Hiring a personal fitness trainer is an important investment of both time and money. You are seeking out someone with expertise in overall wellness to help you reach your fitness goals faster and safer than you would alone. Like any other investment, you want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. The following are but a few guidelines to ensure the trainer you hire is the best person suited to help you get where you want to go with your health:
CERTIFICATION: Unfortunately, few state and local governments require trainers to be certified in order to do business. Whether you are training in a gym or in the privacy of your own home, make sure your trainer is certified by an accredited fitness organization. Although a trainer is ALWAYS learning with every client they work with, a quality education from a respected school ensures they have a good foundation of exercise knowledge on which to build upon. Here is a listing of some of the most respected certifying bodies in the industry:
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
• National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA)
All of the aforementioned certifying bodies require Continuing Education Credits in order to renew their certification each year. Ensure your trainer’s certification is current.
INSURANCE: Clients are always telling me, “You’re killing me, Jeff!” Truth is, clients cannot train when they are injured (or dead), and so I work hard to keep them healthy and safe. However, exercise carries inherent risks and being protected is in the best interest of all parties involved. Your trainer should have current personal training insurance in the event an injury occurs. Even if you are working with a trainer in a gym, be sure to ask for proof of insurance.
REFERENCES: No one is going to give you better feedback on a trainer’s performance than someone else who is paying for the same service. Asking for references is not only going to provide insight on a trainer’s knowledge and abilities, it will also educate you on their work ethic, empathy, and punctuality – important qualities in a trainer.
CLEAR BUSINESS POLICIES: A professional trainer should clearly outline his/her policies in writing so there is no misunderstanding between trainer and client. Everything from requiring informed consent to a written agreement on fees avoids any misunderstandings. Additionally, the use of forms such as a Health Assessment Questionnaire and (where applicable) a Physician’s Release ensure your trainer has all the information he/she needs to make your exercise experience a safe one.
COMPATIBILITY: Not every trainer is a good fit for every client. Finding a trainer you “click” with can make a world of difference. Be sure to meet in person at least once with a trainer BEFORE you begin working out with him/her. If possible, take the time to observe him/her working with another client. This will give you an idea whether you will feel comfortable trusting that person to keep you safe while pushing you to exercise.
In closing, the hiring of a personal trainer is a big step on the road to a fitter, healthier you. As such, you should take the time to find the right person for the job. Doing so will end up saving you time and money in the long run.
Jeff Mendoza, CPT, HFS
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