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Hi all! Darla again!
Since Laurell has been talking about the personal trainer, Keath from Shark Fitness, who comes and makes us exercise, yes me too! We have been asked about how to find someone who is good at doing this. We got lucky, I will admit that. I saw the ad for Keath and we had him in for an interview and really liked him. We did not want to hop on the latest fitness craze. Those come and go almost as fast as the fad diets which do not work for everyone no matter what the ads tell you. Keath has been perfect for us. A good strong movtivator, knowledgeable about what he does, he varies it so we don’t get bored and he listens to us whine without strangling one of us, at least so far.
I will tell you we are not easy to get going. So it has been a tough job for him. Especially me, I am not giving up chocolate, ever. But I have cut back so he does compromise with me.
Since I couldn’t really answer the question about what someone should look for themselves, I asked Keath what should someone look for when they start a search for their own trainer, especially since most of you do not live in St. Louis and cannot avail yourself of Keath’s most excellent services. So here is what he put together as to what you should look for on your own personal quest. Thanks Keath!
Darla
CHOOSING A FITNESS TRAINER
How do I choose a good fitness trainer? Start by checking their training and experience. The fitness industry is growing rapidly and many are jumping on the bandwagon. Trainers are required to be certified, but there are a number of associations that make getting certified very easy. Insert quarters, turn the dial and write your name on the certificate. Research the associations they are certified from to learn what the process and requirements are. Next, ask yourself if they practice what they preach. What kind of credibility do they have if they eat fast food and look like they haven’t left the couch except change channels? Don’t you want someone who knows about being motivated and disciplined first hand? Watch them exercise if possible. If they don’t use proper form and technique or spend time admiring themselves in the mirror, how can they teach clients to exercise correctly? Lastly, interview the potential trainer. Do you feel comfortable and confident that the trainer has the ability to communicate important ideas and concepts to you?
Keep in mind that the best trainers are normally found outside of the large national chains of gyms. The trainers found there are mostly newly certified and are trying to gain experience or are not successful enough to make it privately. The gym chains are notorious for being high pressure sales jobs that encourage trainers to watch the time spent with clients in order to have more opportunity to sell packages or memberships. Most of those facilities keep 50-60% of the fees that are charged to the client which does not attract accomplished and experienced trainers. They are far more concerned with profits than providing professional, effective services. Professional fitness training requires a trust between both trainer and client. You have every right and reason to be selective. Your health is too important to just trust anyone.