Having your very own personal fitness trainer has several
great advantages: Trainers provide motivation, professional
expertise, and personalized attention--all key components
of reaching your personal health and fitness goals. All
the personal trainers in the Global Health and Fitness (GHF)
directory are certified by an accredited professional organization
(ACSM, ACE, etc.). However, personal trainers vary greatly,
not only in educational background and costs, but also in
personal philosophy, training and consulting practices.
Before simply hiring the first personal trainer listed
in our directory, click on the listing of each personal
trainer in your hometown. This will take you to their web
page where you can learn more about their personal philosophy,
education/credentials, experience, and rates. This way you'll
know if the personal trainer is qualified and likely to
meet your personal needs before you spend your hard earned
money. Once you've narrowed down the list, you should talk
with the trainer, make sure your goals and objectives are
very clear, and see if the trainer is best-suited to help
you. Call or meet with the trainer and ask the following
questions:
1. Why did you become a personal fitness trainer?
Personal trainers should not only have a passion for good
health and fitness, they should also love to share their
expertise and help others reach their personal goals.
2. Do you keep current with research?
The answer must be yes! Personal trainers need to continually
update their knowledge through seminars, workshops, books,
etc., in order to provide you with safe and effective information.
3. Can you supply client references?
Good trainers have satisfied customers and won't hesitate
to put you in touch. Give two or three of the clients a
call, asking about the trainer's strengths and weaknesses,
and if they were professional, informative, and dependable.
Also ask them if the trainer explained the reasoning behind
their recommendations and program decisions.
4. Do you have liability insurance?
Personal trainers should protect their clients by insuring
themselves and their services against personal injury and
property loss.
5. Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
The trainer must know the proper procedures to follow in
emergency situations.
6. Are you available on the days and times I've
selected?
The whole point of having a personal trainer is to get the
personal instruction and motivation you need, at times that
are convenient for you.
7. What are your fees?
The answer to this question varies greatly. Personal training
can cost as little as $20, or as much as $200 per hour.
The personal trainer should not only be qualified, he/she
should also fit comfortably within your budget. Be sure
to ask if there are any additional fees and if the rate
includes the use of a local health club.
8. What are your training/business policies?
It's a good idea to find out up-front their policy on extra
fees, contracts, cancellations, and billing procedures.
After speaking with the certified personal trainer, ask
yourself the following questions:
- Did the trainer ask me questions about myself and my
lifestyle?
- Does the trainer promote an integrated program that
includes all five components of optimal health (strength
training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise,
nutrition, and flexibility training)?
- Did the trainer have good listening skills and communicate
well?
- Am I comfortable with the trainer's gender?
- Will I get along with this trainer and look forward
to working with him/her?
I really hope this helps you choose the fitness professional
that can best meet your needs and that you have the opportunity
to enjoy all the many wonderful benefits of a healthy, active
lifestyle!
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