Before starting the journey to a new you by hiring a fitness trainer, it can be easy to just choose one from your local gym. By blindly selecting a fitness coach, you can set yourself up for failure and other blunders in your get fit progress.
The fitness industry is unregulated, which can cause for a number of questionable fitness trainers. There are national certifying bodies in place and every trainer SHOULD be certified. The alarming facts are that there are no firm regulations in place holding businesses and independent fitness trainers accountable for verifying certifications.
Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting your personal trainer:
1) Nationally Certified- A MUST before hiring, good sources of certifications include ACE, ACSM, and NSCA
2) Experience- Check to see if the potential personal trainer has experience with clients just like you and how long
3) Social Proof/Testimonials-Every trainer should have some feedback and before and after photos of actual client results. Unfortunately, there are many personal trainers out there who don't know what it takes to get results. Whether it be the lack of caring or the lack of knowledge, these type of trainers just failed to take the steps to constantly educate themselves on correct fitness coaching.
4) Insured-Make sure your personal trainer in question is responsible and currently has liability training coverage.
Don't get me wrong, there are tons of great and responsible personal trainers everywhere. On the same note, there many questionable trainers as well. The "good guys" have taken the time to educate themselves with the latest methods and understood how to learn from their clients and listen to what they have to say. Over time, trusted trainers have produced great results and have changed people’s lives for the better.
By taking the time to ask questions and get the facts on your potential fitness coach, you can increase your chances of your fitness success becoming a reality. Remember you are the buyer, so take charge in the interviewing process and avoid high pressure sales tactics at all costs.
Craig Smith- Owner and Personal Trainer of First State Health and Fitness in Dover, De.