Buyer Beware

Finding a good personal trainer is not an easy task. You should be as discriminating about your selections in trainers as you would be with any other professional. Because personal training is one of the fastest growing professions in the fitness industry, many "fly by night" trainers pop up to reap the benefits of a lucrative trade. Beware of these charlatans, many of them do not have the necessary skills or experience to help you achieve your fitness goals. Furthermore, while you should expect to pay for the level of expertise that a trainer has, some trainers are often more interested in your finances than your physique. Personal training 101 give a list of qualities and qualifications a good personal trainer should have.

Personal Training 101

• Personality: A good indicator if the relationship will be successful. Important because you'll be working very closely with this person. Make sure you get along with your trainer and feel comfortable asking questions.
• Education: A good personal trainer should have a certification with a legitimate fitness organization. Many trainers have several certifications and multiple disciplines. This is good because the more knowledgeable your trainer is , the better trainer they should be.
• Experience: Make sure that your trainer has the necessary experience in whatever your goals are. A triathlete would not want to hire a trainer whose main expertise was in bodybuilding. Many personal trainers have multiple disciplines, a good trainer will be able to design a program to fit your needs.
• Appearance: While everyone has different body styles, your personal trainer should look and should be in shape. A good personal trainer will hold themselves accountable to the fitness philosophy and lead by example. While you may not want to look like your personal trainer, they should inspire you to be healthy.

A good personal trainer will be attentive and a good listner to make sure that they understand your goals. He or she should track your progress and make changes if necessary to insure success. Make sure that your trainer is someone that you are comfortable with, personality clashes won't make for good workouts. Your trainer can and should be a friend, but they should also hold you accountable and make sure you reach your goals. As always thanks for your ear and keep reading!