- Ever consider hiring a personal trainer?
- Have decided it’s finally your time to get into shape?
- How do you know which trainer is the right one for you?
You have finally decided! It’s time for you to get into shape! You mean it this time! You are actually going to invest some money into a trainer at the gym. But, wait wait wait just a minute there! Something you should know prior to joining a gym and being sold on their fitness floor trainers.
Obviously, not every health club has this situation, but I just want to make you aware of it just in case you come across this and need to know how to handle it.
Wanna know the dirty little hidden secret? Many health clubs will hire fitness floor trainers. These fitness trainers are there to show you around the club, teach you how to use the equipment, and even personally train you towards your goals. Some of them even go as far as setting up diet meal plans for you.
So what’s the big deal? Isn’t that common in gyms? Well, something you may not know or even have thought to ask is, are these “Fitness Floor Trainers” certified personal trainers?
Many times, no. Having worked in the fitness industry since 1991, circulating many health clubs as a group fitness instructor, it is my job to recommend the best and safest direction.
So what should you do? What should you ask to know you are being trained by a certified fitness professional? A certified personal trainer.
- First of all, take advantage of any free offering the club is putting in front of you. If they are giving you a free tour or training session, take it. Please be bold enough to speak up if you do not feel comfortable or safe with the exercise being instructed.
- If you do plan to hire a personal trainer or nutritionist, please ask for their credentials and experience. Have them show you a current license or certification. Getting certified once back in 1996 doesn’t mean they are a safe or credible trainer. Personal trainers and group fitness professionals are required to renew their licenses and/or certifications every 2 years. They are required to complete continuing education up to the standards required by their certifying company.
- Find out how long they have been training and what their speciality is.
- Request testimonies, reviews, or before/after results from them.
- Ensure your trainer is educated and understanding of your exercise level, goals, and timeline of achieving them.
- Bargain for a better rate. They want your business, so what they are offering isn’t always the final price.
- Ask for a trial session to test the waters with that trainer.
- Stalk your trainer prior to purchasing sessions with them. Your trainer should be giving you full attention during your session. Watch how they train other clients and how they manage each session.
Do some research on google to understand the different companies that certify trainers. In the industry, there are some companies that can offer a personal training certification but may not be the most credible in the industry.
Be sure you feel very comfortable and jive with your trainer. If you do not agree with their mannerisms, style, or character, you will not achieve the best results.