6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Personal Trainer
Once for the rich and famous, personal training is everywhere now! If you're looking for a personal trainer, there are some questions you need the answers to.
1. Can you have examples of success?
This is the best way to get honest information. A personal trainer should be more than happy to give you a list of Members that went from one physique to their goal. If the trainer doesn't have any, look elsewhere.
2. What Certification do they have?
Certification is a credential given by an institution with its own educational and testing procedures. Quality credentialing agencies require a thorough process to certify their personal trainers. Usually this includes written, oral and hand on exam components. Certification from accredited organizations will not guarantee personal trainer's excellence but shows only that the person successfully passed the minimum requirements for their certification. While important, certification is a factor that should be used in combination with all of the other information that you are collecting. The personal trainer also should also be certified in CPR/First Aid and be able to show you the credentials.
3. What is their personal training method?
A good personal trainer should be able to explain a routine and method of exercise training. How do they work with members? How do they motivate them? Is there an assessment process? Find out as much as you can about how they work with members to achieve goals. What you are looking for here is example of the personal trainer's credibility. Ask for specifics and clarification if you don't understand something.
4. How much do they charge and how?
The prices per hour or half hour for personal fitness instruction vary quite a bit based on where you live, trainer qualifications and experience. As with everything else, you will usually get what you pay for, but there's no guarantee that the most expensive trainer will be the best suited for you and your goals, so regardless, choose wisely. Talk to other people who have used a personal trainer, search your prospective personal trainer on the internet to see if there are reviews on them, and call health clubs near you to determine the average rate in your area. If the trainer is meeting you at your home, expect to pay slightly more than average. If you are meeting at a health club, prepare to cover the cost of a guest fee if there is one. Remember that your privacy will be at stake if you choose a club. Get specifics on all of the fees and how payment is made. Some personal trainers charge on a per session basis per hour, while others offer packages and discounted rates for a given number of pre-paid sessions. Some accept only cash. Others accept checks and credit cards. Most personal trainers have a cancellation policy and some even for both parties. Agree on all financial obligations before the first session and insist that both parties sign a billing contract that is given to both parties. Avoid the personal trainer who responds to a question about fees who doesn't have a pre made fee schedule to hand to you at your time of consultation.
5. What do they look like?
You should never base your selection solely on your personal trainer's appearance. A person with a perfect body may not know the first thing about safely teaching you how to reach your own goals. This is especially true if they have achieved their own results through things like the use of drugs or exercise obsession. Choose a personal trainer that you may want to look like that seems achievable. The person you want to hire will be teaching you skills, major lifestyle habits and doesn't need to look like a model in a magazine. Personal trainers do need to practice what they preach and lead by example as well. You aren't going to be inspired by or respect a personal trainer's opinion if you're in better shape than they are.
6. What's your gut feeling about your top choices?
Above all, make sure you choose a personal trainer that you feel comfortable with and can view yourself having a good relationship with. Above all, trust what your gut tells you. Hiring a personal trainer genius is worthless if you don't feel comfortable with them or feel like you would get along with them well. You need to trust, respect and feel at ease with them. Set up the initial consultation and even a second interview, ask the right questions, and follow your gut for the perfect fit.
About the Author
Bill is a personal trainer in CT at www.horizonpt.com owned by him. Widely known as a Body-for-Life Champion 2001. Find him at Personal Trainer Cheshire CT Bill has been coached by Tony Robbins and honored Lifestyle Achievement Award. For more go to Cheshire CT Personal Trainer http://www.horizonpt.com