| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | trainer explain how important it is to do dynamic |
| When seeking a personal trainer, it is necessary | | | | multiplantar movements as well as isometric |
| for the public to educate themselves on how to | | | | exercises and the importance of low back |
| interview the right person for the job. While there | | | | exercises? |
| are many certified personal trainers out there, | | | | * Does your trainer target weak areas? |
| only a select few of them are truly competent. | | | | * If you feel pain in places that you should not like |
| You should always ask and verify where their | | | | your knees, low back and neck does your trainer |
| certification is from and what their credentials are. | | | | change or modify the exercise to a pain free |
| There are different types and levels of training | | | | range? |
| certifications, only a handful of them are good. | | | | * Do you truly understand what you are doing |
| Most tests are multiple choice questions that are | | | | while you train? |
| moderately difficult and some others require | | | | * Are you really getting results? |
| some essay or program design but are usually | | | | * Do you do more back exercises than chest and |
| easy. What you need to look for is the continuing | | | | abs? |
| education courses the trainers have taken. It is | | | | * Are you setting goals? |
| the seminars and practical workshops that make | | | | * Are you talking about you and your needs? |
| a trainer better. | | | | * Are you getting undivided attention? |
| It is difficult for the public to decipher a good | | | | If you answered no to any of these questions, |
| trainer from a bad one. In many cases, even the | | | | then your trainer may be lacking key knowledge |
| worst trainer knows more about physical fitness | | | | that is necessary for you to reach your fitness |
| than the average person. Below are some | | | | goals. More importantly, your trainer may be doing |
| fundamental questions that should be asked | | | | you more harm than good. It is simple for a |
| before making your choice. They are designed to | | | | trainer to deceive an unsuspecting client into |
| save you from choosing a bad apple. | | | | believing they are knowledgeable. This is due to |
| Questions you should ask: | | | | the general public not being educated about the |
| * What certifications do they hold? | | | | fitness industry and trusting a gym will provide |
| * Do they attend workshops and seminars? | | | | them with a competent trainer. In most cases, |
| Which ones? | | | | gyms are not always concerned with the quality |
| * How long have they been a trainer? | | | | of the people they are hiring. If a gym thinks a |
| * How thorough was your evaluation? Did they do | | | | trainer possesses strong sales skills, they will hire |
| a medical history and test flexibility, balance, core | | | | them as long as they have some type of |
| strength, proprioception, muscle strength and | | | | certification. A qualified fitness professional will |
| endurance? | | | | understand at the very least everything listed |
| * Are they familiar with functional training (training | | | | above. Remember when hiring a trainer to make |
| according to daily activities or a specific goal)? | | | | sure they are a full time professional. Part time |
| * Have they explained the importance of | | | | does not cut it when it comes to your health. |
| flexibility? | | | | Would you go to a part time Medical Doctor? |
| * Do they stress how important it is to properly | | | | Be aware of trainers that are charging low rates. |
| brace the core and preserve the lumbar spine? | | | | The going rate for a high level trainer in a gym |
| * Do they know what P.N.F(Proprioceptive | | | | like Equinox or New York Sports Club is around |
| Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching is? | | | | $85-$90/hr even their entry level trainers are |
| * Have they explained that function is more | | | | $65-$70/hr in addition to membership. There are |
| important than vanity? | | | | other gyms that charge way more than the |
| * Can they explain what they are going to do in | | | | rates just mentioned. In-homes for a high level |
| the routine and how it benefits you? | | | | professional trainer are around $125 and can be |
| * Did they explain that cardio alone is an inefficient | | | | more. You may be able to get a really good |
| workout? | | | | trainer for $90-$100 depending on travel time, |
| * Do they have a basic understanding of nutrition? | | | | trainers charging much less are either just starting |
| If you already have a trainer you can evaluate | | | | out, not that good or a close friend. You get what |
| them: | | | | you pay for. It is important you research the |
| * Does your trainer understand that a core | | | | trainers’ certification and check to make |
| routine is not a series of floor exercises? | | | | sure they are currently certified by multiple |
| * Do they understand current research that | | | | accredited agencies. Presently there is an agency |
| proves traditional sit ups, leg raises and many of | | | | named Ethics Safety Compliance Standards It |
| the common exercises that flex the spine can | | | | insures all registered trainers are acting |
| actually be harmful even for healthy people? | | | | appropriately. Find out if your trainer is registered. |
| * Are you doing more free weights and medicine | | | | It is important to understand that certifications |
| balls than machines? | | | | and degrees certainly help but do not mean |
| * Do they ever take notes? | | | | everything. You want to know about their clinical |
| * Are you being properly warmed up at the | | | | experience and the workshops they attend. Ask |
| beginning and being stretched at the end? | | | | who they work with and get at least three |
| * Does your trainer change the routine | | | | references to call from current clients. See if they |
| periodically? | | | | work with any local doctors, all the good trainers |
| * Does you trainer incorporate balance boards, | | | | work with at least one doctor. |
| swiss balls, single leg exercises and other | | | | A bad trainer can hurt you - do your research |
| challenged environments? | | | | and make sure they are good. |
| * When training the core (midsection) does your | | | | |