How to Find a Good Personal Trainer
Top Reasons Why Gym Trainers are Needed for Fitness
© Yahan Wu
Oct 9, 2009
Personal training is a great investment if the right trainer is chosen. A professional trainer can provide the structure needed for results with a fun workout plan, accountability and an effective routine, thus saving time for both parties and mentoring the client through thick and thin.
Professional Gym Workouts
One of the main benefits of having a personal trainer is getting the motivation to stick with a consistent exercise program. Individualized programs are also an upside. If the person working out has any chronic health conditions, injuries or training goals (vertical jump increase, for example) a trainer can also be a health care provider, helping create a safe, efficient program that considers these needs while helping reach health goals.
Efficiency and Improving Technical Skills
Personal trainers help focus on results and stop wasting time doing inefficient workouts. A personal trainer has a plan and will help get maximum results in minimum time.
If he or she plays a particular sport, the right personal trainer can help improve skills by showing new training techniques specific to the sport. The trainer will incorporate skills training into the program not only improving strength and endurance, but agility and mental focus as well.
Mental Health and Physical Safety
A good trainer should help the client feel positive about a workout routine, be able to motivate them to get into shape, and in general, help the client feel more positive towards life as well as a desire for healthy living.
A personal trainer watches form, monitors vitals and can provide objective feedback about limits and strengths. Most people going to the gym tend to ignore some of the subtle signals the body provides. They either push through pain or give up too soon, but, because a personal trainer can monitor execises, they can help push or slow down the routine as necessary.
How to Pick a Good Trainer
- Respect: This quality is on the top of the list. A good trainer should not only be treating their clients with respect, but also as a friend, with a sincere interest in their health and fitness wellbeing. The trainer should be passionate and excited about the changes he/she can bring to their clients’ lives so if there is a feeling that money is more important than these needs, it’s probably wiser to pick another trainer.
- Building a rapport: Personal training can be very private and the trainer and client can also be seen as friends. If there is a not a very good rapport between the two, perhaps a new trainer should be considered.
- Punctuality: Making a workout appointment is like scheduling a meeting as it sets apart a specific time for exercising and any rescheduling or cancellation within 24 hours means a loss of valuable time for both parties. If any party cancels or reschedules an appointment, it is likely that the client will have to reimburse the trainer or the trainer will give a free session to the client.
- Reasonable Price Structure: Make comparisons, but keep in mind that the amount spent equals the desired results received in this industry, so evaluate the expertise of the trainer.
How to Avoid a Bad Trainer
- A trainer doesn't give full attention: If a trainer interrupts workouts to talk to buddies in the gym, take random phone calls or just doesn't pay attention to workouts, that's an issue that needs to be discussed right away. Sometimes interruptions are inevitable and not every trainer is going to be at their best all the time. However, if a client feels like they’re being ignored, talk to the trainer about it. He or she may not be aware there's a problem. If there isn’t an improvement, another trainer may be needed.
- A trainer doesn't respond to feedback: A personal training relationship is really a collaboration--he/ she sets up workouts and then changes them according to needs and how things feel. If a trainer isn't doing that or has the client doing suspiciously harebrained workouts (like working the same one or two muscle groups every session or never changing anything), something should be said. Giving feedback is the only way to change things. Find a new trainer if there is no response.
- A trainer diagnoses injuries or illnesses: A trainer can do a lot of things – set up workouts, teach exercises and even listen to personal problems. What they can't do is diagnose any injuries or illnesses (unless they’re also a doctor). It's fine to talk to a trainer about any problems and they may be able to give general advice, but they should always refer you to a doctor. And if a trainer urges a client to work through any pain that doesn't feel right, that's a no-no as well.
Source:
The New York Times Company, Choosing a Personal Trainer, April 20, 2009
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