Is it time?
Time to quit making excuses for not exercising regularly?
Or – if you have been working out regularly – is it time to start seeing
more results from all your hard work?
If your answer to either of those questions is “yes,” then it just might be
time to hire a personal trainer.
A personal trainer can be a great way to jump-start or improve a regular
exercise routine. Hiring the right trainer can be motivating. It can make
you accountable. Plus, a good personal trainer can teach you the proper
way to exercise your way to a healthy, fit body.
But hiring the right personal trainer can be a bit tricky. Here are five
things to look for when choosing a trainer who is right for you:
1. Experience- Get referrals from satisfied clients. Someone you already
know who has had successful results working with this trainer. Find a
personal trainer who knows how to teach strength training, cardio, and
stretching, because you will need them all. All the certifications and
degrees mean nothing if the trainer doesn’t have a history of training
many different levels of clients.
The trainer also needs maturity. You should also know that the level of
instructional training can vary. Some personal trainers have exercise
physiology degrees while others may have any number of personal
training certificates. Choose someone who has a great deal of
instructional training.
Interview the trainer; ask for a complimentary training session. The
trainer should do a thorough assessment of your health and give you a
demonstration of his/her training style.
2. Personal Appearance – You want someone whose personal
appearance motivates you. Don’t choose a trainer who is overweight or
noticeably underweight. Choose someone who, for his/her age and sex,
is obviously aware of the training, nutrition, and lifestyle that go into
being in good physical shape.
Does a woman in excellent physical shape inspire or intimidate you? If
you are a woman, female trainers will be especially sensitive to female
concerns – things like hormones, menopause, motherhood, and other
age-related body changes.
In choosing a male trainer, if you are a male, choose someone with the
physical strength to take you to a level of lifting heavier weights. And, if
you are a female, realize that a male will always be stronger and bigger
than you, but he isn’t going to turn you into a mini version of him.
3. Compatible Personality – Know what kind of training style will work
best for you. Do you need a drill sergeant with little room for small talk?
Do you prefer a firm, kind approach? Find someone you can build a
relationship with.
Also, recognize this is your time. You may need to talk as you work out,
to unwind and focus. Choose a trainer who always leaves you feeling
better physically, and emotionally, when you leave your session.
4. Dependability – You’re paying for a service that has little room for
fluctuating changes, re-arranged times, and tardiness. Look for a trainer
who identifies the days and time that will work best for you. A good
trainer will hold you accountable for those times.
You should expect a signed agreement from the trainer that gives you a
reasonable amount of time for a cancellation or rescheduling of your
session without a charge. Trainers know that unexpected changes come
up. They also know it is easy to bail because you’re just not “in the
mood.” The trainer loses income if you depart from your schedule. Most
importantly, you lose if you choose a trainer who doesn’t hold you
accountable.
5. Correct Focus – Whether it’s 30 minutes twice a week or 60 minutes
three times a week, this is your time! The trainer should be focused on
YOU from start to finish.
Don’t settle for a trainer who walks away and leaves you on a machine.
No trainer should be grabbing a meal as he/she trains you. The same
goes for taking phone calls. Unacceptable. The right trainer will give you
his undivided attention to meet your needs.
It’s your time to take direction and work hard. You should feel
comfortable talking to your trainer without compromising your workout.
Watch out for the trainer who is checking himself out in the mirror more
than making sure your form is correct. Speaking of mirrors, embrace
them. You will quickly identify posture, correct form, and translate this
over to working out on your own.
Working out can be a blast! Just be sure you choose the right personal
trainer for YOU. If you do, you’ll be more likely to stick to those workouts
that will produce amazing results.
Nancy Brainard is a personal fitness trainer and a freelance writer studying with The Lieurance Group. You can get in touch with Nancy at http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com or email her at nancymueller3@hotmail.com.
