Personal Fitness Trainer - Should You Get One or Shouldn't You?

You hear so much about the benefits of having a personal fitness trainer that you wonder whether or not you should also have one. Read about the pros and cons of having such a person help you with your exercise and fitness program. If you think that only movie stars have their own personal fitness trainer, then you may be surprised to learn that most people who subscribe to a gym membership have a trainer that creates a workout routine suited just for each individual.

The trainer is knowledgeable about all facets of anatomy and physiology as well as diet and nutrition. Therefore he/she can provide the guidance you need for your routine and help you out with all of the exercises.

A fitness trainer will set out a regimen of exercises that you do at the gym under his/her guidance as well as give you advice on other exercises that you can do on your own at home. If you want to purchase specific equipment, the trainer can give you advice on the best pieces to buy.

Having you own fitness trainer to work with you and encourage you will help you to have a workout that pinpoints the specific parts of your body that you need to work on for strength training or just toning up the muscles in general. By following the program, you will be ensured that you are not overdoing it and are getting the proper cardio workout your body needs.

The downside of having your own fitness trainer is the cost. You will have to pay for the sessions with the trainer. Some trainers charge a fee for a set number of workouts, which has to be paid in advance, while others will just charge for individual sessions.

The fact that you have a scheduled workout is great for some people, while others prefer to work out on their own time when they feel like doing it. You could try a free session at the local gym and see whether or not this is a route you would like to take.

12 Week Personal Training Programme - Functional Resistance Training

Moving on to the intermediate level of resistance and the exercises begin to get a little more challenging for your core, proprioception, balance and stability. This is intentional, not only does it fire up your nervous system but it also helps carry over the benefits into our daily lives.

Week 7: Resistance Intermediate (Strength & Stability)

It's time to get functional

We all have goals that we are aiming to achieve when we embark on an exercise programme, for most of us it is the losing weight and looking good that is most important. However, very little thought is usually taken over exactly how our exercises will transfer over into daily life. How many times have you attended a gym or health club and been show how to use all the machines, then had a programme designed by a, so called, fitness professional that has you moving from one machine to the next. In our daily life, do we sit down and perform these unusual movements? No, we stand and bend and twist as we balance our way through daily life. Our exercise programmes must be based on function, not only because the movements are more natural but because they are far more successful at achieving your overall goals in the first place.

Functional exercise is by far the most productive form of exercise prescription whether it be for daily living, sports specific like golf, or for rehabilitation after injury. If you want help or advice on a functional exercise programme to suit you then you can contact me directly but for a few basic rules on whether a routine is functional or not you can ask yourself the following questions:

1) Does the movement follow a natural path or is it forced? Most machines have fixed hand positions that do not mimic our natural range of movement and can be bad for our joints.

2) Is it isolated (sacrifice function) or integrated (cause chain reaction throughout body)? Movements should be compound (Multi-joint). They burn more calories, are more natural and require more stability. If you think about any daily activity it never involves just one muscle, muscles have no functional individuality so why train them this way?

3) Are you challenging your balance and stabilisation like you do in daily life? We rarely spend time symmetrically on both feet, whether walking, running, bending, reaching etc. we are always transferring weight from one side of our body to the other.

4) Are you exercising 3-dimensional, are we moving in all 3 planes of movement, Sagittal (forward facing), frontal (to the side), transverse (twisting). We live in a 3D world, so we must train that way.

The following exercises show a good progression from week 3's basic resistance programme into functional training. Most of the exercises demonstrate a good functional movement for improving daily life activities. If training for a particular goal or sport like golf or tennis then the introduction of equipment may be necessary eg. stability balls, medicine balls, bands etc. but for basic function these exercises are a good starting point. Perform each exercise 10-20 times depending on ability and try to improve each workout. Complete this resistance program 3 times a week with a gentle 5 min walk before and afterwards, complete the stretching routine after that. Allow a days rest in between to recover.

A Cautionary Note

No exercise program should be painful, there is a difference between being tired and in pain. If you feel pain at any time then stop and consult a doctor. Pain indicates either incorrect technique or a medical problem. If you have any doubts about your current state of health then consult a medical professional before embarking on any fitness program.

Summary

Weeks 1-2 (3 x week)

5 Min Walk Warm up

2 x Complete circuits 10-20 x per exercise

5 Min Walk Cool Down

Stretching routine particularly those tight muscles.

Weeks 3-4 (3 x week)

As above but 3 x complete circuits 10-20 x per exercise

Next week: Nutrition

1 Leg Balance and reach

Great exercise to fire up the nervous system, improve balance, stability, flexibility and the core.

a) Stand tall on one leg arms above and shoulder width apart

b) Reach over to the side keeping your back straight as far as your flexibility will allow, if your balance fails try again but don't reach as far over.

c) Also try reaching forward, overhead and twisting to reach behind.

d) Swap legs, if one is weaker then spend more time on that side.

1 Leg Squat and Reach

This is a natural progression from the regular squat from week 3. It's very functional as we spend time bending and picking things up off the ground. It also challenges balance, core stability and works the quads and glutes intensely.

a) Standing on one leg gently lower yourself down, breathing in deeply and chest high, ensuring you keep your heel in contact with the floor. Try to get your thigh down to horizontal before reaching forward to touch the floor in front. Maintain a balanced pelvis throughout.

b) Exhale and push up using your leg.

c) This exercise takes time to perfect and I like to use an object to pick up and put down again for focus.

d) Try touching down in various areas in front to improve functionality.

Isometric prone up and down

This is a functional progression from week 3's prone position. It's dynamic and improves shoulder strength as well as overall core stability.

a) Lie face down on the ground. Place elbows and forearms underneath your chest.

b) Prop yourself up to form a bridge, using your toes and forearms; make sure your shoulders are directly over your elbows.

c) Maintain a flat back and don't allow your hips to sag towards the ground.

d) Now one hand at a time push up into a press up position, hold for a few seconds and return back to the original position. Photo shows transitional stage from elbows up to hands.

e) If you find this too difficult then try it off your knees.

