|
The Right
Personal Trainer: The Difference Between Success and Failure
Author: R.
Adam Shore
Choosing the right Personal Trainer will determine
the difference between a sustainable workout program that yields
long lasting results and feeling frustrated to the point of reverting
to old, bad habits. Our selection suggestions will help you along
the way.
You have made an important decision to get off the
couch and get into the gym. With the right choice of Trainer you
will develop repeatable habits that will guide your exercise routine
for the future.
Just in the same way you would hire a plumber, a roofer, an accountant,
or a mechanic, hiring a Personal Trainer means getting 'quotes'
from 3-5 different Trainers. By quotes we do not mean simply price.
We mean:
- How many years of experience in the profession and area of expertise
does your prospective Trainer have.
- Is your Trainer a specialist in weight training, flexibility,
core conditioning, a generalist? How do these skills measure up
against your goals?
- What certifications does your prospective Trainer have? The
American Council on Exercise is an excellent resource to learn
more about Trainer expectations and qualifications. Their recommended
criteria can be found on the web. Search American Council on Exercise
through your favorite search engine.
- Is the Personal Trainer's schedule conducive to your expectations?
Sounds basic, right? Not necessarily. Some Trainers are more regimented
than others - meaning that they feel an obligation to put the
schedule of the client first vs. their own outside interests.
Also check to see if your trainer will accommodate weekend schedules,
generally a most popular time to workout.
- Will a prospective Personal Trainer offer you a complementary
session before you commit to a series? Some may not but the question
is certainly worth asking. This would afford you the opportunity
to get a feel for the Trainer without a commitment. If they do
require payment for this introductory session we feel it is well
worth the money to make a proper evaluation.
On the subject of price, ask if there is a discount available for
the purchase of a multiple session package? If so be sure to understand
how long you have to use the sessions. For example you may be able
to get a 20 session package for $1000 and the sessions must be used
within 12 weeks or the money is forfeited.
Bonus recommendation: Whether your first session is free or not
take note of the Trainers ability to pay attention to you - their
client. Unfortunately at busy gyms across America Trainers are not
paying close attention to their client's form, posture, facial expressions,
weight capacity, or level of fatigue. In the worst instances the
Trainer is busy chatting with a colleague. This lack of attentiveness
will result in, at a minimum, a less than effective workout and
the formation of bad habits and technique. At its extreme inattentive
Trainer behavior will lead to injury. If during your evaluation
of your new Trainer you experience a professional that is laser
focused on your form, your technique, your breathing - to name a
few - they should be in consideration to be hired on a more frequent
basis assuming the other "shopping" points above meet your expectations
and needs.
We trust these suggestions will get you on the road to a successful
relationship with a Personal Trainer. They are committed to your
health and fitness - you need to be committed to choosing your Trainer
wisely. By choosing wisely you will be able to form a connection
with a Trainer that can provide guidance, motivation and results.
So remember, just as you would make informed choices about mechanics,
plumbers, roofers, and accountant, so too should you make informed
decisions about Personal Trainers. ical
Fitness Articles
About the author
R.
Adam Shore writes about Physical Fitness along with Health and
Fitness from a consumer point of view. His insights will guide your
way through Fitness issues in today's world. For additional information
and articles about Trainers be sure to visit PhysicalFitnessArticles.net
|
