If you've recently made the big decision to improve your health, you may feel overwhelmed with the many smaller decisions that are involved with this process. Should you get a gym membership? What kind of diet is best for your workout? Fortunately, a qualified personal trainer can make it much easier to answer these questions.
A personal trainer works with clients to create fitness goals and then work to meet them, providing instruction and encouragement along the way. There are likely a number of these professionals in your area, but choosing the right one can mean the difference between improved health and an injury at the hands of a less-than-qualified trainer. Below are five tips for finding a personal trainer.
- Consider certification.
An important aspect to finding the right personal trainer is to verify that he or she is qualified and can do the job effectively. Nowadays, it is very easy for people to call themselves trainers with no experience nor expertise. Professional trainers are usually certified by a reputable organization or possess a degree in either fitness or exercise. Some highly recognized associations are The National Academy of Sports Medicine, The American Council on Exercise, or The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. In addition to having a nationally recognized certification, you want to also verify that your personal trainer is CPR certified.
- Explore experience.
In most cases, personal trainers with years of experience are normally the best trainers. An experienced personal trainer can be beneficial in terms of achieving desired results within a shorter amount of time. However, should you meet a certified trainer that is new to the industry and connects with you, you may also want to consider working with that person. You will probably benefit from lower fees because new personal trainers often offer reduced rates in an effort to build their customer base.
- Calculate costs.
As mentioned earlier, an experienced trainer is usually much more expensive than a trainer that is just entering the industry. Many individuals will hire a personal trainer solely based on price. This is not recommended; as mentioned above, certification and experience are important factors as well. If the cost is important, you may want to do some comparison shopping within your area. The average rate for a personal trainer in 2013 was $35 per hour; however, prices will vary depending on your location.
- Ask about availability.
Availability is important when considering a personal trainer. You certainly want to avoid a personal trainer who is rarely available. Your sole purpose in hiring a trainer is to achieve a higher level of wellness. It will be extremely difficult to reach that goal if your personal trainer has too many clients and cannot work around your schedule.
- Mention methods.
During the initial interview, you want to ask the trainer how he or she is going to train you. For example, will the trainer be standing next to you or working out along with you? Will you receive diet tips as well as exercise instruction? Question the trainer about his or her style of training to make sure that it coincides with what you're looking for.
