How to Work with a Personal Trainer
While this book provides you with plenty of training advice, if you can afford to supplement your own training with the support of a trainer, it will be money well invested. Even if you only work with a trainer for a couple of sessions to put you through a fitness assessment, to learn how to use equipment, or to critique your form, the information can be very valuable to accelerate your progress.
Reasons to Work with a Personal Trainer
Working with a personal trainer provides several training advantages. A trainer can teach you how to do exercises and critique your form. A trainer can put you through the paces of using equipment so that you feel comfortable when you do your workout. A trainer can customize workouts to satisfy any particular individual needs that you may have. For example, if you have a bad knee or hip and can't do certain movements, a trainer can give you effective alternatives. Trainers also can assess your progress and let you know when it's time to start doing more difficult exercises. Lastly, trainers provide support and motivation to keep you on track.
Because you're getting married, hopefully you recognize the importance of being sure before you commit. Do your research before you commit to a facility, whether it is a gym or a reception location. Take tours, chat with staff, and don't be afraid to think things over before you sign on the dotted line. A little research will serve you well.
Studies show that working with a trainer leads to better results in a shorter amount of time. In one study, researchers compared men who did heavy weight lifting over a 12-week period under the supervision of a trainer with those who did the same weight lifting program, but without a trainer. The people who worked with a trainer experienced a significantly greater increase in maximal strength.
Finding the Right Trainer for You
You can use several tried and true methods to find the right trainer for you. Currently, licensing isn't required for personal trainers and local and state governments don't regulate delivery of personal training services. This doesn't mean, however, that your search needs to be a shot in the dark. Reputable certifying organizations exist. These organizations maintain databases of certified trainers and offer locator services.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits nationally and internationally acknowledged certifying organizations. Accreditation means that the certification processes of these organizations meets standards such as a rigorous and objective examination that is developed to ensure that those who pass meet certain levels of knowledge, skills, and ability, among other criteria. To date, several organizations that certify personal trainers are accredited by the NCCA. These include the following:
American College of Sports Medicine
American Council on Exercise
National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Contact any of these organizations for referrals for certified personal trainers in your community.
Another great way to find a good personal trainer is through word of month. Positive references from several people you know and trust who have had a good experience with a particular trainer can be very helpful. In addition to getting these referrals, take time to interview a trainer before you start working together. Prepare yourself before you meet the trainer so that you don't waste either your time or the trainer's time. Decide how much money you want to spend and how you want to use the trainer's services. For example, do you just want to have a fitness assessment and introduction to equipment, or do you want to work with someone for several months to guide you through the entire process of your training? You also need to determine whether you want the trainer to come to your home (in which case, you need to have an appropriate space and equipment) or whether you want to work with a trainer at a particular facility.
Trainers have styles that can be loosely characterized as falling into one of the following categories: a drill sergeant who pushes you through your paces; a cheerleader who encourages you with lots of positive motivation; or an entertainer who amuses you. A trainer might even embody parts of each of these styles.
When you've identified what you want the trainer to do for you, then you're ready to interview trainers. Essentially, you want to know whether the particular trainer is qualified to meet your specific needs, whether the trainer's personality and style is a good match for your preferences, and whether the trainer conducts him or herself in a professional manner.
