Personal Trainers and How to Pick a Good One
In 2003, after losing 107lbs I began my quest for fitness. My husband bought me a membership to a fitness center (I asked him for it! Guys, do not buy your wife a gym membership unless she asks). I joined a class put on by a personal trainer. It was OK and I did learn some things, but 4 Saturdays of 90 minute classes really did not do the trick.
Then, I listened to my daughter, who was 12 and found another trainer. Mistake #1. And I hired that trainer without checking into her credentials more. After several injuries and that trainer never 'teaching us' how to work out effectively on our own, I had to take my learning back. I decided to train to become a Personal Trainer.
Here are some questions you should ask a personal trainer before hiring them.
1. Certification or Bachelors.
Get the name of their certification, ask to see their certification/or degree.
Check that information out by calling the organization or go online. Reputable trainers will have a valid certification or a Bachelors Degree!
2. Make sure the trainer has a good certification.
The unfortunate news is there are dozens upon dozens of personal training schools so-called selling personal training certifications. Some even sell for $49.00. It is pathetic when a person, wanting to become a personal trainer, fills out a simple 5 question survey, pays $49 dollars, gets a personal training certification, and now considers they are a true qualified professional.
Here is what I consider the TOP Certificates.
ACE The American Council on Exercise- Watchdogs for America in Fitness
ACSM American College of Sports Medicine
NASM National Academy of Sports Medicine
ISSA International Sports Sciences Association
NSCA National Strength & Conditioning Association
There are other reputable ones such as American Academy of Health, Fitness, and Rehab Professionals, National Federation of Personal Trainers and USA Weight Lifting -Sports Performance Coach. Make sure you use the internet to research before you pay a trainer for any services.
3. Make sure the trainer has re-certified or they have a CURRENT Trainer Certification.
With my certification, every two years I have to take Continuing Education Credits (CEC), CPR Certification and have Insurance. THIS IS VITAL TO ENSURING YOUR TRAINER KNOWS THE LATEST, GREATEST NEWS ON FITNESS AND SAFETY.
I found this out the hard way! After being injured two times and then training to be a trainer, I realized that my trainer was practicing unsafe techniques. In fact, there was a page in my 600 page textbook specifically prohibiting a move she used on me and my 12 year old.
And recently I found out my old trainer was not even certified as it stated on her business cards and website. She had been certified in 1998, but that expired in 2001. I trained with this trainer from 2003-2008! Yikes. Do your own research!
4. Personal Trainers are not Nutritionist.
Personal Training Certificates do not make a trainer a Nutritionist. You need a 4 year degree in Nutrition and passing a state test to call yourself a Nutrionist. Or a Master's Degree in Nutrition.
NUTRITION COUNSELING REQUIRES LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
At least 40 states, plus the District of Columbia require licensure of nutrition/dietetics professionals. In most states, the licensing statutes explicitly define the scope of practice and state that performing as a nutrition/dietetics professional without first obtaining a license is illegal. In addition, many employers require dietetics professionals to be registered with the Commission on Dietetics Registration. Or talk to your health professional!
Unless your personal trainer is also a licensed and registered dietician, be highly suspicious if he or she suggests that you take supplements, or, makes specific nutritional recommendations. Not only are these behaviors inappropriate for personal trainers, but, some supplements can lead to very serious side effects.
With my certification through ACE, I can talk about the food pyramid and help make better choices. I cannot charge for these services as I am not a Nutritionist. I often refer to "what I eat". But I am a regular woman, who lives a busy life and I use a truly conservative way of Nutrition. If anyone tells you that you cannot eat a food group, be suspicious.
5. Personal Trainers Should Train YOU for Your Goals and Lifestyle
Personal Trainer should ease you into training and should TEACH YOU to carry on without them.
If you are a busy Mom, your training needs are not those of a Bodybuilder, make sure they understand your goals. Sometimes Fitness Professionals want you to 'look like them'. Unfortunately, this may not be what you do for a living and you may not be able to live in a gym.
YOUR fitness is all about YOU! If your trainer does not understand that, care to understand that, practice safe training techniques, is certified, gives you the basics about Nutrition, but does not charge you for those basics......THEN KEEP LOOKING!
YOUR JOURNEY FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS IS ALL ABOUT YOU. Make sure you do your research. Most of the certifications listed above have 'find a trainer' in your area. Lots of times, a small bio is listed, which may help you narrow down your search.
Lori Wengle
AKA "The Fat Princess No More"!
Lori Wengle is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach, Motivational Speaker living in Michigan. After being obese for most of her life, childhood through her late 20's, she lost 107lbs and has kept it off and became a personal trainer. Lori is the creator and author of Change Your World Fitness Personal Trainer in a Box.