Personal Trainer...
 

How would one go about finding a good one? I dont want one of those dudes who just happens to have a business relationship with my gym. I want someone with more credentials than a business card at my club.

I am recommiting to the gym, but this time dotn want to mess around. Last time (about 2 yeas ago) I went religiously 4 times a week for a year and saw no outward improvment. This time I want a professionals assistance.

So I'm not soliciting 'workout' or 'diet' advice. (im not even overweight, just wanna get toned.) Just how I can contact a professional who can help me.

Also, whos had any specific successes / dissapointments in this area. I am also thinking Hootie has insights here, if she doesnt mind sharing.

Any germane suggestions are appreciated.

bump....

<lifesaver hears nothing but crickets>

i know you probably don't want to get someone thru the gym, but the ones at the 24 hour fitness here are pretty good. some of them are still students, but others have their masters and know what they are talking about. Just ask for someone with killer credentials.

Andy,

Reputable personal trainers will usually be a member of an industry body; there may be more than one of these. It will then be possible to check whether a member is in fact registered with them.

Reputable personal trainers will also usually have a specific industry recognised qualification; again there may be more than one of these.
It will usually be possible to find this information out (industry bodies/qualifications to look out for) easily, be it via a web search or by asking an instructor at a gym - who would generally always know.

Freelance trainers (perhaps not a member of any industry body) through personal recommendation can often be a very good route too.

Trainers have often trained for several years and participated in fitness competitions or bodybuilding competitions. This is possibly also an indication that they like what they do. Since enthusiasm is infectious, that is no bad thing.

You don't say what your goals are e.g. hypertrophy ("muscle-building") versus toning and general fitness. However, as a general rule it is good to go for someone who looks like they train themselves, and are in good shape. That tends to allow you to differentiate between those who train... and those who read about training. It may tend to not inspire confidence if the mentor looks like he needs to learn a thing or two from the protegé.

Trainers have different styles, some have softer styles others have a more boot camp sergeant style. Different approaches work better for different clients; trainers may be also able to tailor their normal approach to what works best for you.

Some gyms may have restrictions about using external trainers in the gym; particularly if they offer personal training themselves. Some amount of discretion will usually suffice should that be the case - i.e. a trainer standing some feet away shouting instruction will look out of place. Also, if your 'cousin' or 'friend' happens to be a personal trainer... and wishes to train with you of course, then that would be up to you rather than the establishment. I'm sure that wasn't lost on you!

Make sure the trainer is prepared to sit down with you and go through what your goals are and explain how to achieve them. You should be looking for a trainer able to offer continuing motivating advice on diet as well as exercise.

Don't be afraid to shop around, I've had personal trainers over the years both male and female; I got better results with some than others.

No idea if that helps at all but good luck with your training.

- Richard.

Lifesaver are you wanting a PT because you don't know "what to do" to accomplish your goals or are you not a self motivator? If it's the latter then maybe a PT would be good. Some people just need someone else to monitor them and motivate them. I know at my gym the rates are pretty steep (for me at least) so I took advantage of their free program that basically sets up a program for you to do and then you do it on your own. I personally am a self starter so this worked well for me and saved me a ton of money in the long run. I'm not saying getting a trainer is a bad thing, but it can be pricey. Good luck w/ whatever you do!

Go to www.healthforlife.com they ahve pretty good ttraining aids.

OR get the body for life book by bill phillips and read it.

www.bodyforlife.com

It will teach you more than a personal trainer will.

Life-
Try a facility that only offers private training, as opposed to a gym that uses personal trainers.

good luck!

<bump>

I'm currently seeing a trainer. I got a deal because I bought 6 sessions, but it's a one time thing.

I'd love to continue personal training... but the prices are steep. I'm one of these people that loves to perform - so a personal trainer gives me someone to perform for. I find I'm more motivated to go to the gym outside of training so that I can improve for my next session.

How often should one see a personal trainer? I'm thinking I could afford once a week - right now it's 2-3 times a week.

I'm bringing this up b/c I won 3 personal training sessions. Right now, I go to the gym maybe 3 times a week, usually just to do cardio b/c i am lazy and i just don't do weights.

How often should i see the trainer? Should i schedule all 3 sessions in a row? Split them up, like every other week (over a 6-week period) so i can practice the moves i learn?

Are you supposed to tip personal trainers when you complete the sessions?

I would split them up to once a week and have the trainer set up a workout schedule for you to follow and increase over time on your own. That's what I did a couple years back and it was a really good investment of my time and the trainer's time. :)

Great information! I actually started a work out routine at home with all the videos and equipment i have....I alternate between the Lateral Thigh Trainer and Walk Away the Pounds and then I do the Ab Lounge everyday....

When my body is in pain I do Pilates...

I'm intrigued by Pilates. Is it something that a person with really bad knees can do?

When I was in college, I worked at a Nautalus gym as a personal trainer. We all worked EVERYBODY out for free as part of the person's membership. It kind of irks me that now you have to pay an arm and a leg for something that used to be included.

And.. another rant... it also makes me angry to see the staff on the floor not correcting people who are lifting incorrectly.

And.. final rant (I promise!) it REALLY makes me angry when there is nobody even on the floor while people are bench pressing by themselves. That is SO dangerous!

I'd say so. I decided to try Pilates because my ankles SUCK(7 years of basketball will do that). It may just be my video that I have, but it REALLY works your abs/core area. I don't feel like I've really worked out afterwards, but you definitely feel it the next day.

My yoga instructor was a competitive runner and said she turned to yoga because she had zero flexibility and her knees and joints had taken a lot of beating.

Even if I'm working 120 hours a week, I'll make time for yoga. I'm a convert.

-Rudey