Tips On Choosing A Personal Trainer

Tue., Jan. 6, 1998

By Leslie Kelly lesliek@spokesman.com

Picking a personal trainer might seem like a daunting task, but think of it like making any other purchase.

Shop around and make an informed decision based on who offers the best price for what you hope to accomplish.

Dozens of trainers work out of health clubs in Spokane and North Idaho, along with a handful of trainers not affiliated with any gyms.

Here’s a checklist that should help make the process painless:

Establish a set of goals and a realistic time frame during which you hope to accomplish them.

Call the health club where you would like to work out and ask if there is a personal trainer on staff. Or look in the Yellow Pages under Health, Fitness and Nutritional Consultants. Set up an appointment to interview your potential trainer.

Ask whether the trainer is certified and by what organization.

“Ideally, you want someone who’s degreed in a health and wellness field in addition to being certified,” said Aleto, 27, who earned her degree in corporate and community fitness from North Dakota State University in Fargo.

The most desirable national certification programs include the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Counsel on Exercise, the Aerobic Fitness Association of America and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Ask upfront about the cost and whether the trainer offers any special deals. You should be able to sign up for as few or as many sessions as possible.

Some trainers might quote an hourly rate, so ask if that can be broken into two 30-minute sessions.

Be committed. Obviously, you’re going to see better results if you show up for your appointment.

, DataTimes

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