Personal Trainers???

Look at credentials and experience. Way too many personal trainers have a weekend certification course under their belt and that's it. Unless they have YEARS of experience on top of that, avoid them. Go for a trainer with formal education-Diploma or degree. That does NOT mean they will be more expensive either. Though it's not always the case, more often then not trainers at big box gyms don't have anywhere near the knowledge that a trainer at a smaller gym would.

Shop around, talk to the trainer and make sure you'll be comfortable with them, along with the facility they work out of.

If I were you, I'd skip bix box gyms like LA Fitness, etc. Find a personal training center. They are a dime a dozen around where I live, but they are more attentive to you and you will get more for your money. Also, ask for a first time comp session from them to see how you feel with them before putting down your money. Most trainers will give you a first time free session.

thats a tough one.. trainers vary in experience level (as noted by the above poster) but also in technique. Some focus on what YOU need, but I see tons of trainers that do whats easiest for THEM, and give every person they train the exact same workout.. that is just plain LAZY in my opinion.

beyond their level of personalization, and beyond their personality (which is a factor), I personally want someone who is knowledgeable about how the body functions and can spot when I am making an error, can give alternatives if the base movement is too easy or too hard for me, and is constantly watching to make sure I am doing the movement in a safe way.

working based on your limits is a biggie for me. some trainers are a bit sexist in my book and will be far too easy on women (you poor delicate flower, you must not exert yourself.. giving you only cute pink barbell workouts, and unstable surface cutesie workouts). for men, particularity with a male trainer, they often try to proove what a good trainer they are and push the client TOO far.. or, allow the client to use too much weight instead of the rule being that you push till form failure.. that is, you stop when they can not do anymore reps with perfect form. use sloppy form and you are likely to get hurt. I think that man or woman, they should push you hard, but not beyond your limits.

style is another huge issue. do you use the trainer that uses a program that is lifted from ones i used 30 years ago? or something too modern. does your trainer consider 10-15 minutes on a treadmill a "warm-up" or do they have you do a foam rollout followed by a dynamic warmup?

Picking a trainer is tough. and I know many people that have been through a few before finding one they love. Be picky, you are the customer and if you dont like it, then fire them. be cautions about locking into a long term contract with a trainer if it limits you to that individual.. if its a bigger gym and you can pick between several, thats less risky.

ask LOTS of questions. be an educated consumer.

Good Luck!

I agree with whomever said to stay clear of trainers from big gyms -- my experience with them has never been good.

I found a trainer that had years of experience and was starting her own studio. She came to my house and created a custom, home workout for me and then I saw her once a week...then once a month. Best. Investment. Ever. And cheaper than paying for a gym membership and a trainer.

Good luck!

Your brother is willing to pay? Sounds like a setup to me.................

bump

I've never had an experience with a trainer that led to any real break throughs, and I don't know anyone who has, either. Personally, I just read and learn obsessively, keep monitoring any changes I make and the impact they have. If you've been at it for a while, it's unlikely that you're going to find a trainer who knows that much more than you. I'm not saying there aren't some real all stars out there, but you have to find them and then pay them - and if they're really really good, they're going to be pricey.

Check their credentials and ask for references. I get most of my new clients b/c of referrals. If they just hold the baseline certification for training, then I would look on. My specialty certs are in endurance training and advance sports nutrition. So I wouldn't expect a body builder to hire me b/c I don't have a specialty in that area. If you belong to a gym talk to the training manager and let them know your needs and they will try and match you with a suitable trainer. Even then I would observe that potential trainer and watch what they do. Are they engaging with their clients, or counting reps and peeking at the girls in Zumba. Are the spotting their clients or are they talking with everyone who walks past.

I'd be happy to help you find someone in your area and advise you on things to look for. Just inbox me if interested.

E

Oh you lucky ducky I would love a pt ! The closest I get is the wii game ea active 2 I find it gives me a good workoutevery day and leaves me sore! But then I'm incredibly unfit !

Wow, would your family like to adopt me?:laugh:

If I were you, I'd skip bix box gyms like LA Fitness, etc. Find a personal training center. They are a dime a dozen around where I live, but they are more attentive to you and you will get more for your money. Also, ask for a first time comp session from them to see how you feel with them before putting down your money. Most trainers will give you a first time free session.

Totally agree with this. The PTs in a Ballys or LA Fitness are usually still trying to gain experience. Do an online search of independent trainers in your area. Just being an independent isn't a guarantee, but it usually means they have enough satisfied clients to have gone out on their own. Interview them the same as you'd interview a nanny for your kid and select the one you have the best feeling for.