Ask about certifications
To become certified, personal trainers must pass an exam through an accredited organization such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Most exams entail topics such as physiology, training and exercise procedures, nutrition, functional anatomy of the body and weight management. Either a high school diploma or a GED is required to enroll, however not all employers require college degrees. This is primarily dependent on if your trainer practices privately or with an institution.
What continued training they keep up with
It is critical that a personal trainer is always knowledgeable of trends in the field. Basic fitness practices are always there, but the field is ever evolving. Being aware of these changes is very important to stay up to date. Having a trainer that keeps up with the research occurring in the field is an advantage. Another important item to note in the process is to have the trainer take your own measurements and your body fat composition so that you yourself can keep up with your fitness at home and the fitness routines that they are having you practice. Accountability on both end for the routine and your health are important.
How long they have been a trainer
Depth of experience is definitely important. You will see different things whether you a hire a rookie fresh out of the gate or a seasoned professional. Choosing someone with more experience could depend on the type or level of program you are going after. For example, if you’re aiming for an advanced program, a professional who has more years of experience and more concentrated expertise in that area may be the better option.
What is there average client retention rate?
If you discover that a trainer has an average client retention of a month or two, it might be in your best interest to consider other options. Finding a trainer with a solid client base and satisfied client base speaks volumes of their expertise in the field and client retention or loyalty.
Have Them Describe Their Warm Up and Cool Down routines
This can give you insight into the trainer’s knowledge based on the program you are seeking and give you an idea of his fitness plan and routine. What exact exercises will he or she have you perform, and how will contribute to your ultimate goal.
If you have pain within your body ask how there workout can help relieve or things they can do.
This can give you insight into what the benefit would be for you for exactly what you’re searching for. Say you are trying to build stronger back muscles or you are recovering from a knee surgery and sometimes experience pain in that area…what can they do accommodate that as well as improve your strength in those areas? This will also give you an idea if they work with others who experience constant physical pains and their level of knowledge into working with that clientele.
Group vs. personal options?
This primarily dependent on you. Would you like to spend one-on-one time with a trainer or train with a group? Training with a group can sometimes provide encouragement and team support.
Ask what there rates are and what they where a year ago.
If you’re planning on a long-term fitness plan, this is important. You don’t want your trainer to all the sudden raise prices and fees on you that are unreasonable. If the rates a year ago were significantly lower than the current rates, you may want to do some more research or simply ask in regards to rising fees and costs.
Ask for references
A great trainer will provide solid references upon request, or sometimes provide them automatically. Having others solidify the trainer’s skills and expertise can greatly aid in your decision making process. Checking out the gym for online reviews can also possibly be helpful to gain insight into other’s experiences with that gym or a particular trainer in general.
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