Choosing a Personal Trainer (Part 1)

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I’m often asked by people whom I can’t personally train myself due to travel etc how should they choose a personal trainer. So, rather than repeat myself, let me tell you all in one hit.

Choosing a Personal Trainer, whether they be based in a club, studio or local park can be a daunting prospect. How do you know how to choose one?

Do you have a choice? What do you need to look?  Basically, a great personal trainer should have a holistic, lifestyle approach to health and fitness and not just having someone make you run around for an hour!

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A great personal trainer can:

* Help you make the best use of your exercise time.
* Help motivate you.
* Help you with technique (efficiency and safety)
* Monitor your progress
* Adjust your exercise program in response to your changing fitness level
* Offer sound advice on good nutrition
* Vary your exercise options to keep you motivated, interested and enjoying your workouts.

Objectives that personal trainers can work towards include:

* Fat/weight loss
* Body toning and shaping
* Strength and endurance training.
* Fitness training.
* Flexibility exercises.
* Specific forms of exercise, such as boxing, yoga or Pilates.
* Programs for children, adolescents and older adults (if the trainer is appropriately qualified).

Qualities of a Great Personal Trainer

Great personal trainers will have undergone:

* Instruction and study in the foundations of good health and exercise, including human anatomy and physiology; biomechanics (body movement), posture and flexibility; nutrition for health and performance; and exercise physiology.
* Instruction in fitness assessment, designing exercise programs, exercise instruction (including the use of equipment such as exercise balls) and techniques such as boxing.
* Skills and knowledge updates through continuing education, subscribing to relevant professional journals and conducting research.

What Qualifications Do They Hold?

Many personal trainers have completed a Certificate IV (or Diploma) in Fitness. Alternatively, they may have done a sports science or human movement degree, which would allow them to register as a personal trainer with the relevant association of fitness professionals if they can demonstrate they have competence in required areas.  Without this competency evaluation, though, a sports degree on its own doesn’t guarantee a competent personal trainer because they may not have covered all aspects of designing and delivering personalised programs.

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round 60-70% of personal trainers are registered with Fitness Australia through their state’s registration body. Personal trainers can also register with other recognised associations as well.  Requirements for registration as a personal trainer include a Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer) or equivalent, and a current industry-approved first-aid certificate; continuing education (or professional development) credit points are required to maintain registration every two years.

Some trainers start off registered, but then let their registration lapse through one reason or another.  others simply choose not to register. Unless you’re experienced and knowledgeable enough to judge this for yourself, you’re better off playing it safe and going with someone who is registered.  With registration often comes insurance, which is great peace of mind for you the paying customer.

Personal trainers should also have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Trainers registered with Fitness Australia or Kinect Australia have access to insurance through these bodies, though it’s optional. Make sure you ask to see their certificate of currency before engaging in their services.

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Once you’ve established their professional credentials — that is, that they’re qualified, registered and insured as a personal trainer — it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

In a few days, after you’ve digested all of this info, I’ll let you know what questions you need to ask your prospective trainer.

How To Choose A Personal Trainer Part 2