 |
SHAPE UP |
I know that even the thought of questioning the value of a personal trainer makes fitness centers and personal trainers cringe. Why? Because while many of the more than 62,000 personal trainers in the United States are excellent, others are just looking to get some of your hard-earned money without offering the right expertise.
"The majority of personal trainers are not qualified to give expert advice," says Walter Thompson, professor of kinesiology and health at Georgia State University. Unfortunately, there is no regulation for the personal training industry, so it's basically a free-for-all.
"A high school dropout can study for one hour and pass an exam and call themselves a personal trainer — not very comforting," Thompson says.
Research shows that using a qualified personal trainer affords a significantly greater chance of getting into better shape than exercising on your own. The trick is finding someone who will really help you get in shape, not just keep you company for an hour.
Considering that personal training is a multibillion-dollar business, I wondered: What should you look for in a personal trainer? What should you expect? How can you make sure the trainer is really qualified?
THE INTERVIEW
"It's really like any other major purchase — you have to put in the effort and research to become an informed consumer when looking for someone to help you transform your body and life," Thompson says.
The typical consumer may know to ask about certification, but you shouldn't stop there. You cannot be shy or intimidated; investigating is critical. Experts suggest that the first thing you should do is look through the resumes of various trainers who work at your club. After you select a few from the stack of resumes, interview them.
The interview is a crucial first step to beginning your relationship with your personal trainer and cannot be overlooked.
"If I walk into a club and I'm lifting weights or running during the first session, I know I have the wrong personal trainer," Thompson says.
What you should ask about:
This also is the time to find out if you feel comfortable with the trainer. Does he/she listen to you? Let the personal trainer talk. You should find out plenty of information.
CERTIFICATION
There is no state or federal licensing requirement for fitness trainers, and with more than 200 certifications available, how do you know who is a qualified personal trainer? In a recent study, researchers found that a bachelor's degree in exercise science and accreditation from the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as opposed to other certifications, were strong predictors of a trainer's knowledge and expertise.
"One of the biggest surprises researchers found was that having years of experience did not translate to having expert knowledge as a personal trainer," says David P. Nalbone, an assistant professor of psychology at Purdue University and one of the authors of the study.
If the trainer doesn't have ACSM or NSCA certifications, make sure he has at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science. If the trainer has a certification, check that it is up-to-date.
MORE THAN A BABYSITTER
Make sure your goals for working with your trainer go beyond motivating you to get to the gym. Effective trainers should aim to work themselves out of a job.
"Yes, extrinsic motivation is great, but in order to have long-term success and create a real lifestyle change, your personal trainer should help you adopt a new mode of thinking so you learn to create your own motivation and commit yourself to regular physical activity," Thompson says. "The trainer should work with you to find out what will push you to work out."
Steven R. McClaran, professor of health promotion at the University of Wisconsin, says: "Success is if the client calls back in a year and says he or she is exercising more than in the past."
Also, steer clear of trainers who waste time. After several weeks of instruction, you don't need someone to stand by the treadmill to make small talk — especially not someone you are paying.
TRAINERS ARE NOT NUTRITIONISTS
Although the top trainers (those certified by ACSM and NSCA) have had some nutritional training, be wary of taking nutrition advice from a trainer. If your trainer tells you to take any supplements and/or recommends a product that doesn't sound as if it fits with generally accepted nutritional principles, check with your healthcare provider first. You should make sure that any eating regimen your trainer suggests is in accordance with the recommendations of the American Dietetic Association.
Get testimonials from the trainer. Again, don't be shy; ask for the names and phone numbers of other clients with goals similar to yours. Call to see if they were pleased with their workouts, if she was punctual and prepared, and if they felt their individual needs were addressed.
MORE POINTS TO CONSIDER
Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public-health advocate. Write to info@thedietdetective.com.
