So, you have decided that it's time to take control of your health and well-being. Maybe getting rid of some body fat is on the menu. It could be that adding a few pounds of muscle might be your goal. Or possibly the goal of heightened athletic performance is a driving force. Maybe it is just a matter of regaining some physical fitness that has been lost along the way. Regardless, you are now on a mission to make your desired goal a reality. But, where do you go from there if you have no experience when it comes to establishing effective training programs?

That is when the idea of hiring a personal trainer might be the logical step to take.
But, how do you know if you are getting the right kind of personal trainer?

Let's find out.

The following is a checklist of the important things that you should look for in a qualified personal trainer to make sure you are getting quality service.

1. Is your trainer a holder of a fitness related university degree that gives him/her a background in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and injury management?

A degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Physical Education demonstrates that your trainer has a solid academic foundation from which to draw when designing a safe and effective lifestyle program for you. Higher education also means that your trainer is making health and fitness a career, not just a part-time effort.

2. Does the trainer have a valid certification through a recognized professional organization like the NSCA (The National Strength and Conditioning Association), Can-Fit-Pro, ACSM (The American College of Sports Medicine), ACE (The American Council on Exercise), as well as other reputable national organizations?

It is well within your rights as a paying customer to ask a trainer for proof of credentials. A responsible personal trainer should, at the very least, have a valid certification. This assures a basic knowledge of how the human body works, and a minimum level of competence in designing and implementing basic training programs.

Remember that big muscles are no substitute for certification, no matter how much muscular trainers would like you to believe otherwise. Everyone in a gym with many years of training under their belts fancies himself or herself as an expert. Stay away from the alleged trainer that is trying to sell you the idea that certification is not necessary. Looking good or winning a Mr. Muscle or Miss Fitness competition, while an admirable accomplishment and the product of serious dedication, is never a substitute for quality certification.

Ideally, your trainer should have a combination of both qualities: the sound, academically-backed knowledge to help you achieve your goals, and the type of healthy and vibrant body that is the product of that very knowledge. Simply put, does the trainer "walk the walk, and talk the talk"?

As a role model, your trainer should demonstrate that he or she is applying the same lifestyle habits that are being suggested to clients. A trainer that eats fast food and hardly trains, or does not train at all, cannot be seen as a source of inspiration, or even as credible.

3. Is the personal trainer a member of a health and fitness association that requires continued education in order to maintain certification status?

Continued study will ensure that your trainer is staying current with the advances in the health and fitness industry. It is also an assurance that the certifying body is a serious organization that has the population's best interests at heart by Gym Piscataway NJ their members up to date on the newest developments.

4. Does the trainer hold a valid CPR/AED card? Does the trainer have first aide experience?

While it is hoped that no client suffers an injury or has a life threatening experience, it is of extreme importance that your trainer be certified in CPR, automated defibrillator (AED) usage, and first aid should such episodes occur.