FITNESS TRAINER
With so much exercise and diet information at your fingertips it is no wonder that more and more people are turning to a professional fitness trainer for help. Separating good information from bad can be a daunting task for the average person and it is one of the reasons that hiring a professional will help keep you exercising safely and effectively. All trainers, however, were not created equal and with no national governing body, it is up to the client to do his/her homework when selecting a trainer. This site will offer some tips on making an informed decision.
Certification vs. Education
One of the first questions most people ask when interviewing a fitness trainer is, "are you certified?" Wrong question! These days certifications range from one time tests to in-house, weekend courses and don't ensure that the trainer has enough of a foundation in anatomy, exercise physiology, injury prevention/care and nutrition. This all important foundation can only be obtained from a four-year degree in exercise science.
Obtaining a certification in addition to a degree is important but should not be the primary reason you hire a fitness trainer. The main advantage of a training certification is that it forces the trainer to take part in continuing education, usually requiring the fitness trainer to meet annual credit goals. This ensures that your trainer is staying on top of changes in training methods and nutritional guidelines and that you are getting the most for your money.
Professionalism
In the field of fitness training, experience is an important factor. Too often clients find themselves in large gyms with a fresh out of high school or college hard body trainer who is more interested in everything else going on in the gy m i nstead of focusing 100% on their client. The ability to maintain this focus certainly comes with age and experience as does the ability of the trainer to competently teach proper exercise technique to people from all walks of life and varying fitness levels. Be a little wary of someone boasting little more than a big bench press and a low body fat level. Just because they were able to get themselves into shape does not guarantee that they will be able to teach you the intricacies of exercise and proper nutrition.
At the same time, however, it is important for your fitness trainer to maintain a good level of conditioning. It shows that they practice what they preach. They don't have to be All-American athletes but a well rounded background in a variety of sports and activities will help them to better serve their clients.
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 for a one-hour session. Nationally, rates tend to increase as you move towards the coasts. Another factor affecting training rates is the location of your training sessions. In-home or private locations will usually come with higher per workout fees compared to large chain facilities.
Some trainers offer discounts for purchasing sessions in bulk, but be sure that you are ready for a long term relationship with a particular trainer before you make a large financial commitment. Another way to decrease per session rates is to see if your trainer offers partner workouts. While not as effective as a traditional one on one sessions, partner workouts can still be quite a challenge and offer considerable savings.
Be aware of any cancellation policies the fitness trainer has before you sign on the dotted line. It is not uncommon for trainers to require twenty-four hours notice to cancel workouts. For some this is no big deal but it can be a deal breaker for others. Remember, however, that the fitness trainer's time is just as valuable as yours and you should respect it. Also keep in mind that the trainer only has so many workable hours in each day and if they are reserving a specific time slot for you, then you should be financial responsible. Come to an understanding sooner rather than later and it will keep the relationship running smoothly.
Personal Training vs. Psychotherapy
This one is mainly on the client. Try to resist the temptation to use your training sessions simply as an opportunity to vent all of your frustrations from the day. A good fitness trainer will keep you on task. At the bare minimum he/she will keep your body moving while you jabber away. It is important for you to get the type of service that you want, just remember why you are there. Be prepared to show up on time, work hard and actually make progress.
Hopefully these tips will help you choose the right fitness trainer to improve your health and quality of life. Hiring a professional may cost a little more but will be well worth the money in the long run.
Great fitness and diet help resources:
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Fitness-eBooks.com. Innovative weight training eBooks, covering rapid fat loss, muscle building, unique new exercises and powerful training programs.
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WeightLoss eBook :Negative Calorie Foods. Popular Weight loss Program. 3 Diet Plans, 150 recipes with negative calorie foods! Pictures of Negative Calorie Foods.
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