What to Look for in a Personal Trainer

Interviewing a personal trainer is an important step in finding the right personal trainer for you. Keep in mind that you want a personal trainer with whom you can trust your physical well-being. When looking for a personal trainer take the time to read these tips:

• Ask for references: This is a simple way to get background on a prospective trainer: Ask the personal trainer for at least three clients whom you can contact. Make sure to ask the references what they liked about the trainer, what their fitness goals were, if their goals were met, and how the trainer helped them meet those goals.
• Ask about his or her certifications and credentials: First, all personal trainers should be certified in CPR/first aid, and should be able to show you documentation. Second, a college degree in exercise science or nutrition increases the knowledge and credibility of a trainer, but is not required to be a qualified trainer. Finally, certification from a reputable agency, organization, or institution may not guarantee that a personal trainer is perfect, but it shows that the trainer has passed the minimum requirements for certification. Reputable certification associations include the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), and National Strhgth & Conditioning Association (NSCA).
• Ask about prices and payment options: Keep in mind that rates vary depending on many factors including location, trainer qualifications, experience, and session length. Ask about session fees and get details on the types of payments accepted and when they are due.
• Trust your gut: If you don’t feel comfortable with a personal trainer, even if they have perfect qualifications, you may not have the best experience. The best personal trainer will make you feel at ease, and instills feelings of trust and respect.




At Body Within we invite and look forward to answering all of your questions, call us at 517.404.3488 to learn about the difference our personal trainer make.