Who needs a trainer?
by Andrea Crawford
I get a lot of questions on how to select a personal trainer and why to
use one in the first place. Why do people seek out personal trainers?
The reasons are as different as the individuals themselves. There are a
few categories or patterns of clients that I have seen:
NEW TO FITNESS
Often times this individual has been told by their doctor that they
need to do something about their weight. Perhaps they were seeking
medical attention for a heart condition or just had a routine physical
exam when the doctor gave them the suggestion that now was the time to
do something about their weight. These individuals often do not know
where to begin with an exercise format. A personal trainer will help
them as they look for information and accountability when beginning
their program. They need a trainer who can be supportive and patient as
they learn new skills and seek to change old habits.
ATHLETES WHO NEED TWEAKING
This may be an individual who competes in team sports or is training
for an athletic event such as a marathon or triathlon. This individual
needs specialized knowledge from the trainer that is going to take
their performance from good to great. Sometimes this is a short term
arrangement and sometimes the trainer becomes an integral part of the
athlete’s career complementing the other professionals, such as doctors
and coaches, who also work with the athlete.
RECOVERING FROM INJURY
Oftentimes individuals have been injured and seek a personal trainer
either as the first treatment for their injury, or after they have
completed their work with a physical therapist. This is also the case
with chronic pain. A good example of this is chronic lower back pain,
where an individual has been told that their pain would be reduced
through increased abdominal strengthening.
IN A RUT
Some individuals feel like they have just hit a rut. Maybe they began
an exercise program a few months back and saw initial results and now
have hit a plateau where nothing seems to be happening. These
individuals seek a trainer who can help them get beyond the basics and
really take them to the next level of fitness. They also may need the
additional encouragement to stick with a program that is not producing
immediate results.
NEEDING ACCOUNTABILITY
I have worked with many individuals who need to make an appointment
with a trainer to make sure they are meeting their exercise goals.
Often it is simply the knowledge that someone is waiting for them that
prods them to adhere to their fitness goals.
The reasons for seeking the professional help of a personal trainer
vary widely. When selecting a trainer look for solid credentials and
experience. A trainer should have a certification from one of the three
top certifying organizations: American Council on Exercise (ACE), the
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or the National Strength
and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Hundreds of other certifications
exist, but these three are the industry standard.
Also, look for a trainer who is truly setting up a program to meet your
specific needs and goals.
The purchase of a personal trainer’s services should result in a
"personal" program being developed for you. If you are getting a
"canned" workout designed for multiple people, you may want to look
elsewhere to spend your fitness dollars.
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