Personal Trainers: Quality Matters
When it comes to our personal health and well-being, we have the right to expect and receive high-quality care and services. Whether it is a dental checkup, an eye exam, or a surgical procedure, the quality of care should never fall short of expectations of excellence and professionalism. As a health care consumer, we should all expect the person whose services we seek to be educated, well-practiced, credentialed, and up-to-date in their professional field. Personal training services should not be an exception.
For people looking to improve their overall health and reduce their risk profile, hiring a personal trainer or fitness trainer is a worthwhile investment; however, knowing where to find quality services can be challenging and confusing at times. Finding an experienced and educated trainer is not always as easy as walking to the nearest fitness center or gym.
Personal Training Services: Desirable and Hireable Attributes
- Education and Certification: I cannot stress this aspect enough! There are too many “dot com” certifications that are just useless QA and validity check interns with extremely loose qualification standards. Any trainer worth your hourly rate must be educated (sports and exercise science degree or a related field) and/or certified by a reputable, reputable organization. Look for certifications from organizations that are governed by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or an equivalent accreditation body. The American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American Council on Exercise, the National Council on Strength and Fitness, and the American Aerobics and Fitness Association are examples of reputable, good-standing organizations. reputation. Check out the link at the bottom of this post.
While many of the certification exams do not require a college degree in a field related to exercise science, the more educated the trainer, the better for the client. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential trainer to see your credentials (certification card or number); in fact, this information should be offered in advance. Please note that you may pay a substantial hourly rate to receive these services; Why not feel good paying for quality?
- Insurance coverage: Quality trainers have their own liability insurance and/or have some type of policy covered by the entity they work for (in the case of large gyms that employ trainers). LLCs often have this type of coverage built in. It’s okay to ask if the coach is insured!
- Smart plugin: Reputable and certified trainers DO NOT sell, promote or attempt to sell supplements. Many quality certification organizations include a position stand or some statement about their philosophy regarding these types of products. If the trainer you hire or are considering hiring is an advocate of pills, powders, or potions, keep interviewing. Trainers are not licensed to prescribe or promote nutritional supplements. That’s the domain of a registered dietitian. Period.
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification: A personal trainer or physical trainer must be up to date in CPR and First Aid. This is also something you can ask to see.
- Experience and Knowledge of Special Populations: Experience is an important factor. A trainer must have some practical experience in the field. Ask the trainer what experience they have – conduct a mini-interview and ask for references. It is also advisable to find out what knowledge the future trainer has about special populations. For example, if you are pregnant, diabetic or have any other medical condition or condition, the trainer you choose must be able to work within the limitations of the given condition and must consult with your GP and/or physician. care provider
- Evaluation Practices and Record Keeping: Well-trained and educated personal trainers and fitness trainers will have a reliable approach to client screening and record keeping. Before initiating a client into a program, the trainer should evaluate the baseline measures (what is evaluated depends on the client) and determine a course of action based on the client’s goals and needs. Routine assessment must occur at specific points in the training experience and accurate records must be maintained and shared with the client.
- Chemistry: While all of the above points are important factors to consider when choosing a personal trainer or fitness trainer, keep in mind that personality is also a priority. It is critical to have the right chemistry with your prospective trainer before signing a service contract. Ask the prospective trainer if you could have a “test” training session to determine if he or she is the right fit for you. Many trainers will offer a free or discounted session as a way to help their potential clients “test the waters.”
Bottom line: You are the consumer looking for a service; expect quality, ask for quality, receive quality. Be an advocate for yourself and feel empowered to achieve the goals you set for yourself!
To verify a professional’s credentials, go to the US Registry for Exercise Professionals. This organization is dedicated to “ensuring recognition of registered exercise professionals for their various roles in the fields of medicine, health, fitness and sports performance.”
