Personal Trainer or Trained Killer?

1. Exclusive Fitness Program.  Personal Trainers (let’s call them “PTs”) can personalize a program to fit your particular situation.  Some of your goals may be similar to their other clients, but overall the program they’ll run your ass through will be tweaked to suit your needs.  Whether it be recovering from a C-section, training for a marathon or it’s been a hundred years since your last attempt to exercise, they’ll cater to you.  

2. Certification.  Look for one who holds credentials.  Not Joe-from-work’s-second-cousin-by-marriage.  While those individuals may be capable of putting you through your paces, a good personal trainer should be certified by ACE (The American Council on Exercise), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) or NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association).  Or training by the US Marines or Navy Seals, if you want to go hard-core.  Totally made that last part up.

3. Effective.  No more going to the gym, being confused by the torture devices or waiting in line while some muscle-head monopolizes the machines. PTs will not only keep you on task, they will make your workout so you can achieve your results in a timely manner.  Though your sessions may feel like they last an eternity, typically you can finish up in about an hour.  

4. Safety, safety, safely.  A 17-year old working at your local Y can show you the basics of a machine, but can they ensure you’ll use it safely?  A PT knows the Nautilus machines inside and out, and could probably repair one if called upon.  They can also show you how to use the free weights without dropping them on your face.  

5. Get over the hump.  I’m not talking about surviving a Wednesday, but breaking through that plateau you’ve hovered over for weeks.  PTs will shake your routine and muscles up, in a good way.  You have to constantly change up your routine, or your muscles will get lazy.  Or complacent.  

The PT at my gym is an effective one, from what I can tell, even if she could probably bench press me.  Without breaking a sweat.  

Written by: Allyson Johns