What to look for in a fitness professional

Buyer Beware – What to look for in a fitness professional! 

Since the fitness industry in Canada today is largely unregulated, the old adage of "Buyer Beware" still holds true. Anyone can hang up a sign with the words "Personal Trainer - open for business" with very little or no training or experience. It is truly up to the consumer to determine whether they are getting what they are paying for and not putting themselves at risk for injury. So here’s what to look for (and what to look out for), when hiring a trainer or taking part in a fitness class:

•  Check to make sure that your Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer has the proper training and qualifications to instruct the specific type of class or program that you are interested in.There are different certifications for Group Fitness Leaders, Personal Trainers and specialty areas such as Yoga or Pilates. If it is a specialized program that you want, your instructor should have an extensive background in that particular specialty and not be just a "jack-of-all-trades". Make sure that the instructor holds a certification from a respected industry leader that has been around for awhile. Keep in mind however, that a certification does not necessarily mean the person is a great trainer or fitness leader, but indicates a satisfactory level of professionalism and that the person meets the minimum requirements to be hired by a fitness facility. If you are working around an injury, your trainer should have additional training and certification in working with clients with Injuries. Also, since science and fitness are such dynamic fields, a trainer's education shouldn't cease after receiving their initial training or certification. Make sure your trainer or fitness leader is continuing to attend courses, workshops and conferences and reading industry journals to keep up with changes in the industry.

•   Experience does Count!! – The longer the instructor or trainer has been delivering a particular program or form of exercise, the more expertise they have developed, particularly if they specialize in a certain area. An experienced trainer or fitness leader has a solid understanding of technique and injury prevention. They know how to design a safe and effective program while providing modifications where necessary so you get the most out of each workout. allowing you to reach your fitness goals.

• Personality is important, since in some cases you'll be working closely with this person. Choose a trainer who is friendly, professional, polite and sincere. In short, someone you feel comfortable around. Look for a trainer or fitness leader who is genuinely interested in helping you reach your goals, gathers important information about you such as your health history and previous exercise history. The trainer should be a good listener, have good clear communication skills and you should feel comfortable asking them questions.

Warning Flags

Beware if your trainer/fitness leader does any of the following:

• Ignores or dismisses your questions
• Works you so hard you're in pain for days.  Soreness is normal, but you should still be able to get out of bed
• Gives you the same program that all of their other clients are on or does the same class over and over again.
• Diagnoses injuries or illnesses instead of referring you to a doctor.
• Interrupts your session to talk to friends or take phone calls (unless it's an emergency or can't be avoided)
• Gives you a dirty look because you're doing something different from the rest of the class.
• Guarantees instant results or weight loss greater than 2 pounds per week
• Doesn't return phone calls or emails   

In conclusion, take some time to shop around to find a fitness instructor or personal trainer who is experienced, well qualified and reputable. When shopping around don’t forget: quality matters and more often than not you get what you pay for! You would not pick a heart surgeon based on the cheapest bid. A personal trainer or fitness leader should watch you, correct your alignment, and explain what you're doing and why. Ask for referrals from friends who have had success with various programs or trainers in reaching their fitness goals. Remember it’s important because you are trusting this person with your health and well-being! It's your money and your body...you have a right to get what you want and a good trainer will understand that.  

Debbie Ross has over 20 years experience in movement education and fitness programming and is the owner of Ross Pilates and Personal Training. She is a STOTT certified Pilates Instructor, an A.C.E. certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor and a Certified Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist.

 

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