Unfortunately, most people who are looking for personal
trainers do not have an idea what are the reputable certifications they should
be looking out for.
Who wants to end up looking in the wrong or worse shape than
they started off? The problem is anyone can get a fly-by-night online personal
training certification and claimed that he is a qualified personal trainer even
without proper practical experience. In fact, there are literally hundreds of
personal training certifications out there and there is only a handful that
meets the highest standard.
Although you can be in good hands when you find a
"superstar" trainer, it does not guarantee success in achieving your
fitness goals. A great personal trainer is certainly not a magic bullet. All he
can do for you is motivate you, show you the right way and become a vital
resource for you. In the end, your level of success depends on your level of
commitment to the program.
Like all things, there are
personal
trainers who are better at their job and with their advance knowledge and
experience they can get the most out of you than you trying on your own.
Certainly, some are just being in the profession to earn some part-time cash
and may not be into training.
How do you find the right trainer for yourself? What do you
look for? Let's look at the following:
What are their relevant qualifications?
First and foremost, the level of education or training is an
important factor you must consider when getting a personal trainer. Having a
college degree in exercise science certainly helps but it should not be judged
as a sole determinant on the quality of the fitness professional. There are
many great personal trainers who do not have a college degree but still have
in-depth knowledge in training. However, the trainers should be at least
certified by reputable international fitness certification agencies. So what
are the good few one? They are as followed but by no mean limited to the
following:
American College School Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal
Trainer or Health Fitness Specialist
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Certified Personal Trainer
Chek Institute
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
YMCA
As a personal trainer in Perth Western Australia, I know for
a fact most of the fitness trainers in Australia do not hold the above
mentioned certification. This is because the tightly regulated fitness industry
requires the personal trainers to hold Cert IV Fitness Qualification, a set
minimal Australian national vocational standard, to conduct personal training
services. Therefore, you are most likely to find a qualified fitness
professional with at least Cert IV qualification in Australia. However, all the
paper qualification counts for nothing if he or she does not have industry
experience.
What are their Industry Experiences?
Depending on your fitness goals, you should find out about
the type of experience the trainers have. Some of them can be more specialized
in strength and conditioning in sports, rehabilitation or weight loss. If you
are seeking results, be sure to look for someone who is specialized in your
area. Although it can be very impressive to hear of someone having more than 10
years of experience in the fitness industry, it is important to ask about the
work experience, seminars and relevant certification courses he or she had
attended. You will be surprised that some of them do very little in their
careers to stay current to the latest practice and trend in fitness.
Are they insured?
Be sure to ask about liability insurance. Have yourself
covered. No matter how good the trainer can be, there is always going to be an
inherent risk to exercising. Not having liability insurance may also be a sign
that the "trainer" is not adequately certified. Especially in
Australia, it is not possible to get liability insurance if you are not a
member of the Fitness Australia and not hold a Cert IV fitness qualification.
Do they have Testimonials?
If the personal trainer you are seeking out has been in the
fitness industry for some years, he or she should have written testimonies from
his former and existing clients. So don't be afraid to ask for testimonies and
make a call or two and find out what other people are saying about the trainer.
If he is specialized in weight loss, he should have before and after pictures
of his clients to show for.
How about you?
It is important that the prospective trainer you meet does
not just talk about his great careers achievements and certifications that he
holds without asking about you. After all, personal training is about you and
your fitness goals.
At the very least, the personal trainer should find out
about your specific fitness goals, exercise history, past and present medical
conditions and current lifestyle. If the fitness professional shows no interest
in why you are meeting him or her for, it is better to look for a trainer
somewhere else.
The aforementioned guidelines are not hard and fast rules on
what you should be looking for in a personal trainer. It is intended to help
you in your decision to get the best possible personal trainer for your fitness
goals. In the end, it boils down to personal preferences and the rapport you
have with the prospective personal trainer that you meet. However, do bear in
mind that it is YOU that have to make things work! Be sure to work closely with
the personal trainer you choose for the best outcomes.
