Fitness trainer is about as meaningful a term as Internet consultant or marketing liaison. In terms of skills and education, the term doesn’t mean a darn thing. We know a group of private trainers who hang a large sign outside their gym that says, “World Class Personal Trainers.” Only one of the group’s six trainers is even certified by a single professional organization. Find a trainer that you can trust.
Looking for the certification
Although no laws exist on the books requiring trainers to have any particular training or certification, professional organizations and university programs are certifying more and more trainers. Many health clubs now require their trainers to have at least one certification, and as the personal training profession becomes increasingly competitive, many private trainers are earning certifications in order to stay ahead of the competition. A number of certifications require several days of seminars taught by fitness experts and a passing grade on a written exam. But beware: We recently came across a certification offered over the Web that involved answering a few questions and paying $90. You could take the test as many times as you wanted and didn’t have to pay until you passed — at which point you would be issued a fancy certificate saying that you’re a “Certified Kickboxing Instructor” or “Certified Personal Trainer.” The Web site even bragged “No teaching experience necessary!”
The following organizations are among the most reputable certifying agents:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Hiring an experienced trainer
Don’t be shy: Ask for references and call a few. Do as good a job screening potential trainers as you’d do checking out potential employees. Ask for a resume.
Making sure that your personalities mesh
Trainers are human beings, which means that they come in all different personality types. Some are enthusiastic. Some are downright perky. Others are drill sergeants.
Interview a few trainers and choose one who makes you feel comfortable. Your trainer doesn’t need to be your best friend. In order to act as an objective professional, your trainer — like your doctor or lawyer — may need some distance from you.
Expecting good teaching skills
Even if your trainer has a PhD in physiology and is more congenial than Oprah, there’s no guarantee that he can show you how to perform a push-up correctly. The ability to get a point across is a skill in and of itself. Good trainers speak to you in your native tongue, not in jargon. If you don’t understand something, a trainer should be able to find another way of explaining the point. Also, good trainers prepare you to venture out into the world alone. They make sure that you understand not only how to adjust the seat on the Leg Extension machine, but also why you’re adjusting it that way.
Getting personal attention
Your trainer should shower you with questions about your goals and should thoroughly evaluate your health, strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. Look for evidence that you’re getting a custom-designed routine. Many trainers specialize in certain types of clients, such as seniors, children, pregnant women, multiple sclerosis patients, or ultra-endurance athletes. If you have a specific goal in mind or have special circumstances, it’s wise to seek out a trainer who has the training and experience to meet your needs.
Paying a hefty fee
Hollywood stars may pay $200 per weight training session, but you don’t need to. Fees vary widely depending on what part of the country you live in, but in many places, you can find a trainer for about $35 an hour. Expect to pay between $75 and $150 per hour if you live in big cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City. More experienced trainers generally receive a higher rate. You may spend less money by purchasing five or ten sessions at once, but highly qualified trainers often don’t discount their rates. You also can save cash by hiring a trainer who works at your health club, but don’t forget that you’re also paying the club’s monthly dues. Many trainers offer semiprivate sessions for a reduced fee. If you go this route, try to hook up with a buddy whose goals and abilities are similar to yours. Be sure to weigh all factors when you hire a trainer because the least expensive person may not be the best choice for you, especially if you need someone with extra qualifications. Trainers with additional education in working with people with certain medical conditions or women who’re pregnant usually charge higher rates. Yoga and Pilates instructors often charge more, too.
Insisting on liability insurance
Make sure that your trainer carries liability insurance. Of course, we hope you never find yourself in a position where insurance matters. But you do need to face the realities of the modern world. If you get hurt, you may be looking at thousands of dollars in medical bills, even if you have medical insurance. A trainer’s liability coverage may foot the bill if you can prove your injury is a direct result of the trainer’s negligence. Many insurers award coverage only to trainers who’re certified, so liability insurance is often an indication that your trainer has some credentials.
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