How to Interview and Select a Personal Trainer

Leonard D. Therry, Personal Training Certification from ACE, AFAA, AFPA, and NSCA
October 29, 2004

Introduction

Let's assume that you've made the decision to begin a fitness program and want to work with a personal trainer to make your efforts more productive. The use of personal trainers is now quite widespread and is no longer confined to the wealthy or Hollywood stars. Hiring a personal trainer is a very important decision and one that needs to be arrived at very carefully. What are the things you'll want to explore in your first consultation interview? This article contains some points that should help you select or reject a prospective personal trainer.

Certification

Since a personal trainer should be expected to have a considerable body of knowledge on subjects such as exercise science, anatomy, human physiology, kinesiology, health screening, exercise programming and basic nutrition, it's appropriate to explore their professional preparation in terms of education, certification, and experience. While an academic degree in one of the above subjects can be desirable, it's not an absolute requirement. At a minimum, a trainer should have been certified by a nationally recognized body. While there are now well over 100 different certification organizations, the most respected and well known include the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). You would also expect the trainer to have several years of experience as a personal trainer.

Location

Next, you should decide whether you prefer to exercise at a health club, community center, have a trainer come to your home, or do your training one-on- one in a private studio. Each has its own particular advantages. Many new older exercisers are intimidated by the glitzy atmosphere in some health clubs and, being out of shape, may feel out of place in an environment populated by young and obviously fit people. Such individuals may prefer having the trainer come to their homes or train in a private studio in a one-on-one environment.

References

You shouldn't hesitate to ask for references from current and former clients. If the trainer is reluctant to provide names and telephone numbers for contact, you might look elsewhere. When such a list is provided, by all means contact the individuals to explore their experiences with that trainer and whether they were satisfied with the results they obtained.

Fees

Establish early on what the fee structure is for training and what packages may be offered that could provide some savings. If you select a health club, be aware that personal training fees are separate and additional to the club membership charges. Personal training fees can range from $25 per session to $200, depending on the region and professional qualifications of the trainer. Shopping for the lowest fee might not be your best approach. If you were contemplating a medical procedure (e.g. heart surgery), you wouldn't shop for the cheapest cardiac surgeon, but for the best. While high fees don't guarantee the best trainer and bargains can be found at the lower levels, fee alone should not be the key to your decision. According to one fitness organization survey, the average hourly fee for my region (State of Maryland, not including the Washington DC area) is about $35 to $50 per session.

Insurance

Since it's the responsibility of your trainer to provide "safe and effective" training, it's prudent to ensure that the trainer carries adequate liability insurance and is qualified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), should this life-saving procedure be necessary. If you train at a health club, they should have an automatic portable defibrillator (AED) and have personnel trained in its use.

Style, etc.

Personality, training style, demeanor, gender, appearance and professionalism are all important things to consider. When you embark on a training program under the direction of a trainer, you will find that your personal relationship must be a satisfactory one if your fitness goals are to be met. Some women, for example, may prefer to be trained by a female. You should decide whether this is the kind of person you can sustain a conversation of interest with. If you think your hairdresser gets to know you well, realize that one's association with a trainer is even closer. For you to be successful in reaching your personal health and fitness goals, establishing a partnership with the trainer, with excellent communication in both directions, is essential. Ask yourself if the trainer is a good "active listener"; that is, do they listen to what you have to say, respect and consider it, and also take the time to explain the how-and-why of each exercise in terms that you understand. Does the trainer dictate a workout regime or invite input from you?

Some people may prefer (and benefit more) from a highly structured and disciplined form of training, but most of us would prefer that our contact with the "drill instructor approach" remain part of a military memory and not become part of our training session. The trainer should have the ability to motivate you in a positive manner by offering challenges that are reasonable, attainable, and short-term in nature. With each incremental level of progress, the trainer should be able to provide new goals and challenges for you. The program offered should be dynamic and permit you to have input into its design. The trainer should exude confidence but never arrogance. Providing verbal as well as measured and documented progress reports is often highly motivating to the trainee. The trainer should, therefore, be much more than just a counter of "repetitions and sets" as you move from exercise to exercise.

Your trainer should always appear clean, professional, and punctual. The training site and equipment should also be clean and functional. However, with regard to the trainer's appearance, large biceps do not, by themselves, guarantee professional training. The trainer should be "fit" but not necessarily display the appearance of a body builder (unless, of course, that is your goal).

The trainer should carefully observe the limits of the "scope of practice"; that is, not going beyond their level of expertise and training. Beware if the trainer makes promises of progress that are not met. Beware if he pushes sale of vitamins, supplements or a particular diet. The trainer can provide general information on nutrition but should leave concrete dietary prescription to a physician or registered dietitian.

Documentation

Does the trainer document each session and provide you with verbal and written feedback? Does the trainer first conduct a health screening in which you document your health history, prescription medications, allergies, and any surgeries or injuries you might have sustained? If you are a male over 45 or a female over 55 or have a health history that could put you at greater risk in exercise, the trainer may well require your physician's written approval before beginning your program.

After the first interview

When you finish that initial face to face consultation, be prepared to take quite a bit of "homework" with you - things you will be expected to read and sign, date and return. They may include the "health history questionnaire" mentioned above, "physician's approval", a "release/waiver", a "training agreement" that spells out mutual obligations and policies such as scheduling and cancellation procedures, "informed consent for testing" and "informed consent for exercise", a list of your "personal goals", exercise history and your expectations for success. This may seem rather excessive, but inclusion of such documents is not only prudent and helpful in designing your specific fitness program, but may also be required by liability insurers. Let's face it. We live in a litigious society and such measures are just common sense steps that benefit both the trainer and trainee.

As you search for a personal trainer, keeping in mind the subjects listed in this article should be helpful to you in carefully evaluating and ultimately selecting a trainer who will be a good fit for you. Good luck!

Leonard D. Therry is a freelance writer and personal trainer, who specializes in training older adults. He owns and operates a private studio within his residence in Ocean Pines, Maryland. He holds Personal Training certifications from ACE, AFAA, AFPA, NSCA, and CPR from American Red Cross. He is a certified Spinning Instructor and holds specialty certifications in personal training for seniors and older adults. For consultations he can be reached at (410) 208-9773.

Source

• Leonard D. Therry, FCPA Certified Personal Trainer, with Certification in Training for Older Persons.

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