Multi Directional Lunge

The lunge strengthens the legs, glutes, and improves balance and flexibility and sculpts the lower body. By making the lunge multi directional it mimics our daily movements.

a) Stand with your feet together with hand by your sides.

b) Take a step forward, inhaling on the way, descend slowly by bending at the hips, knee and ankle. Keep your lead foot flat on the floor.

c) Exhale and push back using the lead leg, returning to the start position.

d) Now repeat to the side at various angles and also behind by stepping backwards.

e) Keep torso upright, as leaning forward can cause injury.

Bridge one legged

Stimulates the glutes (bum), tightens up the backs of the legs and strengths the pelvic floor.

a) Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight out inline with the other thigh, heel in contact with the ground. Rest your arms by your side, palms downwards. Take a deep breath.

b) Exhale slowly, lifting your hips off the floor, squeezing your glutes until there's a straight line between shoulders, hips and knees. Don't force hips up further as it causes the back muscles to overwork.

c) Hold at the top of the movement for a second, squeezing the glutes tight, then lower the pelvis back towards the floor, inhaling on the way, not letting your backside touch the ground, then repeat.

d) Keep the one leg extended throughout the exercise and change legs half way through eg. 5 one leg and change.

Quadruped one arm one leg

Great for coordination, balance and transverse (twisting) core stability.

a) Begin on all fours, in neutral spine, with abdomen drawn in and chin tucked

b) Slowly raise one arm (thumb up) and the opposite leg, toe pointed away (triple extension).

c) Keep both arm and leg straight while lifting to body height.

d) Hold and return both arm and leg slowly to the ground, maintaining optimal alignment and repeat alternating sides

Certified Mobile London Personal Trainer based in Hampstead and also covering Belsize Park and Finchley areas. Offers a more holistic approach to health and fitness believing that without a sound understanding of all areas of health, namely: Posture, Flexibilty, Nutrition, Stress Management, Cardiovasular and Functional Exercise, true health can never be experienced. One to one personal training sessions are available

Top 5 Weight Loss Strategies From A Top Level Personal Trainer

You are ready to shed those energy draining, body crippling, unattractive extra pounds and you are ready to make it permanent this time. You are on the right track because you've taken the most important step toward your goal. That step is the decision to take action and stay committed. The following five proven strategies will serve as essential elements in your quest to achieve your weight loss goal.

1) You must put yourself into the right mindset. Don't think of your new efforts at weight loss as trying to do certain things every day. See your self living a new lifestyle, a new lifestyle that naturally includes behavior conducive to positive changes in your health and fitness levels. You transition into this new lifestyle by makng adjustments to your daily habits until these habits are in alignment with the goals you are aiming for.

2) Find an exercise partner. It can be a friend, a co-worker, or a family member. Why is this important? An exercise partner is a tremendous source of support. A partner is crucial on those days when you really don't feel up to exercising. Unless you are sick, a good partner won't let you slack and likewise your partner will need you to pull them up when they are not up for the workout. You being needed is an indirect but important type of support. With an exercise partner comes the element of accountability, which subconsciously reinforces your commitment to your quest.

3) Have a baby or get a puppy. These two strategies work in the same manner. I write about this one from first/second hand experience. My wife, Jeri-Jo, gave birth to our daughter, Darah, nine months ago. Today, she weighs less than she weighed before she got pregnant. What is the mechanism here? Jeri-Jo claims, "With Darah to care for, my mind is focused on her and her needs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not at risk for malnutrition, but I don't eat out of boredom any more simply because there is always something to do. The day flies by and I don't have time to snack on foods that cause weight gain."

The puppy strategy is very similar to the baby strategy. If you are not playing with it, training it, feeding it, walking it or cleaning up after it you are too tired to overeat. And, before you know it your new puppy is done napping and ready for more activities. Like caring for a baby, your puppy requires a lot of attention and mental energy. This prevents many people from unnecessary snacking that prevents weight loss.

4) If you are not ready for a baby or a puppy then take a up a new hobby. A new hobby will get you out of the house, stimulate your mind and prevent you from eating out of boredom. If your hobby is a fitness related activity, such as mountain biking or hiking, then you are really going to make some progress.

5) Drink more water. I know, you've heard this one before. But, can you truthfully say you are doing it? Not many people can. Ponder this. You consist of about 73% water. Your body gives off water all day and all night. You must continuously replenish your water levels in order for your body to function at its highest levels. Many fitness professionals talk about the metabolism slowing down as a result of too little food intake. However, just as important, yet rarely mentioned is water intake and its effect on metabolism. Not getting enough water can cause water retention and a slowing of the metabolism. Both of these can prevent weight loss and cause weight gain.

One little known strategy for boosting water intake is to drink 8 - 12 ounces as soon as you wake up. This helps wake up your metabolism. Another way to boost your water intake is to drink 10 - 12 ounces when you start to feel hungry. Instead of immediately reaching for food, drink the water and see if that calms your hunger until you are ready for your next meal.

Personal Trainers Can Make Or Break Your Success

Do you need a personal trainer? That is the first question that you should be asking yourself. The answer is quite simple... If you walk into the gym and feel lost or confused, then you definitely need a personal trainer. Or, if you pretty much know what you're doing but are seeing very little or no results, you should consult a personal trainer to help make the difference. Believe it or not, even experienced exercise enthusiasts seek out the assistance of personal trainers when they seem to be unable to make any more gains from their daily workouts.

Personal trainers are supposed to be the sole resource necessary to succeed in the gym. The time and education that is required to obtain a certification as a personal trainer is definitely not easy. You should be able to consult your gym's personal trainer regarding your current workout routine and your goals. They should be able to give you suggestions, guidance, and instruction, as well as show you where you are making mistakes.

Most personal trainers also have and in-depth knowledge of dietary needs and requirements, and should be able to give you guidance in those areas as well. In fact, many trainers also compete in body-building or fitness competitions. These trainers are extremely focused on dietary requirements as their body fat content must be extremely minimal during an actual competition. They can give you dietary guidance that is worth its weight in platinum, so pay heed.

