When most people go purchase a home, invest in a financial plan, or buy a box of cereal, they would go into details of the product or service they would purchase. However, in the field of fitness, gym members or prospects rarely interview their “personal trainer” before they invest into their services. In my eight years as a fitness professional, I have had only four people ask me about my background in detail before hiring me. Regardless of whether you are considering hiring an in-house trainer or an independent contractor, there are five important questions to ask.
1. What is your formal education background? What certifications do you have?
An ideal “personal fitness trainer” would be someone with BOTH a bachelor’s or master’s degree in kinesiology, sports medicine, physical education, and similar fields from a four-year college AND a national accredited certification. Here are a few of the qualified certifications:
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
ACE (American Council of Exercise)
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
You may google these agencies and do the research yourself.
Keep in mind that a certification represents that the PFT possesses the very basic knowledge of the human body, movement, physiology, and chemistry. Such certifications can either be an online course which does not require the PFT to work hands-on with people or a series of workshops in which the PFT is trained and coached by another qualified fitness professional. Be sure to research your PFT’s educational background thoroughly.
However, education alone does not necessarily mean that the PFT can help you achieve your goals. I have met trainers who do have the education requirements yet they do not necessarily have the people skills to work with clients or special populations. Many do not have the business skills or the experience and end up following the gym’s “fitness protocol” regardless of what they had learned—which brings me to the next question….
2. What is your experience in working with people with my condition? Have you done internships? How long have you been in business or work in the field for?
If someone smashed his car into my car when I am stopped at a light and I suffered from serious injury, I want a GREAT attorney who specializes in car accident victims and have been doing this field for a number of years. If my back is injured, I may seek the help of a GREAT chiropractor who had experience in car accident victims and also have been working this field for years. The same goes for hiring a fitness professional.
Find a PFT who have worked with clients like yourself. PFTs who also have worked in a clinical setting, such as physical therapy, sports medicine, or chiropractic, may also be qualified to work with clients who had undergone rehabilitation, orthopedic diseases, and other ailments. Remember, a PFT must work within his/her scope of practice. They must not do the same type of work as a medical professional unless they, too, are licensed in that field.
You may paraphrase the question however you want, depending on the setting.
3. Who are your past and current clients? What benefits have they gained?
Good PFTs should be able to give you some references of whom they have trained and coached. In fact, you should find out more about the PFT by talking with the clients themselves. They should be able to give you their personal opinion on the trainer’s services and professionalism. Testimonials can be a great tool to choosing any professionals.
4. How do I progress throughout the training?
Like a financial plan, a PFT should be able to outline a person map for you to reach for your goals. The trainer must be able to create options and strategies for you so that you may workout by yourself at certain times. (No, you don't need to hire a rep counter in every workout.)
Many trainers in most gyms (at least 7/8 gyms that I've visited and worked at) gives new members and clients a "well-rounded, cookie-cutter" workout, regardless of the person's goals and physical condition. These kinds of programs have little flexibility of change and can cause a number of problems for the person, either boredom, drop-out, stagnation, chronic injury, and even pain.
Be sure to address your specific goals and concerns to the PFT and ask what kind of plan will be implemented for you.
5. Do you belong to any professional organizations both in fitness and business?
Every professional should belong to a reputable organization, whether it is in the fitness industry or professional development. This ensures that the fitness professional is keeping up-to-date knowledge and experience in the ever-changing field and is learning from other professionals. IDEA Fitness (www.ideafit.com) is one such organization that focuses on health and fitness education, business development, and self-development.
Other organizations may include other well-known organizations such as the American Diabetic Association, National Athletic Trainer's Association, and Medical Fitness Association.
Ideally, a PFT should also have mentors whom they can refer upon. Reputable mentors in the fitness industry have established themselves as the field's leading source of education, professional help, leadership skills, and advocation for health and fitness.
Personally, I have several good mentors whom I learn from constantly. You may feel free to visit their websites and learn a few good things from them.
Anthony Carey, MA, www.functionfirst.com
Gray Cook, PT/Lee Burton, PhD, www.functionalmovement.com
Juan Carlos Santana, MEd., www.ihpfit.com
Phil Kaplan, www.philkaplan.com
Bob Burg, www.burg.com
Each mentor has a special niche in my business and personal development which will translate into better service and better quality of the work that I do. I thank these people everyday for helping me to become a better person and professional.
Remember, when choosing a PFT to work with you, this person will be working with your mind and body, whether you want to get lean and firm or recovering from a knee surgery. Use your common sense and get yourself educated in the field. The more you know, the better your results!
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