Finding the Right Personal Trainer

My friend, Lance Breger (Personal Trainer at Mint), recently wrote on his fitness blog that having a trainer is like being in a relationship (http://lancebreger.blogspot.com/). I've always thought this to be the case. You spend a lot of time and money with your personal trainer so it's important you are getting something out of it . Both the trainer and trainee should make each other look good, and the only way to do that is to make sure you achieve the results you want. So how do you know which trainer is right for you?

First, qualify the trainer. All trainers should be nationally certified through ACE (American Council on Exercise) or NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Yes, the gyms should have this covered, but some gyms have apprenticeship programs or weekend workshops that will allow their staff to train clients. No good. Even if a trainer says he/she has been training for years, he/she should be nationally certified.

Second, get a referral. Have you seen a friend, colleague or family member achieve tremendous success with his/her trainer? Ask them who they used!

Third, watch them on the floor: Do they seem to be working with clients who are at a similar level? Do you see any exercises you haven't seen before but would like to try? Many trainers have an area of expertise. Some trainers work more with beginners (Lisa Jolly at Vida Fitness), some with clients recovering from injury (Kayla Gretchen at Vida Fitness), some with fit individuals looking for a challenge (me).

Fourth, do you think your personalities will match? Does the trainer seem to be friendly and chatty with their clients or more subdued - which would you prefer? You need to actually like your trainer!!! My father once told me that I don't need to like more colleagues, I just have to work with them. Not the case here. At work, you are in a group environment. While training, you are 1:1. You will be spending 1-5 hours with him/her a week. You will get to know him/her and he/she will get to know you. Will the trainer push you? Will he/she make you laugh? You should look forward to your sessions with your trainer, not dread it.

Lastly, do your schedules match? If you are a morning person and your trainer only works at night, it's not going to work. Can you see each other regularly? Like any relationship, if you can't find time for one another, the relationship will fizzle out and you won't get the results you want.

Now, if you are worried about looking creepy because you are staring at the trainers trying to figure all this out ... sign-up for a free consultation where you will be able to talk to the trainer one-on-one. Remember, you and your trainer have the same goal - to make you look good! You just have to make sure you find the trainer that's right for you.