Many times on this blog, we’ve recommended consulting the expertise of an experienced personal trainer prior to settling upon any intensive exercise regimen. But many people that have never had a training session may wonder where to start when it comes to getting a trainer. Thankfully, a new report provides some tips on settling upon one that’s right for you.
First, you’re going to want to conduct some research, a step made far easier now thanks to the endless wealth of knowledge that is the internet. Find some gyms and sports medicine facilities in your area and then head to sites like Yelp and various other review directories to see what persons have to say about the trainer or the facility you’re thinking about. Use this information to develop a general perception about the facility while still realizing that there might be some reviewers with an axe to grind. Also speak with friends and family and see if they have experience with a personal trainer and what their time with that person has been like.
Once you decide on a trainer that you think is a good fit, set up a meeting and come prepared with a list of questions that should allow you to get a better sense of their qualifications. Ask them what degrees they’ve obtained and what certifications they’ve gotten that go beyond the minimum requirements (verify these when you get back home). Inquire as to any references that can speak to their expertise what kind of insurance they have to cover sessions in case of injury.
When you’ve actually decided upon a trainer that’s right for you and meets your budget, the first thing that person is likely to do is evaluate your history. He or she will ask you about your history of heart conditions, injuries, or anything else that would necessitate an alteration to the correct training regimen.
From there, the trainer should be able to develop a plan of action that suits your unique needs, and hopefully, they’ll be willing to listen to your concerns and ideas about the workout. He or she ought to begin keeping careful track of your progress, and if not, you might call them out on it. Not only do you need to have goals that are taken into consideration, a trainer should be keeping tabs on how you’re doing on the path to meeting those goals.
Finally, a trainer must be willing to adapt based on how your body handles a workout. A trainer that pushes you when you’re dealing with intense pain may not be a trainer you want to have. Trainers need to alter the exercise as necessary to protect your longterm health.
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