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From:	Erin (c-68-49-67-205.hsd1.md.comcast.net)
Subject:	Re: Personal Trainer questions?
Date:	October 14, 2006 at 6:11 am PST

In Reply to: Personal Trainer questions? posted by Rocket Scientist on October 28, 2005 at 6:28 am:

I was looking for the same thing-basic smart questions to ask a trainer. This is what I have pu together checking some sites and my own take on what should be asked. Hope this helps! And good luck!
Trainer Questions

1. What qualifications does this person have? How long as trainer?
2. Does he/she have a portfolio?
3. Does she/he have a fitness speciality, teach classes, etc.?
4. Recommend magazines, web sites, keep up with latest in fitness, nutrition?
5. Does this person adjust routines for health condition, age of clients or use same basic for all?
6. Will she/he give nutrition/ dietary advice?
7. Does this person on the whole seem friendly, upbeat, interested in me?
8. If not pleased with trainer, am I able to switch to someone else?
9. Cost of sessions, length of sessions, days of sessions, discount to renew?
10. Can the Trainer Adapt? – Whether you are in a crowded gym setting or a home gym environment your trainer must adapt your personalized exercise session to the particulars of your body, the moments needs and your long term goals. At any time he/she may need to vary weights, reps, sets, exercise, or movements based upon these ever-changing criteria. Client injuries, interruptions, distractions, mental meanderings and fatigue all play a role in each session. Does your prospective trainer have what it takes to manage you and the environment and keep you on track? After all, this is what you are paying for.
11. Ask trainer what tools they find beneficial such as what classes for me, what equipment at home, etc.

Note*--If you have decided to invest your time, energy and money into a health program make sure you are committing to someone who truly can deliver what you know you need as well as providing what you don’t know you need.

Note-Picking the right trainer for you and your health needs requires some basic knowledge of the fitness field. Both the American College Of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are national organizations that provide instructional resources and continuing educational requirements but stipulate that each candidate must possess a health degree before being applying for certification.

While others like the American Council On Exercise (ACE), National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC) or The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPF) are a lot less stringent for their certification requirements.

Overall—Is this person friendly, upbeat, make you feel comfortable to ask questions and are they interested in you—it it your health and your money!

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