Sometimes, you will get lucky and will find a personal trainer that has prior military experience, possibly even Special Forces, who can give you guidance that you couldn't get from your traditionally educated trainers. Believe it or not, most Special Forces groups in the United States Armed Forces go through the same training programs. The Navy SEALS, Army, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard all go to the same Dive School to obtain their dive certification. The physical training that they undergo is grueling to say the least. The same can be said for airborne certification schools that are hosted by the U.S. Army. Every step of the way involves more and more physical training that ensures that their bodies are perfectly tuned for the difficult and continuous abuse of combat, and that they are conditioned for any situation that may arise in the area of their certification. They are the best of the best for that reason, and a personal trainer with that background is an extremely valuable resource.

Some personal trainers aren't so valuable. When the personal training arena became a national craze, a lot of weak certification programs sprung up across the nation. Some people saw personal training certifications as a money maker, and rushed programs into existence to take advantage of the market. This enabled masses of people to take a cheaper course and to acquire their certification in less time. Experience with personal trainers will give you the ability to discern between the two. Having a properly educated personal trainer is a wholesome and completely different experience than having someone trying to train you that knows only a little more than you do. If you have one of these trainers at your gym, avoid them like the plague. Always use a personal trainer with the knowledge to help you, because the lack of this knowledge can literally hurt you.

In the end, your fitness goals must be achieved. If a personal trainer is not helping you to make any gains or improvements, don't be afraid to try someone else. Sometimes a trainer's area of expertise may not coincide with your current fitness needs. Believe it or not, experience depicts how effective that a personal trainer is in certain areas. In this way, personal trainers are very much like Physicians because they can specialize.

Many personal trainers have experience with dealing with certain body types or types of metabolisms. Someone that constantly trains body-builders may not be the trainer for you if you are a beginner or have a higher body fat content than most people... Don't be afraid to ask any and all questions that you may have, including questions regarding the personal trainer's experience. They should be unafraid to hand you off to another trainer that is skilled better to assist you with your current fitness needs. Make sure that you have the right personal trainer for you, and you will see nothing but continued success!

Personal Training - How Do You Choose A Personal Trainer?

In Part One of this article I discussed several benefits of a personal trainer. As a result, many of you may have expanded your understanding of what a personal trainer has to offer and have now decided to consider the services of a personal trainer. This is great news! However, not all trainers are created equal. You must be selective in your choice of a trainer. This article will provide an overview of what to look for in a trainer who will be a good fit for you.

Education

One of the most obvious qualities a personal trainer must possess is a thorough education in the field of exercise science. Their education may be through formal education or self-education. Having had a formal education in exercise science, I can say from experience that there are things you will experience in a degree program that you simply will not be exposed to through self-education alone. Likewise, there are experiences through self-education that you will not be exposed to in a formal education setting. Therefore, I would recommend finding a trainer who has both a formal education (minimum of a bachelor's degree) and a thorough self-education.

Certification

A qualified trainer should be certified. The reason I say this is not due to the certification alone, but instead due to the continuing education units required to keep the certification. Like trainers, not all certifications are created equal either. Some require a bachelor's degree in a related field and some do not. The two most reputable certifying organizations are the National Strength and Conditioning Association and American College of Sports Medicine.

Experience

Experience is an important aspect of personal training. Why? Because no matter how much knowledge a personal trainer has it basically useless unless he/she is able to effectively apply it to a real life setting. No amount of formal or self-education can take the place of experience. I recommend choosing a trainer with at least two years experience with training a variety of individuals.

Adaptability

The most overlooked quality of a personal trainer is his/her adaptability! Through my experiences as a personal trainer, I have never trained two people who were exactly alike. This applies to their personality traits as well as physical characteristics. You need to find a trainer who can adapt to your individual needs, whether they are physical, emotional, or other.

Now that you understand the benefits (from Part One) of a personal trainer and how to go about selecting a trainer who is right for you, I encourage you to consider this option if you are serious about getting in shape. Contact a few trainers in your area and arrange a consultation (most do this for free) to speak with them one-on-one and see what they bring to the table. I am confident that with the right trainer, personal training will prove to be a very gratifying experience and a rewarding investment.

How to Become a Great Personal Trainer

It's a great question, and an important question. With the loss of traditional jobs and a move to service-industry economy in North America, personal training is a way to earn a relatively good living while helping others.

In my opinion, there is a huge shortage of good trainers in the workforce.

Now it's relatively easy to become a certified personal trainer. Simply look up one of the popular certifications (ACE, NSCA-CPT, or whatever certification the gym you want to work at requires), get their study materials, and then pass their test. Then you certified and can be a trainer. That's it. (So it's easy to see why there are so many bad trainers out there. Remember that the more people the organizations certify, the more $$$ they make...)

However, to become a good trainer, you will need to learn much, much more and invest far more time and education than you need to just get a quick certification.

You will need to start by mastering the basics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and an introduction to sports medicine.

For without this foundation, it is easy for a trainer to fall for the latest gimmicks and fads. If you don't know how the central nervous system controls the muscles, then standing on a wobbling board while doing biceps curls with a rubber band while reciting your ABC's backwards might seem like a good idea. But if you have a strong education in the foundations, then you'll take one look at that stuff and realize its bunk.

Fortunately, you can learn as much studying on your own as you could by being enrolled in a University Kinesiology program.

The plus side of going to University is that you will get a recognized degree and it also happens that a University or College degree (any subject however) is a pre-requisite for possibly the most recognized certification, that of the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

However, the obvious downsides of University are the required investments in time and money. You must study on the University schedule and the fees are substantial.

One additional downside to a University education is the heavy emphasis placed on aerobic exercise science. Not only has this lead to the "You must do aerobics for fat loss" mentality, but also to the ill-advised "high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets are best for fat loss and health" nutrition recommendations.

While some coaches regard the formal education process as un-necessary, and feel that all the requisite knowledge can be gained on their own and in the trenches, I am a strong supporter of a formal education - provided the quality of education is high. Perhaps these coaches attended less than stellar Kinesiology programs (which I know do exist).

