Personal Trainers
If the mainstream media is any indicator, personal trainers are in. Beyond tabloid coverage of what trainer is behind the physique of which celebrity, immensely popular weight loss programs like “The Biggest Loser” and “Celebrity Fit Club” have provided an intimate, although slightly over-dramatized, window into the relationship between personal trainers and those they train. This guide explores that relationship by providing insight into what personal trainers are, how they work, and how they could work for you.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is a Personal Trainer?
Personal trainers work to help clients reach their fitness goals through one-on-one training sessions. For people new to the gym, or those who are in a workout rut, a trainer might be a sound investment. A good trainer is a licensed professional that can help motivate someone to exercise, show them the proper way to workout, and accommodate any health issues a client might have. Use the Web to learn what to expect from a personal training session, and how to select a trainer that will fit your workout needs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Make sure your trainer is certified by one of the country’s prominent certification organizations. The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association are all trusted organizations.
- Another important thing to look for when evaluating a personal trainer is whether they carry professional liability insurance. According to the Starting a Personal Training Business Web site, if you, as a client, are injured during a personal training session and decide to take your trainer to court, liability insurance will help cover the trainer’s court costs and any settlement that might come out of it.
- Trainers are generally paid hourly. In most places, between $40 and $60 an hour is standard, although depending on who your trainer is, fees can vary in both directions.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of personal trainers …
Western Technical College
has an article that briefly explains what personal trainers do, and how they could help someone. Though much of the page is about the College’s wellness center, the general information serves as a useful overview.
FamilyEducation
is part of a group of sites run by Pearson Education, Inc. Read this particular article to explore reasons why a person would want to hire a personal trainer; examples include a lack of experience, the need for extra motivation, and the need to escape from a workout rut.
To learn what to look for in a personal trainer …
The American Council on Exercise
teaches you what to consider when choosing a trainer. Find a quality overview of the process, including tips such as asking for references and checking for insurance liability.
WebMD
has an extensive article that covers who might use a personal trainer, what to look for in selecting one, and what kind of rates to expect.
Healthclubs.com
is part of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. Find tips on what to look for in a personal trainer, including meeting with trainers before hiring them to learn how they would help you meet your goals, and trusting your instincts.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association
has an in-depth checklist of what to look for in a personal trainer, including certification, education, and references. Also consider logistics, such as fees and cancellation policies, as well as personality traits. The article stresses the importance of getting along with your trainer, who should motivate but not intimidate you.
For personal trainers and children …
MSNBC
hosts an article from the Associated Press about kids and personal trainers. According to the article, more and more parents in the United States are signing up kids as young as 6 to work out with personal trainers. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association’s 2005 survey reported that around 824,000 children between 6 and 17 use personal trainers. The article also warns that children still have developing bodies, and parents must make sure the trainer is appropriately trained to handle that.
For personal training alternatives …
Workouts For You
is a viable option if you don’t want a live personal trainer. Use this online service to list your goals and receive personal training sessions via the Internet. You can even customize your workouts based on the types of equipment you have access to. Prices start at about $30 for a 12-week program.
The New York Times
has this article detailing the new trend toward downloading personal training sessions to an iPod or P.D.A. It is also a way for individuals to experience a personal training session without having the hassle of paying the as much money or bending to the trainer’s schedule.
Finding a Personal Trainer
The Internet has a few databases that list personal trainers by state and region. Use the Web or ... read more »
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