Your Workout Deserves a Personal Trainer

I don't care how long you have been working out, you (and your workout) deserves a personal trainer. They aren't as expensive as you think (on average they cost $50 per hour, but can range from $15 to over $100 per hour). No matter what the price tag though, you cannot afford NOT to have a personal trainer on your side. Here are a couple of reasons why you should be working out with a personal trainer:

• A personal trainer forces you to answer to somebody other than yourself. Plus, it makes it easier to get to the gym when you actually have an appointment.
• You will finally learn the correct way to use the machines and weights around the gym. Believe it or not, over 70% use gym equipment incorrectly. This translates into not maximizing your reps or, even worse, injury to your precious joints and tendons.
• Even if you are a seasoned gym rat, personal trainers can take your workout and your body to a different level. They have the knowledge and experience to help you create new, exciting and challenging routines. Heck, they can even make working out fun.

Enough about all of the benefits of having a personal trainer, here are some tips on finding the RIGHT personal trainer for you:

• Check their credentials. It seems like there are dozens of organizations that "certify" trainers. However, the two most established and reputable may be the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength Conditioning Association.
• Interview Potential Trainers. Ask them what their career goals are. Many of them are part timers on their way to another career. Ask about their educational background. Are they trained in CPR? Find out if they have any specialities (sports injuries, geriatrics, obesity, depression) or additional licensing/certification (dietitian, nutritionist). Finally, what do they look like physically? They do not have to be muscle bound, but should be fit and should dress professionally. Don't be afraid to ask for a complimentary initial consultation or session. After all, you wouldn't buy a car without test driving one first.
• Get References and Referrals. Ask your friends, co-workers or neighbors for recommendations. Once you have interviewed a few trainers, ask them for the names and phone numbers of current and PAST clients that you can call. Ask the current and former clients about the trainer's style, if goals were set and why they didn't continue working out with this trainer (if they are former clients).

No matter what your goals or motivations are for working out, adding a personal trainer is a key step to living a healthier life. The price to pay for a personal trainer is small in comparison to the gains you will soon see.