However, the education that I attained from McMaster University is without a doubt the reason for the quality of my programs and the level of my knowledge. Most influential was the neuromuscular physiology course taught to me by Dr. Digby Sale at McMaster University. But since you will never have the opportunity to attend his classes, I recommend in his place you read:

Supertraining - by Mel Siff

and

The Science and Practice of Strength Training - Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky

Either way, as Michael Masterson of EarlytoRise says, expect to spend 1000 hours of study to become competent (as he suggests is the case with any discipline). Of course, having a good mentor can significantly decrease the amount of time you will need to study (perhaps by 50%).

So those are a couple of roads on how you become a competent personal trainer. But they aren't the only ones. I've even met former University-educated engineeers that are great trainers, as they seem to bring a unique perspective to training.

Personal Trainers Insight into Weight Loss

Unfortunately, in today's world, the easiest way is the best way. Today, if you are overweight, there are a million and one diets, training programs and supplements which guarantee you success. Indeed, many of them deliver and customers have excellent success. 

But more often than not, those who begin a diet or program fail. They either drop out, or the results don't come.

But why? Why is it that the obesity epidemic is sweeping the world with a force, if there are so many easy weight loss methods available? 

Because current trends are to let others do the thinking for us.

We follow a particular diet. Foods we can eat, cant eat. Train at this time, run for this long. All you are doing is following someone else's rules without actually learning anything yourself. And this is the key to a new lifestyle and weight loss- knowledge. Understanding which you can act on in any situation at any time in your life.

If you understand how the body works, in relation to nutrition and training, if you become familiar enough to recognise and react to your bodies messages and changes, if you understand enough about yourself- its then, and only then, you can live a LIFESTYLE of healthiness which will keep the weight off with no drudge diet, no starving, no 0 carb or 0 fat menu's.

This is the difference between those who lose weight and keep it off and those who are forever struggling. Those who learn not only rules, but the reasoning and the knowledge behind these techniques, who understand bodily processes, how their body works, why it works that way, and how to ensure your lifestyle is optimum for your body, these are the ones who not only will lose the weight, but can simply live a healthy lifestyle armed with this knowledge. Day by day they can live happy and sure, knowing how to treat their body correctly without any crazy diets.

Im not saying that weight loss programs out their are incorrect- they will work in many cases. But your body is a clever thing. It adapts, it resists. Unless you can manipulate your lifestyle for your particular needs, and react to different situations not outlined in a general diet, you wont succeed, or your success will come at a dear price. Who wants to follow a certain menu day in day out? Its bound to fail. Who wants to cut all the carbs out of their diet? The only thing which will happens is your metabolism will slow so much, when you do eat carbs again it will result in weight gain. The cycle begins. It's the knowledge of the science of your body which will allow you to understand EXACTLY why your putting weight on, or why your losing weight, and how to reverse or encourage trends in your everyday life.

In the morning when i wake up, i know if i don't eat within 30 minutes my body will start to tap into my muscle stores and fat stores for glucose. As im trying to gain muscle, this is unacceptable. When my body is overly tired, ill postpone a workout, consume some extra protien and carbs and allow plenty of rest. Its all about understanding your body and meeting its needs. One diet can work for everyone. You need to know your body and know how to treat it in any situation. This is the key to long term weight loss, and a fun, invigorating new lifestyle.

So before your begin your diet or training program, take the time to learn about the science of your body. Research the processes of fat storage, fat breakdown. Research muscle growth, research nutrition. Knowledge. Its worth more than its weight in gold. Aquire it. Understand the world you life in and the body you walk around in. This is your key to success.

Personal Training | Name One Good Reason Someone Should Hire You

By the time you have gotten past the title and read the first line of this article, you should already have the one reason in your head why a prospective client would hire you. If you don't, then you may have already discovered the biggest obstacle to the success of your personal training career!

What we're talking about here is a very important sales tool known as a "Unique Selling Proposition". Basically, this is the single most important thing about your business that makes you stand out from other professionals in your industry. The basic, bare bones, from the gut, instinctive answer that comes to your mind when someone asks, "Why should I train with you instead of another trainer"?

After all, isn't this the absolute most important question that you could possibly answer? Isn't this similar to a question that you ask yourself every single time you are about to spend money?

When you are headed out to the grocery store, you decide to go to a particular store. Why? Better prices, usually, although that is not always the answer.

If you are going to get gas in your car on the way to work, you choose a specific gas station to fuel up. Why? Price sometimes, but often with a convenience store, location is more of a deciding factor.

What about if you are going to go shopping for clothes? What makes you decide to go to an anchor store like Sears or JC Penney instead of going to Target, or Wal-Mart? Certainly not price, since the department stores are usually cheaper. Why did you go to the mall?

By now you should be starting to see a pattern developing here. Whether you are talking about buying groceries, gas, or clothes, each time when you decide to shop at a certain establishment, there is always some underlying reason WHY you decided on that store. Whatever that reason is, that is the Unique Selling Proposition of that store, and the way they got your business!

For grocery stores, it is often selection that brings in customers. Gas stations have price wars, but in the end it often ends up just being about convenience. Clothing stores get a lot of their business from the brand names that they carry, rather than their rock-bottom prices.

Those 3 examples were chosen to illustrate an incredibly powerful point for you in your personal training business. That point is that you need a Unique Selling Proposition, and contrary to popular belief, having a lower price is not the one that you want to choose. In fact, lowering your prices can help you to actually LOSE customers, and will definitely help your business to a lower bottom line!

Now ask yourself the same question again, only this time, really take the time to think about the answer. Why should someone train with you instead of another trainer? It is possible - in fact, even likely - that you may not have a good reason! If that is the case, your business is surely suffering as a result, and coming up with your own Unique Selling Proposition should become your highest priority.

Here is a brief but hardly all-encompassing list of ways that your business may stand out from your competitors. Even if none of these ideas apply to you, utilize this list to start thinking of other ways to make yourself a more appealing option for potential clients than your competitors.

Customer Service. This has been one of the most basic business success secrets since the dawn of time, yet personal trainers often don't take care of their customers nearly as well as they should. For some great tips on customer service, see the article 'Personal Training: 6 Secrets of Award Winning Customer Service' at the following URL: http://www.completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com/article2.html

Experience. People have always valued businesses who have a lot of experience in the service being provided, and that is certainly true for personal training. Your client's very health and well-being is in your hands! Don't expect long-term personal training clients if you don't have the knowledge to get them the results that they are looking for.

