subject: How To Choose A Personal Trainer [print this page] While these individuals may know what works for them as far as exercise and diet goes that does not automatically qualify them to train others or to give them nutritional counseling
What Are Your Goals
The first thing you need to be clear about when considering a trainer is what goals you have in mind Do you want someone who can design an exercise and nutritional protocol that will help you to shed or more pounds Do you want to develop greater strength and muscularity perhaps with the guided use of protein drinks and sports supplements Do you want to get back into shape after a pregnancy or a long period spent without exercise Or maybe you are trying to slim down for a class reunion wedding or other family event
Once you are clear on what you would like to accomplis it will be easier to find the person who has the experience and qualifications to help you get there
Where Do I Find Trainers to Interview
There are several ways to locate trainers Word of mouth through friends colleagues or your family doctor are good places to start. You might also check your Yellow Pages under Personal TrainersHealth Clubs and Exercise and Physical Fitness
Another great resource is the National Strength & Conditioning AssociationNSCA one of the largest nationally recognized fitness organizations
Questions You Should Ask a Prospective Trainer
Once you have found a trainer who look promising you need to learn as much about their qualifications as possible. The first and most important question you should ask is What qualifies you to be a personal trainer NSCA and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists CSCS are two nationally recognized certifications A background in exercise physiology sports medicine, physical education or anatomy and physiology are also helpful because that tells you that this individual has made a thorough study of the body and how it works
It would also be a plus if your trainer were involved in some sort of elite exercise him or herself, such as body building
If you need nutritional guidance from a trainer make sure that he or she has some kind of solid education and background in the subject
Ask your prospective trainer what their goals are. If they tell you they want to star in films or have their own sitcom on NBC they are probably not the right person for you
You will also want to know the length of time a person has been working as a trainer and how many clients they have coached
The most important thing you can request are client referrals Speaking with people who have received fitness instruction from the trainer you are considering will give you an idea whether he or she is the right person for you
