Hiring a Personal Trainer - Where Do You Start?

You’ve been thinking about getting in shape forever and finally made the decision to join a health club – congratulations! Now what? You don’t know how to use the equipment and you haven’t the slightest idea of where to start. So, should you hire a personal trainer or try to figure things out for yourself?

Your club should have all of the facilities and services you need to help you reach your goals, but if you haven’t lifted anything heavier than a beer or a baby for the past 10 years or walked any further than from your front door to the mailbox, you should probably consider hiring a personal trainer if it is in your budget – especially if you have any medical problems or if the club does not otherwise provide for some kind of introductory program to familiarize you with the equipment.

Let’s face it, some of the equipment looks like something from outer space. Maybe you can figure it out, and maybe you can’t, but you don’t want to risk getting injured. A good personal trainer can show you how to use the equipment properly and design an exercise program specific to your needs. Equally important, a trainer can provide you with the one-on-one motivation to help you establish purpose and consistency in your exercise regimen. How to find the right one?

Many reputable sources will tell you to look only for trainers who are “certified,” but the term is misleading since there are more than 300 different so-called “certification” programs with varying degrees of credibility. The multitude of fitness-related college degrees can be similarly misleading with important-sounding names such as exercise physiology, exercise science, sports psychology, leisure and sports studies, sports administration, fitness management, health science, health promotion, strength and conditioning, health and wellness, and more.

Suffice it to say that almost any certification or degree will provide at least a foundation for personal training – some infinitely more than others – so, generally it’s a good starting point in your search. However, there are also a few excellent and very knowledgeable trainers who have neither a formal education nor certification, underscoring the old adage that experience counts for something too. A combination of certification and experience might be a prudent choice.

Another good rule of thumb is to meet with trainers individually to evaluate their “people” skills – their ability to communicate in terms that you can understand, their ability to relate to your age, your physical condition, and any medical concerns, and their ability to listen. Ask for references and watch them working with current clients whenever you are at the club. Are they staring vacantly into space or chitchatting with other members while their client is exercising or are they interacting with their client? Look for trainers who will give you their undivided attention – after all, you’re paying for their time.

Age and gender might also be factors in your decision. Depending on your age, would you be comfortable with a trainer who might be the same age as your children - or even your grandchildren? Would you be comfortable working with a trainer of the opposite sex? These are even more reasons why a personal interview with prospective trainers is important.

Every reputable trainer should require you to provide a personal health history to determine if you have any physical or medical concerns – including prescription medications - that would contraindicate certain activities. Some trainers may even want to consult with your physician first or ask you to provide a medical release before commencing with any specific course of exercise.

And, finally - price. Hiring a personal trainer is an investment, and it is not inexpensive. Most trainers charge by the hour. You may be able to purchase multiple sessions for a discounted rate or, if you have friends or relatives of a similar age and with similar goals, some trainers offer additional discounts for group training. But, remember that you are entering a professional relationship where value – not price - is paramount, and value has many dimensions when it comes to hiring a personal trainer.

A personal trainer is not essential to getting in shape, of course, but a good trainer can help steer you in the right direction – especially in the beginning when you might need it most - and Sacramento has hundreds of outstanding personal trainers from which to choose. You’ve already taken the first step in reaching your fitness goals by purchasing a membership. Don’t shortchange yourself by trying to do the rest on your own unless you know what you are doing. Consider hiring a personal trainer.