Education. Although education is certainly no substitute for experience, in a health profession such as personal training, you won't get far without the knowledge to get your job done properly. This can include your basic certification, your Continuing Education Credits, and any applicable college or trade school classes you take during your career.

Niche. Having a niche market is probably the most effective way to stand out from the crowd! If you are a trainer who "trains everyone", how can you possibly be very good at training a particular group of people? How can you claim to be the best trainer in town for athletes if you only train one athlete, and your other clients include a housewife, a corporate CEO, a teenager, a police officer, a kindergarten teacher, an elderly couple, and a swimsuit model? Specialize in ONE group of people, and not only will it build your credibility, but you can charge more for your sessions, since you are specialized in training that particular niche.

Value. Another basic tenet of business success, yet one that trainers often overlook. When all is said and done, what does your client get for signing on with you? Just training sessions? All trainers are doing that! What ELSE are they getting for their money? If you have to think about it, then you might need to build some more value into your business model!

Facility. If you work at or own a fitness facility or training studio, what makes your facility stand out from other facilities in town? Do you have more equipment? Do you offer more unique training programs? Does your facility have child care? A locker room? Private training areas? Think about why someone would walk into your door instead of the gym across the street.

Hours. Whether you work in a facility or do home training, what are your hours? Are you willing to train someone at 5:00am? What about 9:00pm? Today's world is full of incredibly busy people! If you try to stick to "banker's hours", you will have a hard time succeeding as a personal trainer.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can make your service or your facility a better option for your potential clients rather than them hiring one of your competitors. You should take the time to brainstorm even more ideas than those covered above, as that is a short list at best. There are many other ways that you can make your business the best option for your target market!

Once you have a few ideas in mind, choose the one thing that you feel truly makes your business "unique". What is that one single product, service, or business practice that has the power to yank your potential customers away from your competition?

Once you have the answer to that, promote that idea in everything that you do! Don't promote the fact that you are a trainer. Promote the fact that you are the best trainer for your target market because of your Unique Selling Proposition.

Make your business unique in some special way, promote that idea, and your business will grow in leaps and bounds. As you get more successful, you will come up with even more ways that your business is the best option for your target audience.

You will get more and more clients and those clients will be happy, healthy, and spreading the word about your great services. That, ladies and gentleman, is what we call a Win/Win situation!

finding a good personal trainer

The question of how to find a good personal trainer is as old as the industry itself. In fact, it usually gets transformed into an even bigger question - should you even HIRE a personal trainer? Conveniently enough, the answer to one of those questions will dictate the answer to the other one - every time!

The short and simple truth of the matter is that you should only hire a personal trainer if you can find an effective one that is right for you. Here are several things to consider before you decide!

Professionalism

The term professionalism should cover our prospective trainer's skills, as well as his/her ability to act in a professional manner. Both are critical to the training process, and if a trainer is lacking in either department, it will spell doom for your program eventually, either in the short term, or later on down the road.

The days of personal trainers just being jocks with a certification are (thankfully!) coming to a close. Today's personal trainer needs to be a consummate professional with regard to his/her actual skills, as well as ability to treat their clients in a professional and business-like manner.

For now let's just agree that if your trainer doesn't have a clue about how to get you in shape, you probably don't want to hire that trainer!

What about their level of professionalism? A good personal trainer will always maintain their professional bearing. They don't need to be some stick in the mud with no personality, but there are several things that a trainer should NOT be doing during a training session. These include things like staring at themselves in the mirror, daydreaming, excessively talking to other people, talking on their cell phone, checking out members of the opposite sex, and just generally not focusing on you during the workout.

Your trainer should look professional as well. Although the actual clothing standards vary widely, some things that you should not see are excessive body jewelry, the latest fashions such as arm bands, beanie caps, combat boots, etc., or any clothing or accessories that are worn simply as decoration or because the style is in. The latest styles have absolutely nothing to do with your training program!

Credentials

Which level of personal training certification is the best has been and continues to be a matter of extreme debate. This article will not propagate that debate with further discussion of the details. However, what you should take home is the fact that regardless of your fitness goals, your trainer should be qualified to train YOU.

For general health and fitness, any of the top 10 nationwide certification agencies offer acceptable programs. A brief list includes - but is not limited to - the International Sports Sciences Association, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. There are others, and your trainer should be more than happy to point you to the website that governs his or certification, so that you can learn more on your own.

For more specific considerations like training for a sport or athletic competition, your trainer will need a higher degree of expertise. The American College of Sports Medicine has a great program and is one of the most recognized certifications for sport specific training.

You should ask very specific questions about how a potential trainer is going to tackle the particular issues that you want covered during your training program.

Facility

Regardless of your potential trainer's credentials and professionalism, you need to know where you are going to train. The industry standard of only working out at a gym is being challenged more and more these days. It is possible now to find a trainer who will come right to your house and train you, or possibly meet you outside, or in your housing area community fitness center. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to go to the gym if you want a personal trainer!

Schedule

One of the biggest issues for trainers and clients alike is scheduling. After all, you both have to be in the same place at the same time for a minimum of 30 minutes, and possibly as long as 90 minutes. A good trainer will try to find a way to fit you into their schedule. It won't always be possible, especially with a highly sought after trainer, but if the trainer truly wants to help you, they will do their best to fit you in.

Rapport

Having a good rapport with your personal trainer is crucial! If you and your trainer don't get along, it's a waste of time for both of you. You will likely end up more frustrated than ever, thinking that even a professional couldn't help you!

Working with a personal trainer that you like is necessary, and on the flip side, the trainer should like you as well. You don't necessarily need to pick out curtains together, but you should at least be able to carry on a comfortable dialogue while you exercise. Most good trainers are good communicators as well, but if the two of you aren't very comfortable with each other, then it will cause tension and increase the risk of your program meeting with failure.

A good personal trainer will agree to meet with you face to face before you actually sign up for a training program. Some trainers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and that is the perfect time to size up your trainer to make sure they fit your needs!

