Choosing the right fitness trainer

Volume 1, Number 41 | The Weekly Newspaper of Chelsea | June 29 - July 5, 2007
Healthy

By Greg Rothman, M.S. P.T.

If you’ve been following this column, you’ve read about the basic elements of an effective fitness program, focusing on sound nutrition, and quality cardio and strength workouts. For those who need more guidance and a hands-on approach, this week I’ll talk about how to choose a personal trainer.

Personal trainers can educate and empower you to make dramatic changes in the way your body feels, looks and functions, but only good ones can help you meet your short- and long-term goals. So, what to look for when shopping around?

Start by finding out as much as you can about the person’s educational background, credentials and experience. You’ll also want to know his or her methodology and plan for getting results, and documented proof of those results with past clients.

On the issue of credentials, the fitness field is unregulated and awash with certifications. Some are excellent and require much time and study, while others can be achieved for a small fee via the Internet in as little as a day or two. While there is room for difference of opinion on this subject, I believe the best certifications for fitness professionals, in order, are from: the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM); and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). While these are the more advanced certifications, there are also several good “entry-level” ones, the best of which is from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), although those offered by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) are also acceptable.

While holding a certification ensures at least a basic set of skills and competencies, many of today’s best fitness professionals also hold university degrees in specialties like exercise physiology, kinesiology, fitness management or physical education. Additionally, many practitioners hold bachelors or advanced degrees in various allied health professions. Increasingly, chiropractors, physical therapists and even medical doctors are leaving those professions to work outside of the healthcare system as fitness professionals.

In addition to holding good certification, your trainer should have ample experience, and should be able to provide you with documented proof of results. Ask to see testimonials and before-and-after pictures of clients who are similar to you.

Finally, your trainer should also be able to outline a clear methodology and specific plan for his or her clients; without these, your fitness program will almost certainly fail. A good plan must include three parts: First, it must chart a course for sound and supportive nutrition; second, it must include a strength-training program that adheres to the principles of “maximum intensity” and “progressive resistance” (described in past columns) and that includes phases for strength, growth, endurance and power; finally, the plan must outline the proper amount and intensity of cardiovascular exercise to complement your strength-training program, depending on your goals.

Too many personal trainers focus on the workout, rather than the overall plan for success. If a trainer can’t provide you with a plan that addresses all of the above issues and has a specific beginning, middle and end, run the other way. Similarly, if a trainer does not, at minimum, measure your baseline strength, weight and body composition, and explain how and why they will improve the next time they are measured (usually in four to six weeks), then that trainer is not a professional and may have trouble getting you the results you seek. Finally, a fitness professional will record, in writing, every set, weight and repetition included in your workout, since failing to do so will ensure failure to get results. Even if a trainer has only a few clients, he or she can’t possibly remember every variable in each of your workouts, and without knowing that information, he or she will be unable to progress your workouts and help you achieve your goals.

Working with a personal trainer can be an excellent way to take your fitness to the next level. They can provide motivation and a sound plan that educates and empowers you to reach your personal best. Just be sure that you are working with a professional, someone with the background and experience required to ensure that you get what you are paying for.

Next week, I’ll talk about what you should know before joining a health club or gym.

Greg Rothman, M.S. P.T., is the owner of emPower Fitness Studios (emPowerFitnessNYC.com). He received his masters degree in physical therapy from Columbia University and has 15 years’ experience in the rehabilitation and fitness fields, most recently as the personal training manager and top-level trainer for Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City. SEND YOUR QUESTIONS about nutrition, fitness and sports injuries/rehabilitation to Greg at emPowerFitness@aol.com.