When Hiring a Trainer

Hiring a trainer is a big step in the fight to achieve your fitness goals. There are many things you should know about your trainer before you sign on the dotted line. Some questions you should ask are obvious but others you probably didnt think about which is why I am writing about this, to give you help when you go to make that big decision.

Questions to Ask

1. What certifications do you have?
• Only ever work with a trainer that is certified. However there are some certifications that are better than others. These days many require a bachelors degree in a related field such as Exercise Science, Kineseology(the study of human movement), Health and Sport Sciences, and Allied Health are just a few. Some of the best certifications are:
• NSCA-CPT or NSCA C.S.C.S.: The National Strength and Conditioning Association is one of the best organizations in the world in terms of training research and development. The Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist are the tops in the business in my opinion. The C.S.C.S. certification is geared more towards the training of athletes but a certified professional with this degree is completely capable of being a great trainer. Both require a college degree and require continuing education credits to maintain the certification.
• ACSM Certifications- the American College of Sports Medicine offers several different certifications. One of them is the Health Fitness Specialist which requires a college degree and is a good start certification for someone coming out of college. They also offer many specialized certifications such as a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, and certifications for training of those with disabilites and the elderly. They are a great organization and there certifications are always up to date and have some of the strictest requirements.
• There are many other certifications that could be had by a trainer, but those mentioned above are the tops in the field in my opinion. The best advice I can give you is research what they tell you. Look it up online, check the requirements, and what the had to complete to get there certification . If your not satisfied or dont think its very good, then walk away.
2. Do you have a degree?
• Although this should not always be a deal breaker, someone with a degree in a field related to training and health should have a greater deal of knowledge than one without. However there are many great trainers out there without a degree, and many very bad trainers with a degree. Always ask, and then get a feel for the person to see if your comfortable training with them.
3. What is your training philosophy?
• This might seem weird but a trainers philosophy is how they believe in training individuals and if there philosophy is not the type of training you want to do than your not going to have a good time in your workouts, and your not going to like your trainer. The best trainers out there dont have a specific training philosophy. I go into every assessment with an open mind because my workouts are going to be designed for my client. I have my ideas about what the best types of training are but the workouts I create will be for what my clients goals and needs are and not for my own. Always ask because the type of philosophy will give you an insight into what your training sessions might be like and if you dont like that than you wont like any part of your training. But if you meet with a trainer and they print out a workout while your there, just walk away. There is no way they could make a workout just for you before you've already met.

Questions you shouldnt ask

1. How much?
• By this I mean dont ask how much weight your going to lose or how much muscle your going to gain. You can discuss your goals but dont assume that because you have a trainer your going to lose all the weight you want. A trainer is there to help guide you in your weight loss, but ultimately it depends on you. Your nutrition and your effort in your workouts will determine what you get out of it so dont ask your trainer how much.
2. Do I have to?
• In your assessment metting with the trainer, they should ask you what types of activities you like doing, what you dont, what gives you pain. A good trainer who asks these questions are able to design your workouts so they are fun, and work with you. But dont ask if you have to do something. There is a reason it is part of your workout and you should have said something to your trainer in the assessment.

Summing It Up
Always ask about experience, certifications, degrees, anythign that would make you feel more confortable with the trainer and what they might be able to offer you. Never be afraid to ask any questions. I always want more questions because than I can give you more information to give you a better idea about training and myself. Do your research about the individual and the information they give you if you arent certain about them. Although having a trainer gives you an upper hand into reaching your training goals, never ask how much you might lose or gain because there is no exact answer. Its up to you through nutrition and your own effort that determines those variables. Now youve got some good information and can make a better more knowledgeable decision about a trainer.