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Why Not A Personal Trainer?
Personal fitness trainers once thought only for the rich and famous are becoming more mainstream and are more affordable than people think.
The benefits of having a personal trainer are numerous. However, you might ask yourself, “Why should I pay someone to help me exercise when I can do it for free?” Let’s face it, if everyone was always motivated to exercise and knew exactly what to do and what to eat, obesity would not be an epidemic in this country. Personal trainers help provide motivation and hold you accountable which makes all the difference. A good personal trainer will provide a safe effective workout and will observe, assist and correct you if needed, during the workout.
Personal trainers develop individualized exercise plans based on your goals and provide instruction and supervision during the workout. Personal trainers can help by showing you exactly which exercises to do, how many times to do it, along with executing the proper form. This saves time and reduces injuries. Personal trainers can also provide sports specific training and can provide injury rehabilitation training by recommending exercises to improve overall muscular balance and prevent future injuries. Certain personal trainers trained in diet and nutrition can also make recommendations about meals and provide information on how to eat healthy.
So how do you go about choosing a trainer that is a good match for you? There are several criteria you should keep in mind. First of all, check the trainer’s credentials. There are several hundred organizations that certify personal trainers in the U.S. (some over the weekend, without any education) but only a handful are considered legitimate by fitness professionals. The most respected are the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These organizations have specific testing requirements and require in-depth study, along with ongoing continuing education.
Secondly, you should ask for the trainer’s educational background. A better educated trainer will be more knowledgeable about exercise practices. Also make sure the trainer is certified in providing CPR. Additionally, it is crucial that the trainer have some kind of liability insurance.
Your personal trainer should also know to work within the scope of their practice. Personal trainers should not offer advice on topics that he or she is not trained in, but instead refer you to the appropriate professional.
Finally, there are other things to consider. Does your trainer practice what he or she preaches? Although, good trainers come in different shapes and sizes, it is important that your trainer is highly motivated to exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle themselves. Is your trainer professional? Personal trainers are professionals and should dress and act professional at all times. A scantily dressed, attractive trainer is not necessarily a good trainer.
Do you have a good rapport with the trainer? The relationship need not be that of a close friendship, but do make sure you like that person; otherwise, you will not be motivated to go to the gym.
Finding a trainer who is a good match for you can be a challenging process. However, having a good personal trainer can be a rewarding experience as he or she can truly make a difference in your life and help you reach your fitness goals.
Aarti Patel is certified by the American Council on
Exercise as a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management
Consultant. She is a Trainer at "Ultimate Bodies by
Carlos" in Midtown and can be reached at (404)376-5655.
The material provided in this article is for information
only and is not to be substituted for medical advice. Please contact
your health care provider for any medical or health related concerns.
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