You should take home the fact that the definition of a good personal trainer is someone who is not only a professional, but is also appropriate for your specific personality, needs, goals, and desires. You may be working with this person for awhile, so choose wisely!

Does Your Personal Trainer Know Squat?

Is your personal trainer qualified? How experienced are they? How can you know before committing to a long-term agreement? These are all questions that clients looking to hire a personal trainer have or should have.

Personal trainers hold a great deal of responsibility in their hands, as they "direct" their clients how to exercise safely and effectively. Personal training can be a lucrative career too, with some trainers charging as much if not more than doctor or lawyer consultation rates.

It is unlikely that you would hire a lawyer or a doctor strictly on heresy, popularity or if they "looked the role" but rather you would spend a good deal of time researching his or her credentials, track record and education. So why if you're going to pay a personal trainer equivalent fees should choosing an exercise professional be any different?

Rather than re-hash the details of the typical "How to Choose a Personal Trainer" cliche, this article provides the lay consumer just two helpful pieces of information to help when deciding on how to choose a personal trainer.

Grade the trainer's qualifications

A personal trainer is an exercise professional so their credentials should demonstrate this. Check to see if the trainer has had a formal education in exercise science, physiology or sports medicine.

Exercise is about science and is grounded firmly in the fields of anatomy, physiology and nutrition. Each field complements and builds on the other. Even the most experienced (or well-built!) personal trainer cannot fake knowledge he does not have. A thorough understanding of these fields is essential to effective and safe exercise instruction and is unlikely to be gained in a weekend or even a multiple week study course.

The client looking to hire a personal trainer should also check the certifying organization. Currently the most respected credentials are offered by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and ACE (American Council on Exercise).

Some certifying bodies such the NSCA require certain educational requirements to be completed before sitting for the exam. An example is the NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which requires a bachelors degree in a related field to sit for the exam.

Grade the trainer's experience

An experienced and well-educated exercise professional can easily recognize others on par with themselves simply by observing the manner in how they work with their client and by watching the client's exercise technique.

But what about the casual exerciser who knows nothing of exercise or fitness? How can they discern the small details that give clues to a trainer's experience and quality of instruction? After all, certification only means that the personal trainer passed a written exam.

The answer is that it is very tricky for a layperson to judge personal trainers themselves from simple observation and as a result, may rely too heavily on the opinion of others.

Don't get me wrong there is nothing more valuable to a personal trainer than a good reputation and "word of mouth", but an informed consumer looking for a quality exercise professional should do a little more homework.

While there may be dozens of time consuming and complicated ways to assess a personal trainer's instruction quality and experience, this article describes a single test that will give the client a basic insight before committing to a contract or agreement. A client should not be embarrassed or scared to use this test; it is the full right and privilege of the client to interview and consult with the trainer before committing on a long-term or contractual basis.

The importance of the squat

The squat is a very functional movement that mimics everyday tasks such as lifting and getting out of the seated position. The squat is also quite a complex movement to both learn and teach and must be performed correctly with optimal technique to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Consider the importance of instructing safe technique in the squat. A loaded bar resting on a client's back places them in a compromising position, opening the door to the possibility of a crippling injury. A personal trainer then needs to be particularly attentive to detail when their client performs such an exercise.

The squat test then is a good means of roughly assessing the trainer's instructional ability and experience.

How can I use the squat test for grading my personal trainer?

If you can do it before signing with the trainer, try to observe him or her instructing other clients in the performance of a squat. Does the trainer carefully observe the client's technique (in a mirror if spotting) and offer pointers if necessary or does he or she look around or out the window and seem indifferent? As I mentioned, a squat can be a dangerous exercise to perform, especially for the inexperienced exerciser so attentiveness to detail is essential here.

If you are unable to observe the personal trainer's technique beforehand, request a free consultation and during this time have him or her instruct you in the performance of a body weight squat (even if you hate squats and never plan on doing them as part of an exercise routine, request that the trainer observe your technique and offer pointers as if it were a barbell loaded squat).

In either situation, if the observed client's technique demonstrates the following pointers, or if the personal trainer confidently makes mention of most or all of them, it indicates a good working knowledge in how to teach and ensure safety and correct form in the squat.

If the trainer passes the squat test, the experience and skill they demonstrate will most likely transfer to the instruction of other exercises too.

Here are some of the most important pointers for safe and effective performance of the back squat:

· The bar rests on a platform base of the lower neck and shoulders

· The feet shoulder/hip width apart and very slightly toed out; the heels should only be placed on blocks if the instructor observes the heels rising off the floor in the decent (tight calf muscles)

· The lifter inhales before the descent and holds his/her breath (kudos if the instructor mentions avoiding the "Valsalva Maneuver"* here)

· The legs "buckle" under control - like "sitting down in a chair"

· As the knees bend, they remain directly in line with the toes and do not move past the toes

· The spine remains straight and very close to vertical throughout the entire movement (a slight "hole" is allowed in the lower back, but it is essential that the upper back does not "round")

· The chest remains up and out (extra points if the instructor mentions keeping the gaze straight ahead or slightly above to prevent spinal rounding)

· The back of the head remains approximately parallel to a vertical line from the back of the heels - which remain flat on the floor

· The bar tracks a near vertical line throughout the movement while "pressing with the heels"

· The client exhales through the "sticking point" 

(Your flexibility may limit the performance of a perfect squat but the pointers are still valid).

While a client must consider the other attributes of a personal trainer such as personality and rapport, it is important to have some means of measuring his or her experience and credentials before making a decision to commit to a contract or long-term agreement. Hopefully this article has provided some very basic information for the lay fitness consumer to be a slightly more "informed" one.

How to Pick a Personal Trainer

Q: What certification should I look for in a personal trainer?

Answer:

Most importantly, no certification will guarantee that someone is a great trainer. The information taught in almost all certifications is generally outdated and basic.

It is really up to the trainer to learn outside of the certification process. A good trainer will have a mentor (preferably many mentors) that has shown them how to successfully deal with many situations, train people efficiently and effectively, and how to design a great training program.

A good trainer should also possess critical thinking skills. They shouldn't simply do what all the other trainers are doing or copy workouts and exercises straight from a book or website.

