By Kelly Coventry, M.A.

Staff Writer, Exercise Physiologist

People look to personal trainers for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you are new to exercise and need guidance, or maybe you’re a triathelete looking to shave some seconds off your time. Perhaps you want to improve on your golf swing and driving distance. Many people seek assistance to help fight hypertension or have just been released from physical therapy. And, of course, some folks are just simply trying to keep up with the grandchildren.

Choosing the right personal trainer is, as the name implies, a very “personal” decision, and one that should not be made carefully. You want the fit to be just right. A personal trainer can help to improve overall strength, flexibility and endurance, and help you to attain your fitness/lifestyle goals. But if the fit isn’t just right, the whole experience can be disastrous and leave you with a feeling of abandonment. “You want a trainer that can adapt and adjust accordingly to your daily needs as a client, one who can motivate you and have you leave energized after an exercise session,” said Fabian “Malik” Carey, a fitness trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) (www.nasm.org)  in Las Vegas, NV.

There are four major points to consider in your quest for a personal trainer - education, experience, business practices and personality. When searching for a personal trainer, a college degree in exercise science or a related field would definitely add to a trainer’s credibility. A client can derive a certain level of comfort in knowing that the person in question has a sound, solid educational foundation in exercise programming (the ability to set a client on a program specific to their needs and goals). A trainer who is schooled in exercise physiology understands the direct relationship between the body and exercise, as opposed to the “workout hound” who thinks that just because he has spent years in a gym he is equipped to train others. If the college degree is not there, look to the certifications acquired – especially from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Never be afraid to ask to see a trainer’s certification card, and you would be well within your rights to contact the certifying organization for confirmation.

A trainer’s experience should also be strongly considered. Ask the trainer how many years’ experience he or she has, especially if you have specific needs or limitations. Does the trainer have a specialty or prefer to work with certain types of clients (pre-natal fitness or sports conditioning)?  If you have a medial condition it is imperative that you choose a trainer schooled in your medical condition and its limitations. All too often, an inexperienced trainer takes on a situation where he or she is not qualified, and the results can be tragic. Look to a trainer that has been trained to work with special populations or limitations, especially the one(s) you may be diagnosed with. A call to your doctor to discuss the exercise program and receive medical clearance in advance - for the healthy and unhealthy population - is absolutely required.

Before embarking on a commitment with a personal trainer, get to know his business practices and ethics. What are the rates per session? What is the cancellation policy? Does this trainer carry personal liability insurance? Try a session or two with the person before you make your final decision, and don’t be afraid to check out his references. They can speak volumes as to his experience and success rate. These questions and actions need to be asked and taken before you start working with the trainer. Also, getting the trainer’s policies in writing is the best way to avoid confusion and protect your rights going forward.