How to Find a Personal Trainer

By Regan Case

Gone are the days that only the rich and famous can afford personal trainers. Today, personal trainers are affordable, more abundant, and are an option for anyone wanting to achieve their fitness goals. Often, the most daunting task can be finding a qualified personal trainer in your area who best matches your workout style. Learn how to find the right personal trainer for you.

Start your search by asking yourself a few questions:

What certification will my ideal personal trainer possess? There are over 200 personal training certifications, but only 6 are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and are the most widely recognized. Be sure your personal trainer has one of these certifications.
What rate am I willing to pay? Expect to spend around $60 per hour for training from a qualified professional. Some trainers offer the option to share sessions with a partner to make it more affordable.
What qualities will my ideal personal trainer possess to ensure I meet my fitness goals? Part of the service a personal trainer provides is ensuring you stay motivated. Your first meeting should include a goal-setting discussion. Ideally, the trainer will conduct a fitness assessment and record your measurements prior to your first workout. Then, the personal trainer should measure periodically to compare results and assess progress toward meeting you goals. Benchmarking at regular intervals can help quantify your success and ensure you stay motivated to keep training.
How much time do I have to commit? The most common formula for success with a personal trainer is two to three hour-long sessions per week. Some trainers offer half-hour sessions, but you should consider whether you will be able to achieve the results you expect in half-hour sessions.
Where do I want to work out? Personal trainers may conduct their sessions at a gym, in your home, or a private studio. If crowds intimidate or distract you, you may want to avoid trainers who train at an open gym. If you're more comfortable training in a private environment, find a trainer who can accommodate you.
How do I want to measure my success? A good personal trainer will define your goals along with you, design a custom program, and deliver results.

Making the investment in a personal trainer is a big decision. They can be very motivating, keep you safe, and help deliver the results you haven't been able to achieve alone. Most importantly, remember that just because a person calls themselves a personal trainer does not mean they are worthy of the title. Do your homework, meet with them in person, and go with your gut instinct on making a decision. This is a very worthwhile investment in you and your health, after all!

About the Author:

Regan Case is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer with Studio One to One. For more information, visit Studio-OneToOne.com or call .

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How to Find a Personal Trainer

By Regan Case

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