Would you go to an unlicensed
doctor? No. So, why work out with an uncertified fitness instructor?
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a nonprofit educational organization,
stresses the fundamental importance of using qualified personal trainers
as the number one way to ensure a safe and effective workout.
According to ACE Chief Exercise Physiologist Richard Cotton, ACE-certified
personal trainers undergo a stringent certification process, spending
months preparing for an intensive 3-1/2 hour, 175 question exam.
Cotton suggests hiring a personal trainer who is currently certified
by a reputable organization such as ACE. That way, consumers are assured
that the trainer has met the requirements to design and implement fitness
programs. ACE certification means the trainer has proven his or her
knowledge in the areas of exercise science and programming-including
anatomy, kinesiology, health screening, basic nutrition and instructional
methods-as well as in emergency procedures and basic first aid.
Unfortunately, there are many personal trainers who are not qualified,
says Cotton. For their own safety, consumers should find out the instructor’s
certification status and educational background before embarking on
an exercise program with that person.
ACE provides these tips for selecting a personal trainer:
- First and foremost: Does the trainer have the proper education and
credentials? Acceptable qualifications include current certification
from a credible, internationally recognized organization such as ACE,
and/or a college degree in physical education or exercise science.
- How long has he or she been doing personal training? Where did
they learn their practical skills?
- Do you get along well with the trainer? You should feel comfortable
with, and be able to communicate openly with your personal trainer.
Is he or she professional, yet personable? Is he or she non-competitive,
fun and genuinely interested in helping you?
- Be wary of any personal trainer who pushes supplements or diet
fads.
- Is the trainer insured? Many personal trainers operate as independent
contractors and are not actual employees of a fitness facility. It
is important to find out if the trainer you are considering hiring
carries professional liability insurance to protect you in the event
you become injured.
- What are the trainer's rates? And, are the rates within your budget?
On average, personal trainers charge between $35 and $100 per hour.
Rates vary depending on the trainer's experience, and length of session,
and geographic location.
- Can the trainer accommodate your schedule? Some people like to
exercise in the morning, while others prefer evenings. An inflexible
or unavailable trainer can lower your motivation level-the more options,
the more likely you are to exercise!
- Does the trainer have experience working with clients in your age
group, or with individuals who have specific needs or circumstances
similar to your own? For example, if you are pregnant or have never
exercised, you want a trainer experienced in appropriate exercise
programming for these concerns.
- Will the trainer give you the names of other clients as references?
Just as an employer should check references for any potential new
hire, you should contact references for any trainer you are considering
hiring. Find out if the clients were pleased with their workouts.
Were their individual needs and concerns addressed? Was the trainer
on time and prepared?
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The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers
against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As
the nation's "workout watchdog," ACE conducts university-based
research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets
standards for fitness professionals and is the world's largest nonprofit
fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its
programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at www.acefitness.org.
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