If you are familiar with my training programs, you will know that they contain basic, no-fluff exercises. There's no standing on gym balls or other dangerous and relatively ineffective training methods. There is nothing in my programs that I can't justify. The trainer you choose should also be able to justify their exercise programs.

If I were picking a trainer, I'd insist on them meeting a very high level of criteria. After all, your trainer is in charge of your body and your health. You should demand a lot from your trainer. That's the only way your training will reach another level.

Feel free to email me for trainer recommendations throughout North America. I might be able to recommend someone for you.

How To Prevent Personal Trainer Burnout

Why did you decide to become a personal trainer? Was it your love of exercise? The rush you felt when you lifted a new max weight or beat your best time on the track? Maybe it was the thrill of being able to do what you love each day and help others to follow suite. Most likely it was your passion for fitness, and your passion for helping others, combined.

With clients who are dedicated and excited about their workouts, co-workers who share common interests and ideals, and constant access to exercise equipment and health food we have a wonderful and rewarding job.

Unfortunately, we usually end up with a few clients who make it difficult to stay passionate about our work. Some of our clients cancel at the last minute, or show up twenty minutes late. Some seem to expect us to lift the weight for them, on every rep of every set. And some simply want us to wave a magic wand and grant them new bodies on the spot.

While the former type of client fuels our fire, the latter snuff it out. So how do we keep our passion alive?

We take time to evaluate our situation, and make changes where necessary. There is no point in spending hours in the gym waiting for clients who do not show. Make a contract that states the amount of time you will wait before the session is canceled. Set up a prepay system; if the client has already paid for your service they are more likely to utilize it.

Get to know your clients on a non-exercise level. Find out their likes and dislikes, their hobbies and favorite types of music. This is done simply with a short questionnaire, in your introductory conversation, and over a period of time. Use this information to tailor their workouts. For example, if a client is a baseball fan incorporate some baseball drills into their warm up, or have them play catch or run bases as part of their cardio routine.

When your client has fun, you have fun.

Of course, sometimes it is more a matter over time that causes our passion to burn out. We tend to put so much effort into helping and pleasing our clients that we forget about ourselves.

Just as we plan our workouts and menus we need to plan time to relax. If you spend all day in the gym with clients, squeeze in a quick workout for yourself, and then rush home just to eat, sleep and wake up to start all over again, it's no wonder you're burnt out.

As fitness professionals we know that our muscles need adequate time to rest, refuel, and repair. The same goes for our mental and emotional health.

Perhaps this means taking a break from training clients on Saturday mornings, or making sure you are out of the gym by seven each evening. Maybe you need to schedule regular visits to a masseuse or buy tickets to your favorite sporting event or musician. Even spending as little as ten minutes in the sauna or whirlpool after your workout to simply relax and regroup could help.

Passion was what drove us to become fitness professionals, but it is not in endless supply. Take a look at your schedule and habits and then make the necessary changes. The spark of passion is always there, and just a small change can be enough to refuel the fire.

Tom Perkins is a fitness business coach/advisor, radio host, speaker, author and certified personal trainer/fitness nutritionist with more than 30 years in the fitness industry as both a consumer, fitness professional, and business coach/advisor.

Having owned six startups since 1990 Tom provides fitness businesses and professionals with the systems, tools and support they need to get to the next level and beyond, as well as the freedom and income to enjoy a unique quality of life.

What to Look For in a Fitness Coach

Half way through my year at UAA studying the fine art of Personal Training, my instructor asked us to write a mission statement and define what a Personal Trainer should be. I was already in the business before enrolling in this class so I thought I knew everything...wrong! It was really hard to define myself; so I had to think outside the box and then it became clearer. Let me share with you what I would define as an exceptional Trainer.

There are about 10 main elements that make a Coach outstanding. I will list them and then try to elaborate on each.

The most important factor a Trainer should possess is knowledge. Knowledge of the correct and safe exercises a client should be executing as well as sound nutritional advice. A knowledgeable Trainer should work with the population that she has expertise. A Trainer should be able to know the difference between "fads" and what really works. The Trainer should read and learn from creditable sources. She should know how to determine if an article is written by an educated individual or someone who is just trying to make a fast buck. A Trainer needs to be certified in her area of specialization.

The second element that I feel a Trainer needs to have is reliability. Reliable to me not only means that the Trainer will be where she's suppose to be on time and ready for work, but also that what she says can be "taken to the bank". Reliability and dependability are synonymous and should be equally important. The two words are interchangeable in the dictionary and another synonym is trustworthy. These are all qualities that I would look for if I were choosing a Personal Trainer.

When we mention trust we also bring up the issue of confidentiality. The relationship between a client and a Trainer should be along the same lines of Doctor/Patient relationship. More goes on between a Trainer and a client than just counting reps and changing weights. The Trainer is a helper and educator to the client. A helper is one who enables another to change. The Trainer's role is very complex because she acts as a teacher, a coach, a counselor, and a supporter. Trainers need to be very aware of their limitations and must never exceed the confines of their own expertise.

A good Trainer needs to be a people person. A trainer is asked to work with a lot of different types of people and she has to know how to relate to a number of distinct types of personalities. If a Trainer is personable she will be considered pleasant and friendly and I believe those are valuable tools for a Trainer to possess. A trainer needs to be a good listener. It's very important to listen to the client; don't just assume that you know what she wants. It's important for the trainer not just to listen.... but hear what the client is telling her.

A Trainer should be a role model. A Trainer should "practice what she preaches". A Trainer should exercise and eat well. The Trainer should promote healthy eating habits. A Trainer should not just "talk the talk" but "walk the walk".

A Trainer should consider safety above all else when setting up a program for a client. A Trainer needs to get medical history from his client and perform some basic fitness tests in order to set up a safe and effective training program.

A Trainer needs to be prompt and well organized. The Trainer needs to show the client how to keep accurate exercise logs to track fitness goals and strength gains.

A great Trainer will educate a client to become self-reliant. The Coach has done a great job when she can empower a client to go on alone. You need to ask a potential Trainer how long she thinks you will need to work with her. If she is unsure or says indefinitely, I would interview a few more Coaches and find one that wants to teach you how to workout on your own using your built in motivation.

