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Choosing A Personal Trainer
The fitness industry is currently one of the fastest growing in the world and subsequently there are now thousands of Personal Trainers appearing in papers, magazines and on the internet. New training methods seem to appear on an almost weekly basis and different trainers will swear by different methods. So how can you cut through the Personal Training jungle and find someone that will suit you personally and leave you confident they aren't an exercise cowboy?
The fitness industry is currently one of the fastest growing in the world and subsequently there are now thousands of Personal Trainers appearing in papers, magazines and on the internet. New training methods seem to appear on an almost weekly basis and different trainers will swear by different methods. So how can you cut through the Personal Training jungle and find someone that will suit you personally and leave you confident they aren’t an exercise cowboy? There are three main components to help you below, but remember this is by no means a fail safe list and a little research beforehand will pay dividends:
Qualifications - all trainers should hold a recognised Personal Training qualification as well as first aid and they should also be fully insured. Many trainers will be on the Register of Exercise Professionals (UK) and will therefore have to commit to CPD (continuing professional development) on a yearly basis
Experience - this doesn’t necessarily mean you need the most experienced, but the more they have the better they should be (although this is not always the case!) Experience of how people respond to training and what methods tend to work can be invaluable. If you can find a trainer with testimonials from previous clients then all the better, as long as they are real clients and not the trainer’s mum and dad!
Personality - In all honesty you could find the most qualified and experienced trainer around, but if they drive you up the wall then it’s probably not going to be a lasting relationship! Most trainers will happily meet with you beforehand for an informal chat to see if things will work (this should always be without charge!)
The best possible way to find a trainer is referral from friends and family, but if you can’t find one that way then hopefully this article will at least point you in the right direction!