Getting the Most for your Muscle

You: 30 year old female, narrow shoulders and soft spoken. Him: 22 years old, built like a tank and loves the sound of his own voice. This sounds like a match made on “Blind Date”, not a successful client and her personal trainer.

You’re a young woman who needs the help of an educated and skilled professional who works in the field of fitness, not a younger version of Ah-nold. Where can you find a professional personal trainer who meets your needs?

Certified personal trainers are everywhere: training in gyms, from their homes, and even on line. Some certifications are better than others, as are some trainers. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), “To qualify for ACE certification, a personal trainer has to pass an intensive three hour, 150-question exam and written simulation that covers exercise science and programming knowledge, including anatomy, kinesiology, health screening, basic nutrition and instructional methods.”

Choosing a trainer is much like choosing any service professional in your life; you need to have mutual respect, good rapport, and communication. There are also four major areas that you should examine before you hire a trainer. Firstly, why do you need or want a personal trainer? Secondly, what type of personality is going to blend well with yours? Thirdly, what types of credentials or certification do they have? Finally, don’t be afraid to shop around. A little extra time in the beginning can save you a lot of sanity in the long run.

Why do you want a trainer?

Weight Loss: After one too many times squeezing into your skinny jeans, you’ve decided to seek professional help. Women often look to a personal trainer after failed weight loss attempts. A trainer can push you in ways that you would never push yourself.

Motivation: Trainers give you that extra verbal nudge to get you moving. With the encouragement and accountability that your trainer gives you, you will want to work out.

Education: With your trainers’ knowledge base, you may be both trying new and creative exercises and learning about body parts you didn’t realize you had.

Personality Type

Type A: Do you need to be in control, or do you want someone else to control you? If you
like to dominate, finding a trainer that also wants to be the controller can result in turmoil instead of a successful relationship. Look for a trainer that complements your temperament and will interact with you harmoniously.

Relaxed or Drill Sergeant? What motivates you; someone yelling or someone calmly congratulating you on a job well done? If you enjoy being shouted at and pushed until you feel sick, than look for the kind of trainer that likes to raise her voice. If you need someone to motivate you in a calm and relaxed way, then look for the kind of trainer who will motivate you quietly.

Friendship or Business? Are you looking for someone to share deep dark secrets with, someone that you go out for coffee with after a workout? There are trainers out there that will fill that role. On the other hand, some trainers are all business and barely want to give you their cell number in case you call them when they’re at home. You need to decide if you want your relationship to be all business, or if you’re looking for a workout buddy.

Certification and Credentials

Certification: In any reputable gym, the personal trainers will have some type of certification or degree in human movement. They may even have both. Make sure you ask the trainer if they are certified, and through which agency. The top agencies are listed below. Certified trainers have gone through a theory course, practicum, and exam before they get to you, the client.

Experience: Is your potential trainer a seasoned professional with years of experience, or has she just written her exam yesterday? Every trainer brings with her a background in a variety of areas, just because she doesn’t have a ton of experience yet, doesn’t mean that she’s not prepared and ready to give you a great workout. On the other hand, an experienced trainer has a full bag of tricks when it comes to variety of exercises and knowledge base in the field.

Your Issues: Maybe you have a bum knee, a bad back, or you’re pregnant. Does your potential trainer know how to deal with these issues in a safe and effective way? Find out if your trainer has any specific background in managing your special needs before you choose her.

Shopping Around

Service Professionals: Would you call a stylist “yours” after just one haircut or get your nails done by the same shop after just one go around? What if you weren’t completely satisfied? Chances are, if you’re not happy the first time around, the second and third won’t get any better. The same is true with a personal trainer.

First Session Free: Most trainers or clubs will give the first session free so that you can try it out and see if you like it. If a club has this policy, absolutely take advantage of it.
Interview: If a club has a few trainers on staff, try some casual interviewing to see which trainer is a good match for you. Some questions to ask might be:

• How long have you been a trainer?
• Are you certified or do you have a degree?
• What is your style of training (heavy weights, mega cardio, drill sergeant, laid back, etc)
• ACE encourages clients to ask for references. They say “The best personal trainer to hire is the one others give high marks to.”

A personal trainer and her client have a relationship like none other; your trainer is your confidant, your coach, your cheerleader, and your inspiration. Find one that you like, and hang on to her for dear life.

Sidebar:

Personal Training Certifying Bodies:

American Council on Exercise (ACE): www.acefitness.org
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA): www.issaonline.com
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA):www.nsca-lift.org

Average Cost Per Hour

Los Angeles $85
New York $85
Miami $86

Nicole Palacios BSc, has been an integral part of the fitness industry for the past 13 years, working as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She is ACE and BCRPA certified as a personal trainer, and is also a supervisor of fitness leaders. Her passions include fitness writing, weight training, and helping her clients pursue their fitness dreams. Check out her website at www.perfectfit.ws, or contact by email at Nicole@perfectfit.ws

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