Hiring a personal trainer used to seem an expense of time and money reserved for the rich and famous. Today, with so much emphasis on healthful living and an array of training options, even everyday workout warriors are going the professional route.
Finding a trainer has never been easier. Most gyms have trainers on staff, as do many companies as part of employee wellness programs. There are also private practice fitness experts who will come to your home or gym to coach you. Apps such as “Find Your Trainer” serve as matchmakers between you and local trainers.
To get the most out of your investment, do some legwork before you get started. Here are some tips, from Lisa Ferguson-Stegall, an exercise physiologist and assistant professor of biology at Hamline University, on how to find the right trainer for you:
• Ask about their credentials. Qualifications vary widely among personal trainers, so ask what certifications a trainer has and whether they’ve stayed current with their training. The four main national accreditation organizations are: American College of Sports Medicine; National Strength and Conditioning Association; American Council on Exercise, and National Academy of Sports Medicine. “If you see someone with one of these, you know that person has had proper training,” Ferguson-Stegall said, noting that all of these groups require at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.