How Personal
Training Benefits You
By Sandy
Watts AMFPT/CPT
My
goal today is to give you or your friend who is apprehensive about exercise,
and nutrition some knowledge and resources that will lead you on the way
to a healthy lifestyle that includes the utilization of a personal fitness
expert. There is only one scientific formula to improve your overall health,
fitness and eating habits. (Note that I said habits, I did not say diet)
Most people do not know where to start, because the resources are too
varied and complicated. Like anything that you are just learning proper
nutrition is no different.
The best approach is to have a teacher to show you the best possible way to reach your personal goals and maximum potential, safely and effectively. This is where Personal Trainers come in. A good trainer will guide you through the proper use of equipment and the correct form required to reach peak results, comfortably and without injury. A trainer will have full repertoires of nutritional information he can share with you to compliment your exercise program and goals. Since every person is different physically, metabolically and emotionally, the same exercise plan, diet, or lifestyle changes cannot be applied across the board to all people. A Personal Trainer will create a fitness program based on your goals, needs or limitations.
It is important to choose the right Personal Trainer for yourself. As your working out in the gym, pay attention to the different trainers, take note to the style of training they use, how they interact with their clients, and look at the results of their clients. You might also consider the general fitness of the trainer as well. Finally, talk to one of their clients in confidence, and if you like what you’re hearing and seeing, then interview the trainer. Do it in the same manner that you’d interview any other professional service provider. Emphasize your needs in the interview so they understand what your specific goals are. INSIST on a trainer with solid credentials and references. This is important so that you don’t get stuck with the rookie trainer.
In the same breath if your bargain hunting, and don’t mind working with someone with little or no experience, and the rookie has a solid certification then by all means go for it, it helps your pocketbook and it helps the new trainer learn the ropes through experience. A precautionary note: If at any point a rookie trainers (or ANY trainers) techniques or mannerisms seem unusual or uncomfortable to you, notify him and the gym management staff immediately and ask for a more experienced trainer. It’s better to hurt his feelings than for him to leave you hurt with an injury.
Currently Personal training studios and gyms are NOT regulated by any regulatory agencies to make them meet any SPECIFIC professional standard. There are plenty of folks that call themselves personal trainers but DO NOT have the certification and more importantly the liability insurance to back it up. Insist on seeing both documents in the form of their Certifications for Personal Training and Liability Insurance. Check the dates of issue and expiration to confirm the terms and validity of the documents.
Here are just a few of the industries most respected certifying organizations:
ISSA-International
Sports Sciences Association
NASM-National Academy of Sports Medicine
ACE-American Council on Exercise
ACSM-American College of Sports Medicine
AFAA-Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
NSCA-National Strength and Conditioning Association