
4. Am I comfortable with the trainer's
gender?
5. Will I get along with this trainer
and look forward to working with him/her?
I really hope this helps you choose the fitness professional
that can best meet your needs and that you have the opportunity to enjoy
all the many wonderful benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle!
This article was provided by Chad
Tackett, president of GHF.
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