by Lela Simon

Created on: February 13, 2009

Finding the right Personal Trainer is really important. Just as you wouldn't hire someone to fix your roof without checking out their credentials, you should always know exactly who you are entrusting your body to.

First and foremost is the certification. There are only a handful of NCCA accredited bodies that provide certification. These groups are ACE, ACSM, IFPA, NASM, NCSF, NESTA, NFPT and NSCA. All other organizations were unable to meet the criteria of the NCCA and their certifications are questionable at best. Some people may feel that a degree supersedes the need for a certification, but I could not more strongly disagree. Certification testing provides a final word on whether or not the trainer truly understands the material taught to them. Many of the certifying bodies require a supervised internship working under an experienced trainer, an important component not always required by degree programs.

Next you shoud find out if the trainer has a specialization, or a particular interest. Many trainers have a niche that they fill, and if you can find one that works in an area that matches your goals, you will be better served. If the trainer says that they do not have a specialty, ask what type of continuing education they have done, this may reveal what their interests are.

Asking about the trainer's philosophy might seem strange, but knowing how they work, their methods of motivation and what they will expect from you before you start training with them can be extremely helpful. If you are looking for a gentle hand and you find out too late that you have a drill instructor, or vice versa, could be disastrous. If your trainer expects you to be there 15 minutes before your session starts to warm up, you need to know that. Finding out all of these details at the very start is very important.

Last but not least, do you like this person? Do you get the feeling that he or she is honest, or just telling you what you want to hear? Do you feel comfortable with him or her touching you, or does it creep you out? Does she understand your goals? Is he really listening to your concerns? If you have negative answers to these questions, find someone else. Many gyms pair you up with whoever has an opening in their book when you ask for an assessment or a meeting with a personal trainer. If you are not comfortable with the straw you drew, go to management and request another appointment. It may be awkward and uncomfortable, but it isn't worth wasting you time and money on a trainer that isn't right for you, or not getting a trainer when you want and need one.

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