Choosing a Personal Trainer

Having your very own personal trainer has several great advantages: Trainers provide motivation, professional expertise, and personalized attention--all key components of reaching your personal health and fitness goals. However, personal trainers vary greatly, not only in educational background and costs, but also in personal philosophy, training and consulting practices.

We have put together this short list of items to cover when you first meet with a trainer you are considering to help reach your fitness goals.

1. Why did you become a personal trainer?

Personal trainers should not only have a passion for good health and fitness, they should also love to share their expertise and help others reach their personal goals.

2. Do you keep current with research?

The answer must be yes! Personal trainers need to continually update their knowledge through seminars, workshops, books, etc., in order to provide you with safe and effective information.

3. Can you supply client references?

Good trainers have satisfied customers and won't hesitate to put you in touch. Give two or three of the clients a call, asking about the trainer's strengths and weaknesses, and if they were professional, informative, and dependable. Also ask them if the trainer explained the reasoning behind their recommendations and program decisions.

4. Do you have liability insurance?

Personal trainers should protect their clients by insuring themselves and their services against personal injury and property loss.

5. Are you certified in CPR and first aid?

The trainer must know the proper procedures to follow in emergency situations.

6. Are you available on the days and times I've selected?

The whole point of having a personal trainer is to get the personal instruction and motivation you need, at times that are convenient for you.

7. What are your training/business policies?

It's a good idea to find out up-front their policy on extra fees, contracts, cancellations, and billing procedures.

After speaking with the personal trainer, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did the trainer ask me questions about myself and my lifestyle?

2. Does the trainer promote an integrated program that includes all five components of optimal health (strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training)?

3. Did the trainer have good listening skills and communicate well?

4. Will I get along with this trainer and look forward to working with him/her?