Make sure your trainer knows your goals.
Choosing a personal trainer is a lot like choosing a mate — you need someone loyal, communicative and caring. As the ultimate fitness matchmaker, with a network of 50,000 certified professionals, the American Council on Exerciseoffers these tips for finding your right fitness partner.
Be honest. Just like you should be honest with your physician, you should also be honest with your personal trainer — about your health and fitness goals, your health and exercise history, as well as your likes and dislikes. It is this information along with your trainer’s expertise and experience that will assist them in developing a customized program for you.
Make sure your personalities mesh. Your training sessions should be something that you look forward to, and having a trainer that you can connect with is crucial. “Interviewing” a potential trainer during the initial training or assessment session is a great way to see if you have the right chemistry. And, don’t be afraid to shop around until you find it. It’s so important that you work with a trainer that you feel you can trust — one who truly understands you, listens and makes each and every training session all about you.
Seek out someone committed to their education. Find a trainer who not only holds an NCCA-accredited personal training certificationbut is dedicated to lifelong learning. A trainer who keeps up to date with the latest trends, the newest advances in scientific research and who also stays abreast of the most practical ways to truly engage and connect with a client demonstrates their commitment to being able to deliver the best programming and, subsequently, the best results to their clients.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. One of the telltale signs of a good trainer is someone who doesn’t just give you a workout, but someone who makes each workout a fun and educational fitness experience. Tap into the wealth of knowledge that your trainer has by asking him/her questions along the way.
To find an ACE-certified personal trainer in your area, click here.
