Picking The Right Personal Trainer Takes Work

“Whether it’s researching credentials or visiting gyms to find someone who will best meet a person’s goals, there’s an investment of time that’s needed before a person can get down to pumping iron or hitting the treadmill. Ben O’Donnell, a certified personal trainer with Brick Bodies in Perry Hall, said it’s critical to put in the effort to make sure a qualified trainer is found. He noted that with hundreds of Web sites offering personal trainer preparation courses – including some that can be completed in two days – it’s possible for someone with no fitness expertise to pass himself off as a trained professional. O’Donnell recommended looking for trainers who have undergone rigorous preparation through an accredited program. Potential clients should ask trainers where they were certified, O’Donnell said, and then check the Web site of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association to see if their certification program is recognized as a professionally accredited one. The site, www.ihrsa.org, lists programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. ‘Most of these programs involve at least six months of bookwork, a proctored test and a live test with a practical exam,’ said O’Donnell, noting that legitimate programs also require trainers to be certified in first aid and CPR. Once a person knows that potential trainers are qualified, O’Donnell said the next step is to talk with them about their approach to exercise and coaching.”

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