Guest Post: What’s Their Background? Check Your Trainer’s Credentials

I just love a post about trainers, and today I have a guest post from Jane Smith on the subject. I think you will find this post very interesting, as I give it a thumbs up!

What’s Their Background? Check Your Trainer’s Credentials

 

With the hectic lives we live these days, there’s no denying that staying fit can be quite the chore. To help stay focused and motivated, many people opt to hire a personal trainer, which is a great option. However, make sure you do your homework before hiring anyone, as many people are trying to jump on the fitness bandwagon to make a quick buck without having the proper credentials or necessary training.

 

Sure, if you go through a gym and use their trainers chances are they will be properly certified and possess the appropriate qualifications. But, if you’re going to go it alone and hire someone yourself, be sure to screen them thoroughly to ensure you will be working with a qualified professional.

 

So, if you’re in the market for a personal trainer, keep a look out for the following things to make sure you’re picking a winner.

 

Professional Certification

 

Now, I know plenty of former athletes and fitness enthusiasts offer amateur workout classes that are generally cheaper than those offered by a certified professional. And, while these sessions might deliver results, they lack a certain accountability and professionalism. You run the risk of them breaking their contract, not living up to their promises or worse, endangering your health and well-being.

 

To prevent this from happening, do you homework and research your potential trainer’s history. From formal education to past employment experience, it helps to know it all so you get an idea of what you’re getting into. Look for professional certifications such as one from the National Athletic Trainer's Association or National Academy of Sports Medicine. These are just a couple of the well-known certifications they can obtain, so if you see another that’s OK, just double check that it’s not bogus.

 

Good References

 

Part of your screening process should be checking around to see  what sort of reviews your potential trainer-to-be has received from other clients—both past and present. Granted this could vary from person to person, because as they say “different strokes for different folks” but if overall they receive a thumbs up, you should be good to go.

 

Short of getting an actual background check done on this guy or gal (which I do recommend in certain situations) this is a great way to get a feel for what you’re getting yourself into. You might even get a glimpse at the sort of results you’ll enjoy if you join up with them.

 

Good Personal Fitness

 

I’m not saying that your trainer has to look like George Clooney or any other gorgeous person, but they should have a healthy, fit physique. After all, if they are the ones in charge of getting you into shape, shouldn’t they be themselves.

 

It’s also helpful to find out why they are doing what they’re doing. A general passion for the area? Personal fitness accomplishment? Ask questions, odds are your trainer will love to share the details, unless of course they have something to hide.

 

So before you “sign on the dotted line” or shake the hand of this person in question, make sure you know the whole story—or as much as you can. This will help ensure you don’t get taken advantage of, especially during this time when you’re trying to make a positive change in your life. And remember, if you ever feel you can’t get all the facts on your own, there is always the option of going the professional route—hey it never hurts to be thorough.

Well said, thanks Jane!  

Jane Smith is a freelance blogger. She welcomes you to email her any questions or comments and can be reached at janesmith161@gmail.com.