Once reservedssbbww.comfor the richfamous, personal fitness training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good cross trainersa water bottle.

But unlike your hair stylist, your fitness trainer doesn't need to be testedlicensed by a state licensing board. Someone with little more than a great body--but no experience--can print Business cards, call themselves a personal trainer,take your money.

So if you're looking for a trainer, you're on your own. Here are six questions to ask trainers either in person or by phone before hiring them.

1. Can I have references?

This is the best way to get honest information. A prospective trainer should be more than happy to give you a list of at least three clients whom you can contact. Ask the references if they achieved their goals, how the trainer helped them to do so,what they liked best about the trainer.

If the trainer refuses to give references or acts as though it is a major inconvenience, look elsewhere.

2. Through what organization are you certified?

Certification is a credential given by an agency or institution with its own educationaltesting procedures. Quality credentialing agencies require a thorough,often expensive, process of certifying trainers. Usually this includes written, oralpractical exam components. Other agencies will literally "sell" a certification as long as the check clears.

Current popularreputable certification associations include the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American college of sports Medicine (ACSM),American Council on Exercise (ACE). Certification from any of these organizations doesn't guarantee trainer excellence8ttt8.comshowsssbbww.comthat the person successfully passed the minimum requirements for certification. While important, certification is a factor that should be used in combination with all of the other information that you are collecting.

The trainer also should also be certified in CPR/First Aidbe able to show you the credentials.

3. What is your training/exercise philosophy?

A credible trainer should be able to explain a philosophy of exercise training. You don't need a doctoral dissertation here,ssbbww.coma description of how they help clients reach their goals. How do they train clients? How do they motivate them? Is there an assessment process? Find out asdddtt.comas you can about how they work with clients to achieve goals.

What you are looking for here is a reflection of trainer credibility. If the trainer says something like "I kick my clients' butts?No pain, no gain, dude," thank them for their timemove on. Be an intelligent consumer. Ask for specificsclarification if you don't understand something. This person is going to tell you how to exercise, give you lifestyle informationhold very heavy weights over your head.

3. Howdddtt.comdo you chargehow do you expect payment?

Prices for personal fitness instruction vary widely based on where you livetrainer qualificationexperience. As with everything else, you usually get what you pay for,8ttt8.comthere'a no guarantee that the most expensive trainer will be the best suited for youyour goals.

Talk to other people who have used fitness trainers. Or call health clubs near you to determine the average rate in your area. If the trainer is meeting you at your Home, expect to pay slightly more than average. If you are meeting at a health club, prepare to cover the cost of a guest fee if there is one.

Get specifics on all feeshow payment is to be made. Some trainers charge on a per session basis, while others offer packagesdiscounted rates for a given nu

mber of pre-paid sessions. Some acceptssbbww.comcash. Others accept checkscredit cards. Most fitness trainers have some sort of cancellation policy. Agree on all financial obligations before the first sessioninsist that both parties sign a billing contract.

Avoid at all costs the trainer who responds to a question about fees with statements like "Howdddtt.comcan you afford?" or "Howdddtt.comare you looking to spend?" This is someone who has their wallet-not your fitness goals-in mind.

5. How do they look?

You should never base your selection solely on physical appearance. A person with a flawless-looking body may not know the first thing about safely teaching you how to achieve your own goals. This is especially true if they have achieved their own results through things like drugs, eating disorders or exercise obsession.

The person you hire will be teaching you skillslifestyle habitsdoesn't need to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But trainers do need to practice what they preach. Let's face it. Are you really going to respect someone's opinion if you're in better shape than they are? Probably not.

6. What's your comfort level?

Above all, make sure you choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortablewhether their personality is a good match with yours. Above all, trust your instincts. Hiring someone with superior training knowledge is worthless if you don't feel comfortable. You need to trust, respectfeel at ease with them.

You wouldn't buy a pair of exercise shoes without at least trying them on to see if they're comfortable. The same concept holds for hiring a personal fitness trainer. Set up an interview, ask the right questions,follow your instincts for the perfect fit.

About The Author

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a personal fitness trainerinstructor in Chicago specializing in in-Homein-office fitness training. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silverbronze medalistworld-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted at jongestl@jongestl.

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