Choosing a Personal Trainer: 

When you are looking to find a personal trainer there are a few important factors to consider. How do you know a quality trainer? Where do you find them? Lastly, do you really need a personal trainer? Read on for some valuable tips for choosing a personal trainer.

Benefits of a personal trainer.

There are many reasons why a personal trainer may be ideally suited to your needs. Do you fall into any of these categories?

* Specific injuries, illnesses, or conditions. Anyone with health problems or pre-existing conditions could well benefit from a personalized workout program. A great personal trainer will be able to accommodate your problems when devising your routine. Once you are educated as to what you can and can't do, you may well be able to carry on under your own steam.

* Specific goals. If you are seeking specific results such as reducing belly fat, or wanting to run 5 miles at a better pace, a personal trainer will be able to help you realize your goals.

* Lack of motivation is easily remedied with the thought of cancellation fees, and the amount of money you are spending. Most people find the cost of a personal trainer to be excellent motivation. Those who always have a great excuse to not hit the gym or run around the block, such as late night, or big day at the office, will find these excuses just don't work when the trainer is waiting for you. Having to admit you have done none of your program can also be embarrassing for most.

* Privacy. Those who hate the thought of having to sweat in front of others, or workout in front of a bunch of trim, taut, terrific individuals can exercise in the privacy of their own home with a personal trainer.

* Exercise boredom. Those individuals who easily tire of their routines and programs may find trainers a refreshing choice. A good personal trainer should be able to provide plenty of alternatives, along with other gadgets and toys to workout with to alleviate workout boredom.

* Unsure. Those who are just starting out, or getting back after a big break can find a personal trainer reassuring. Let the trainer give you plenty of information, education, and instruction.

* Plateau. Sometimes no matter what, you just cannot lose another pound, run any faster, or lift a heavier weight. Personal trainers in these instances can be invaluable for showing you other exercise options, offering dietary advice, or just straight out telling you to do it. Perhaps there is a flaw with your technique and that is why you are not progressing. A trainer will be able to assess all those factors for you and see why you have hit the wall.

* Need supervision. Those who have uncertain health or need a spotter for those heavy weights in the basement may well benefit from a trainer. There is no point running around the block if you aren't going to make it back home. Obviously if you suffer from those sorts of health concerns you should definitely be seeking approval from your doctor first before embarking upon any exercise routine.

* Convenient and time saving. If your personal trainer is at your health club, you will generally not be having to queue to use the equipment when exercising with him or her. Having a trainer come to your home means no traffic jams, parking issues, or traveling times to factor into the day.

Disadvantages of a personal trainer.

* Cost. For many, the only real disadvantage of hiring a personal trainer is the cost. Perhaps you can get a couple of friends to join you and have a group rate? This can be ideal if you all have the same goals. Another great idea is to just use the trainer until you are confident of your routines and then perhaps just call him or her in sporadically when your routine needs a tweak. You will need to check the fine print to ensure that this is allowed.

What to look for in a personal trainer.

* Experience would have to be one of the most important points to consider. A personal trainer with plenty of experience is going to have more invaluable knowledge and handy hints.

* Qualifications. Your personal trainer should be qualified. There are many different qualifications for personal trainers. Professional US organizations like NSCA, ACE, and ACSM are all reputable for providing certified qualifications.

* Recommendation. Ask around. There is nothing like first hand experience for referrals. Be sure those referrals come from individuals with similar expectations or goals as yourself.

* Personalized program. You are paying for a personal trainer and therefore you should expect a custom made routine. Be ware of any trainers who appear to have a generic workout that is given to all the clients.

* Suited to your requirements. If you are trying to regain your pre-baby figure you should be hiring someone with that field of experience, a marathon runner or heavy body builder trainer may not be quite what you are needing.

* CPR. Your trainer should know CPR and attend regular refreshers. Just in case.

* Charts your progress. Your personal trainer should have a file dedicated just to you. How many extra crunches are you meant to do this week? What are you eating? How many inches have you lost or gained? It should all be there for both of you to see.

* Pays attention. If your personal trainer is clearly not interested in you as an individual find someone else. Your trainer should be aware of your goals, limitations, injuries etc, as that is what you are paying for. Generic fitness can be obtained at the health club for much less cost. Your trainer should not be taking calls while you are doing your workout either. You are paying for their undivided attention.

* Gender. Some individuals do better with a trainer of their own gender while others prefer the opposite. There is no correct formula, just select whatever is most comfortable for your.

* Happy to liaise with your doctor. If you have health problems, your trainer should be happy to take some instruction and feedback from your doctor. Any trainer who disregards your doctor's instruction should be fired ASAP.

* Personality. Your trainer should be motivating and understand you. If there is no connection or you feel that you are just another number then you should move on. You will never perform at your best if you feel intimidated, awkward, or belittled.

The fine print.

Just like health clubs the fine print for personal trainers should be read. Do you know what you are really signing on for? Consider these points before committing your credit card number:

* Free trials. Does your health club or personal trainer offer a free session initially? This can be a great way to see if you and the trainer really click.

* When available. Is the personal trainer available when you need them to be? Early mornings, late nights, weekends, etc? Will they charge more for the session times you want?

* Length of contract. If you are signing a contract look out for the length of time. Do you really need 2 years or is 6 months a better option for you?

* Hidden fees. Illness and vacation are just a couple of circumstances that can punch a hidden cost if you are not careful. What are you up for if you fire your trainer halfway through? Read that contract before you sign. If you are unsure about anything, ask.

* Cost. Does the cost change on weekends?

* Cancellation fees can be a great motivator to attend, but how much is your late meeting or flu going to cost you when you genuinely can't exercise? What happens if you incur a serious injury and cannot exercise for weeks or months?

* Casual terms. Are casual sessions available? These may cost a little more but can be far less costly in the long run if you change your mind or decide you can go it alone.

Make every cent worthwhile.

* Punctuality. If your trainer has to drag you out of bed before you even begin your session, there won't be so much time for working out. Do yourself a favor and maximize your financial investment by being ready at the appropriate time. Otherwise you are only wasting your money and time.

* Full disclosure. Don't let your personal trainer guess or assume. If you have a health condition or injury tell him or her upfront. If you have no intention of exercising on your own let them know. There is absolutely no point in having your trainer implementing a program for you if it is totally unsuitable. Likewise, any routines or exercise that you absolutely loathe should be mentioned at the start.

Conclusion.

Personal trainers can be ideal for many individuals lacking motivation, suffering from injury, or having specific fitness goals. Word of mouth can be an ideal way to find yourself a suitable personal trainer. Your trainer should be suitably qualified and experienced with your individual requirements. As with any form of new exercise, a check up with your doctor is recommended before you start.

About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a fitness enthusiast who enjoys providing fitness and exercise tips to consumers. He maintains a fitness tips web site where you can find information about getting in shape, losing weight and the truth about six pack abs.

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