Becoming A Personal Trainer Is Easy
And while there is a strong demand for trainers, unfortunately the educational requirements are low – there are none. Literally anyone over the age of 18 can become a personal trainer and there is no shortage of organizations that offer a weekend course, a simple test, and an official certification paper. After 16 years as a certified personal trainer, I’ve seen my share of good trainers and more than my share of bad ones. Because the barrier to entry is low in this field, anyone who thinks he or she can make quick cash by taking a basic exercise science test, getting certification, and hanging a sign out front, can sell himself to the public as a fitness professional. And because it’s an unregulated industry, people are suckered every day by greedy and unscrupulous trainers looking to cash in on your ignorance about fitness. The good news is there are plenty of qualified and worthy trainers out there and they can be a huge asset to helping you achieve your fitness goals. Here is why having a quality personal trainer is important:
Motivation. Let’s face it, most people are not motivated to get off their butts and do the hard work necessary to make a permanent change in their lifestyle. Our society breeds laziness and many people need a push to get them going. Education. Have you ever walked into a gym and felt totally lost? There are dozens of complicated machines, big burly meat heads clunking around the free weight section, and you find yourself sheepishly gravitating towards the only thing you know how to use… the treadmill. A good trainer will help you understand how to use exercise equipment, how to be safe while using it, and why you’re using it. Accountability. We all know that new habits are challenging to form, especially exercising. Hiring a trainer will not only put your wallet on the hook, but you should expect to be held accountable to your goals. A good trainer will remind you why you are paying him and push you enough to take action towards your fitness goals. Self-reliance. The aim of any quality trainer should be not only to help you reach your goals but to teach you to become self-reliant in the gym. When you see the same person working with the same trainer for years on end, it’s a sign that he is still dependent on them. Your trainer should be helping you understand your exercise program and how, when and why to change it in the future.
Hiring A Personal Trainer
If you are in the market for a personal trainer, you have your work cut out for you. Unfortunately, most people use Google to find one or use a referral from a friend. But even then, it’s extremely important to do your due diligence. I’ve trained hundreds of clients over the years and I have rarely been asked for my credentials, educational background, or client testimonials. It’s scary and although I consider myself to be an excellent trainer, I could have easily been a shoddy one. Now when I meet a prospective client I tell them to ask questions before making a decision. After all he or she will be spending hard-earned money and it’s critical that he or she hire a quality person. So, here are 12 things to remember when you choose your personal trainer:
Ready To Hire a Trainer?
You should now have an idea of what types of questions to ask a prospective trainer and what qualities to look for. Educating yourself is the first step in finding the right trainer, so don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Featured photo credit: Craig Boyd via flickr.com
