Why You Should Hire a Certified Personal Trainer

Most people realize that just about anyone can say, “I’m a personal trainer” although the majority of people have no clue that one can, and should, be certified if he or she is going to make a legitimate claim. Individuals who are seriously looking to make a lifestyle change aren’t looking to waste their hard earned money to put their health and well-being in the hands of someone who has no idea of how to help them reach their health and wellness goals. Getting the best value for your buck means finding a trainer who is certified with an accredited agency. Accreditation means that the trainer has been instructed on how to work with healthy individuals as well as special populations. Special populations include those who are dealing with a range of afflictions from orthopedic restrictions to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a host of other conditions that should never be left in the hands of an individual who has not been adequately trained.

Accredited trainers have to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits over a designated time frame in order to be able to renew their certification, which means gaining more knowledge and staying up to date on changes within the industry. Trainers from accredited agencies also have to maintain a current CPR/AED certification, because the client’s safety is important.

Some of the more popular accredited agencies include the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits all of these agencies, holding each to a higher standard. There are a number of additional opportunities available to fitness professionals who work with accredited agencies but, for the sake of time, we will revisit that in another article. 

Here are a few key things that you should look for if you are considering hiring a fitness professional:

• Does he or she hold a current certification from an accredited agency? This will usually include a current CPR/AED certification.

• Does the trainer have a specialty or specific area of focus? There are many and you need to make sure what they know is applicable to you.

• What is the trainer’s relevant experience in their field? It’s not just about books. Confirm that the trainer’s experience aligns with your fitness goals.

• Does the trainer conduct an assessment prior to developing customized programs? All trainers should assess their clients properly prior to developing a program – regardless of whether or not the client is part of a special population.

• How long have they been in the business?

• Can they provide you with a list of references? 
  

One thing that I have found most troubling is that many “fly-by-night” trainers will charge their clients just as much as a certified professional will, taking advantage of someone who they have no clue of how to help. These people typically start the client off at a point that is not appropriate for the client’s current fitness level, which leads to a lack of adherence to any type of program causing burnout or injury before the client can ever realize any benefit.

I have been involved in the health and fitness world for a number of years as an avid trainer; drug- free, competitive bodybuilder; and wide-eyed, enthusiastic fan. I have had numerous opportunities to take on clients prior to ever obtaining any type of degree, diploma, or certification in the field. But, I have refused to take on any client prior to going through the process of understanding the proper protocol. You should make sure that the person you are looking to hire meets all of the previously mentioned parameters before shelling out your hard-earned money. Your health and well-being deserve it.

Until next time…

Stay strong!