A professional appearance is an important factor to me. While a Trainer is working with a client she should be in casual clothes that exercises could be easily demonstrated. My pet peeve is to see a scantily dressed Trainer working with a client. Some Trainers I've watched look at themselves in the mirror more than they ever look at their client.

Positive attitude and enthusiasm should be closer to the top of this list. All ten of these elements are important so don't think that they are in any order of significance. A Trainer works very closely with her clients and attitude and enthusiasm really count on the motivational meter. When you are searching for a Coach, talk to several and then pick the one that works best with your personality.

Sense of humor and availability. These two elements don't have anything in common or do they? If a Trainer has no sense of humor she is not going far. A Trainer should be able to laugh at herself and be able to joke with the client. One on one exercise is serious, but we must be able to have fun at the same time. I list sense of humor with availability because most people want a Trainer to be available at ANY time! I've been asked several times to be in two places at once!! Yeah, right!

Communication is a very important factor in the training world. If you and the trainer work together three times a week then a phone call in between sessions probably isn't necessary. If you are together less than 3 times a week it's a good idea to correspond with your trainer either by phone or email just to keep in touch and keep yourself motivated.

Working With a Personal Fitness Trainer

Some people have a difficult time motivating themselves to workout. Others may have a hard time figuring out which work outs are best for achieving their goals. If you are experiencing these problems, you may need to work with a fitness trainer.

Fitness trainers are great at motivating you to work out properly and stay fit. They have experience with fitness, and will often know what is best for you to achieve your goals. When it comes to fitness, there are a lot of gimmicks and products available which simply do not work.

You often have to make guesses to try and figure out what works best when you exercise alone. A personal trainer will be able to see past all the gimmicks and point you in the best direction. They will be able to see you from a different perspective than you see yourself, and can quickly find solutions to problems which are keeping you from achieving your goals.

When you work with a fitness trainer, they will set you up with a program which is tailored to your health, age, and fitness specifications. Your fitness trainer will set up a eating plan, strength training plan, cardiovascular plan, and a progress chart.

Probably the most important thing gained from working with a fitness trainer is self confidence. Having someone complimenting you on your hard work will make you feel good about yourself, and will push you to continue.

Many people choose to stop exercising because they are not seeing the results they want fast enough, or they've tried some special diet which hasn't worked. Working with a fitness trainer will help you choose the right diets and the right methods of working out. They will point you in the best direction possible.

You want to make sure to choose a fitness trainer who is certified. You want to make sure they have a proven track record of helping people become successful.

Four Things to Look For In Choosing a Personal Trainer

Is it time?

Time to quit making excuses for not exercising regularly?

Or - if you have been working out regularly - is it time to start seeing 

more results from all your hard work?

If your answer to either of those questions is "yes," then it just might be 

time to hire a personal trainer.

A personal trainer can be a great way to jump-start or improve a regular 

exercise routine. Hiring the right trainer can be motivating. It can make 

you accountable. Plus, a good personal trainer can teach you the proper 

way to exercise your way to a healthy, fit body.

But hiring the right personal trainer can be a bit tricky. Here are four 

things to look for when choosing a trainer who is right for you:

1. Experience- Get referrals from satisfied clients. Someone you already 

know who has had successful results working with this trainer. Find a 

personal trainer who knows how to teach strength training, cardio, and 

stretching, because you will need them all. All the certifications and 

degrees mean nothing if the trainer doesn't have a history of training 

many different levels of clients.

The trainer also needs maturity. You should also know that the level of 

instructional training can vary. Some personal trainers have exercise 

physiology degrees while others may have any number of personal 

training certificates. Choose someone who has a great deal of 

instructional training.

Interview the trainer; ask for a complimentary training session. The 

trainer should do a thorough assessment of your health and give you a 

demonstration of his/her training style.

2. Personal Appearance - You want someone whose personal 

appearance motivates you. Don't choose a trainer who is overweight or 

noticeably underweight. Choose someone who, for his/her age and sex, 

is obviously aware of the training, nutrition, and lifestyle that go into 

being in good physical shape.

Does a woman in excellent physical shape inspire or intimidate you? If 

you are a woman, female trainers will be especially sensitive to female 

concerns - things like hormones, menopause, motherhood, and other 

age-related body changes.

In choosing a male trainer, if you are a male, choose someone with the 

physical strength to take you to a level of lifting heavier weights. And, if 

you are a female, realize that a male will always be stronger and bigger 

than you, but he isn't going to turn you into a mini version of him.

3. Compatible Personality - Know what kind of training style will work 

best for you. Do you need a drill sergeant with little room for small talk? 

Do you prefer a firm, kind approach? Find someone you can build a 

relationship with.

Also, recognize this is your time. You may need to talk as you work out, 

to unwind and focus. Choose a trainer who always leaves you feeling 

better physically, and emotionally, when you leave your session.

4. Dependability - You're paying for a service that has little room for 

fluctuating changes, re-arranged times, and tardiness. Look for a trainer 

who identifies the days and time that will work best for you. A good 

trainer will hold you accountable for those times.

You should expect a signed agreement from the trainer that gives you a 

reasonable amount of time for a cancellation or rescheduling of your 

session without a charge. Trainers know that unexpected changes come 

up. They also know it is easy to bail because you're just not "in the 

mood." The trainer loses income if you depart from your schedule. Most 

importantly, you lose if you choose a trainer who doesn't hold you 

accountable.

Don't settle for a trainer who walks away and leaves you on a machine. 

No trainer should be grabbing a meal as he/she trains you. The same 

goes for taking phone calls. Unacceptable. The right trainer will give you 

his undivided attention to meet your needs.

It's your time to take direction and work hard. You should feel 

comfortable talking to your trainer without compromising your workout.

Watch out for the trainer who is checking himself out in the mirror more 

than making sure your form is correct. Speaking of mirrors, embrace 

them. You will quickly identify posture, correct form, and translate this 

over to working out on your own.

Working out can be a blast! Just be sure you choose the right personal 

trainer for YOU. If you do, you'll be more likely to stick to those workouts 

that will produce amazing results.

Beginners Guide to Personal Trainers