السبت، 16 أبريل 2011

| Health How to Pick a Personal Trainer

How to Pick a Personal Trainer
With all the holiday noshing and sipping is your tummy starting to feel like a bowl full of jelly?  For many people, getting in shape with the help of a personal trainer can be an effective use of time and money. 
What does a personal trainer do?  According to Kasie Sullivan, GalTime’s own Certified Personal Trainer, it’s a qualified individual who:
-Acts as a coach and motivator
-Helps you develop a safe and effective exercise program based on your fitness goals
-Checks your form as you exercise
-Tracks your progress

What to Look For… and Look Out For

When it comes to finding a personal trainer, it’s bodybuilder beware.  “The personal training industry is not currently regulated in the United States, so anyone can call themselves a personal trainer” warns Mabel Robles, the Fitness Content Development Coordinator for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. 
Robles advises seeking out a personal trainer who is certified under an accredited certification program, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). 
“Accreditation simply means that the program has been reviewed and approved by an independent third party” says Robles.  She recommends checking with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) http://www.credentialingexcellence.org for accredited certification programs. 

 

Finding a Personal Trainer

So where do you start searching for your perfect partner in fitness?  Seattle-based personal trainer Kristen Moffet recommends tapping into your network.  “I think the best way is word of mouth.”  Friends, colleagues, doctor and physical therapists can all be great sources of recommendations. 
You can also ask around at your local gym or check out FitnessConnect, a resource on the IDEA Health and Fitness Association Website.  IDEA is a membership association for fitness and wellness professionals.  This reputable organization works in conjunction with NCCA-accredited organizations to verify the credentials of each trainer.
“Any individual who is interested in a qualified personal trainer can search the FitnessConnect Directory” says Robles.  The best part?  It’s free.”

 

Getting the best burn for your buck

If you’re going find someone to help you work on your abs, don’t overlook you gut.  “Choose someone with experience in the area you want to concentrate on and be sure the personality meshes with yours,” cautions Sullivan.  Adds Moffat, “Exercise doesn’t have to be boring and mundane.  It should be fun and dynamic.”
What are some signs that you should speed walk away from a potential personal trainer?  Mabel Robles offers these red flags:
  • Individuals lacking education or credentials
  • Trainers who diagnose injury or illness.  A good personal trainer will refer you to a medical professional when appropriate
  • Personal trainers who make you feel uncomfortable or act in a unprofessional manner

The Price of Personal Training

You can expect to shell out between $30-$100 an hour for personal training.  Sullivan says the rate is based on education, experience and location.  The amount of sessions purchased can also be a factor in the cost.  So don’t be afraid to ask for a price reduction if you plan to see your trainer on a regular basis.
Overall, working with a personal trainer should be an inspiring and empowering experience.  “Choose someone who will motivate you and who helps you adhere to the program” says Sullivan.  “You should leave feeling like you want more.”

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