How to choose a trainer?

bean_jean
bean_jean Posts: 12 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been reading about personal trainer's certification on the internet and don't know who or what certification to trust. There don't seem to be any standards. Any advice on how to choose?

Replies

  • moreclan9
    moreclan9 Posts: 54 Member
    I'd like to know this too!
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    find one that specializes in whatever direction you want to go. If you are just looking for a general all trainer to learn to do a few things at the gym and learn the basics, just find one you like and click with, the ones at local gyms are pretty generic and can teach you basic stuff . You may outgrow them in a few months so in that time you can be thinking about what direction you want to go and be looking for a trainer that does that. Such as crossfit, yoga, running, fitness, strength training etc. You can always ask for references or accomplishments from their clients.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    IMHO, look for someone who has a ACSM, ACE, NASM, or NSCA certifications - these ones have specific standards and requirements attached in order to be qualified.

    these programs go through reviews every couple of years to refresh and make sure they are up to standards, have specific requirements on passing (you have to score a certain amount on a test); some have experience in fields required; as well as continuing education requirements
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    IMHO, look for someone who has a ACSM, ACE, NASM, or NSCA certifications - these ones have specific standards and requirements attached in order to be qualified.

    these programs go through reviews every couple of years to refresh and make sure they are up to standards, have specific requirements on passing (you have to score a certain amount on a test); some have experience in fields required; as well as continuing education requirements

    I would agree with this. I'm a NASM-CPT and we require 20 hours of ongoing education to recertify every 2 years along with a yearly red cross first aid/aed class.

    But it depends on what you need, most people don't need a specialized personal trainer.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    IMHO, look for someone who has a ACSM, ACE, NASM, or NSCA certifications - these ones have specific standards and requirements attached in order to be qualified.

    these programs go through reviews every couple of years to refresh and make sure they are up to standards, have specific requirements on passing (you have to score a certain amount on a test); some have experience in fields required; as well as continuing education requirements

    I would agree with this. I'm a NASM-CPT and we require 20 hours of ongoing education to recertify every 2 years along with a yearly red cross first aid/aed class.

    But it depends on what you need, most people don't need a specialized personal trainer.

    yup - I'm not a personal trainer - but my educational background has me working in the development of these (and similar) certification programs (how they develop the tests, standards for qualification etc)
  • VeronicaA76
    VeronicaA76 Posts: 1,116 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    IMHO, look for someone who has a ACSM, ACE, NASM, or NSCA certifications - these ones have specific standards and requirements attached in order to be qualified.

    these programs go through reviews every couple of years to refresh and make sure they are up to standards, have specific requirements on passing (you have to score a certain amount on a test); some have experience in fields required; as well as continuing education requirements

    ^^^^Start with this.

    Then narrow down your search by asking them what they specialize in. If your looking to run a marathon as an ultimatum goal, one that works on bodybuildering may not be right for you and vice versa. No legitimate trainer will ever be offended if you say that you are looking for something they don't specialize in and go with someone else. Often, generally the better ones with years of experience, will even recommend several trainers they know that specializes in what you want.
  • managematics
    managematics Posts: 27 Member
    Talk to the trainers you're considering. Ask them about their philosophy, as most trainers committed to their profession will have built up their own beliefs. Evaluate whether their philosophy makes sense to you and whether it fits what you are looking for.

    I was looking for someone who was a stickler for form.

    Personality is also important. When training you are pushing yourself and you want a trainer who can help you in that process. So look for someone who you feel can help push you in a way which feels constructive to you.

  • bean_jean
    bean_jean Posts: 12 Member
    Here's the reason I'm asking for this advise; I've had abdominal surgery and want to work on strengthening but am afraid of developing a hernia. I need to know what I can safely do and what I cannot.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,972 Member
    Gloriam_Sanguinis wrote: »
    Find one that specialises in whatever it is you want to do (want to lose weight, find somone who focus on that, want to build strength, find a strength coach etc.)
    Look at his clientele
    Ask around, are his clients getting injured slot, back injury happening frequently and so on.
    Have a look at where he got his certification and research the place
    My clients are my advertisements. But ALWAYS get a free session first. If a trainer isn't willing to give you an intro session, then they may be just about the income. And see if they listen to you. Come up with a specific reason on why you are there and see if they can repeat it to you. If not, then they may not have your best interest at hand.
    Personally I do this for a little income, but moreover because I really like that I can make an impact on someone else's life and not too many jobs can people say that.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,972 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    IMHO, look for someone who has a ACSM, ACE, NASM, or NSCA certifications - these ones have specific standards and requirements attached in order to be qualified.

    these programs go through reviews every couple of years to refresh and make sure they are up to standards, have specific requirements on passing (you have to score a certain amount on a test); some have experience in fields required; as well as continuing education requirements
    Lol, I'm due in March of next year for reup on certification.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • managematics
    managematics Posts: 27 Member
    bean_jean wrote: »
    Here's the reason I'm asking for this advise; I've had abdominal surgery and want to work on strengthening but am afraid of developing a hernia. I need to know what I can safely do and what I cannot.

    So the first step is to make sure you know from your doctor what you can and cannot do. This is actually my situation also. I waited to be fully cleared medically to return to full activity, but there are still a few things which I need to work around and the trainer I'm working with is pretty creative with what exercises to choose to accommodate.

    So, discussing your particular limitations with the trainer will be a great way to assess how helpful they can be in your circumstance. However, the specific limitations should come from your doctor and not the trainer.

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