In my profession, I've had the pleasure of working with trainers and speaking with clients and discussing their experience with trainers. I've heard many horror stories.  I've overheard a trainer tell a client that throwing up during or after a session was a good sign of a hard workout.  I've observed another trainer watch a client performing an bench press with poor technique and the trainer never corrected him!  The last thing you want is a trainer that lives by the philosophy of having "torturous Tuesdays, throw-up Thursdays and fried legs Friday".  If you find a trainer like this, run in the opposite direction.  We are talking about time, money, you health and injury prevention.  Not just any trainer will do the trick! 

For many, you shudder at the thought of actually becoming a member at the gym and spending more time and money to accomplish what you desire.  (Boy, this whole eating healthy and working out is an expensive habit!)  You've resisted for quite a while but now have conceded to the fact that you may need a little extra help.  There is no doubt that a good personal trainer can help you achieve your goals.  If done correctly, with the right trainer, it won't take years and years of hard, long grueling hours to do so.  On my quest to help all of you achieve this long lasting goal, I called my good friend Larry North.  For those of you who do not know Larry, he is "the fitness guru"!  I spoke with Larry and told him that I was writing an article about personal trainers and he was elated to help me out!  "The North Way is to create a No Pain is Gain approach to fitness.  Exercise should be pleasurable, not miserable". (www.larrynorth.com) Here are a few key points that Larry highlighted about personal trainers.

Your trainer should have one to two certifications from a national organization or a degree in a fitness-related field.  There is no central governing authority for personal trainers (PT), therefore, certification requirements vary and the different types of personal training certifications are infinite.  Choose a certification that is nationally recognized such as: The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Council (ACE) on Exercise, The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).  Needless to say, a PT with a degree from an accredited university in an suitable field (i.e. Kinesiology or Exercise Physiology) or a master's degree in Physiology is a good choice.  The classes required in these curriculums require a great deal of advanced classes in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and sports training/therapy.

Personal training is much more than exercise supervision; there is no substitute for hands on training. Your trainer should have a minimum of two years experience.  A good personal trainer should have knowledge and experience of dealing with a range of exercise and fitness issues.  Personal trainers are hired for different reasons, so it's very important to find someone who has experience in the type of training your desire and help you with your goals.  Make sure to get someone with a solid list of references and call them. Ask about the trainer's strengths and weaknesses. What did the PT help the reference achieve? Why was that PT picked? If the client wasn't satisfied they'll tell you right away and the reasons for it. Be sure to ask the trainer about the results their clients have achieved and if available, look at before and after pictures of clients.

Professional and courteousness is a must! Your trainer should be presentable physically and personally. Take a good look at your prospective trainer and realize that what you see is what you may get!  Ask about your trainer's own exercise habits and nutritional philosophy.  Your trainer may not have a perfect physique, but do they adhere or follow their own principles? After all would you seek dietary advice from someone who is overweight? Probably not!  Your trainer should also be on time for sessions, courteous and attentive while training. The last thing you want is your trainer talking on a cell phone or being a social butterfly when they're suppose to be spotting you!    You should be comfortable with your trainer, and this should be a person who can help keep you motivated. If the person isn't supportive and positive, or if you are afraid to tell him/her that you eat chocolate for breakfast, find someone else.   A good personal trainer will be a great communicator.  If your personalities don't click, the relationship won't work. That's okay.  Find some one you like.  You want a friendly, attentive person who listens to your concerns and shows interest in helping you.

Ask your prospective trainer about scheduling and determine your commitment level. Are you looking for someone to set up your program and get you started, or do you want someone to meet you at every workout. Are you planning on working out in the morning, during your lunch hour or in the evening? The whole point of having a personal trainer is to get the personal instruction and motivation you need, at times that are convenient for you.  Do your homework and find out the going rate of personal trainers in your area. If you are shopping for the cheapest trainer.rethink your strategy.  After all, if you needed brain surgery, would you look for the cheapest surgeon?  Remember that you are putting your health and fitness in this person's hands.  Don't compromise quality! Really good personal trainers will always be in demand. Motivational trainers, or trainers to the stars, can charge figures that would make your jaw drop.  However, the majority of trainers will charge between $50- $60 per hour, depending on their experience and knowledge. Ask if there are any additional fees and what the rate includes.  Be aware of your trainers' business policies; it's a good idea to find out their policy on extra fees, contracts, cancellations, and billing procedures before you make a commitment.  If possible, get it in writing to help avoid any misunderstandings or confusions.

Ask what kind of assessment protocol the trainer will provide for you. A good trainer will consult you about your needs before you begin your first workout. Your trainer should ask you about your medical history, past physical activity, your daily activity, current diet and eating habits, and work out goals.   Trainers should give you regular feedback and discuss your progress. Assessment can include improvement in strength, circumference measures or body composition calculations.  Measuring progress is essential to have a sense of accomplishment.  I would recommend using as many forms of measurement as possible to keep you motivated and moving in the right direction. 

Your trainer should also keep up with current research and maintain contact with other health professionals such as: physicians, dietitians, physical therapists, and other types of health & fitness professionals.  Reading muscle comics don't count!  All personal trainers need to update their knowledge on an on- going basis through various seminars, workshops, or annual exams, so that they are able to provide you with the latest, safe and effective information.  All good quality personal trainers will have reputable sources for information pertaining to your specific needs.

Remember that hiring a trainer is an investment; take your time when selecting your trainer.  Be sure to interview more than one personal trainer and take all of these tips into consideration.  Before making a commitment, make sure that your trainer has a money back guarantee.  After all, you are paying for a service, and if you are unhappy with the service provided, you are entitled to a refund.