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   Question    posted to Personal Trainers on 01/29/10 08:08 PM, Ossining, NY 10562
What questions should I ask a personal trainer that I am considering working with?  Do they all require licenses, is there one basic workout that they should offer, and other questions I do not know.  Thanks
Specialist Answer 1 of 2
   Answered By     Breath Centered Fitness, 01/30/10 04:41 PM

While athletic trainers are licensed in New York, personal trainers are not.  Athletic trainers must have an academic background (college degree) in athletic training or a closely related field.  Personal trainers may have a college degree in physical education, recreation, dance, physical therapy, or something else related to exercise, but it is not a requirement.  Some personal trainers are simply people who have gotten benefits from an exercise program and were so excited about it that they decided to become a trainer for others.  Most health clubs require their personal trainers to have a certification from one of several certifying programs, such as ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM, or others.  All of these have a written test that one must past and most also have a hands-on test or evaluation.  The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) certification is considered the gold standard of personal trainer certifications, but others are very good and have advanced certifications for people specializing in areas of rehab, sports conditioning, etc. 

Some people, myself included, have a college degree plus specialized training to teach specific formats that are suited to teaching individual clients without certification from these independent certifying agencies.  There are other organizations, such as Yoga Alliance and Pilates Method Alliance, that have higher requirements for registration and entry into the field than personal trainer certification.  For example, besides my college degree in therapeutic recreation, I am also a yoga teacher with over 500 hours of teacher training, a licensed massage therapist, and a Pilates mat instructor working toward a full certification in that field.

The workout offered usually depends on the individual's goals and the equipment available in the chosen location.  In a health club, the trainer will often have better access to a wide variety of cardio and weight equipment.  If you prefer to have a trainer come to your home, it's more likely equipment will be lightweight and portable but you will still get a great workout.  At a yoga, martial arts or Pilates studio, you'll work out on traditional equipment for those practices.  Anywhere you do a private session with an instructor, don't be afraid to ask about the person's background, years of experience both in personal exercise and in teaching, and any certifications they have. 

There isn't really a one-size-fits-all workout.  Your trainer should take into account your age, current level of fitness, health conditions, personal goals, and types of workouts that interest you.  If weights and stair machines just bore you to tears, you won't stay with your workout.  If jogging outdoors, ballet movements, gymnastics, or rock climbing are more interesting to you, you'll need to find a trainer who can incorporate these methods (or something similar) into your routine. 

There are some very intelligent and clever personal trainers in the world and you may need to sort through several to find the right one.  Don't be afraid to change because your personalities don't mesh well.  Your trainer should help you see where you're making progress and inspire you to stay the course.

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Specialist Answer 2 of 2
   Answered By     Functionally Fit,Inc, 01/31/10 03:40 PM
Functionally Fit,Inc

Cortland, NY 10547
914-393-8611
Email Company
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Hello. My name is Holly Smith. I am a certified Personal Fitness Trainer. In answer to your questions regarding qualifications of a trainer:

- Look for a trainer who is certified. Although it is not a state rqirement, it does show a higher level of commitment & understanding. Most certification organizations require continuing education units to maintain education in techniques and topics pertinent in the industry.

- Ask the trainer what their work experience has been. For ex; if the trainer specializes in aerobics and your goal is to work with resistance & weights to tone, that won't be a good fit. The trainer should be able to train you with the goals that you have in mind.

- Ask the trainer if they train in functionallity. It is important to have the ability to balance, be flexible and have energy to get through a average day. Sports specific training for golf and skiing are different but they both require functional training.

-Finally ask the trainer what they do for exercise themselves you want a trainer who walks the walk  and not just talking the talk. In other words does your trainer look the part .

My business is Functionally Fit,Inc located in Cortlandt, NY. We are a mobile service who comes right to your home with equipment ready to train. We offer sessions by the hour, half hour, and packages. Please go to: www.functionallyfitforlife.com

Our contact #914.393-8611 We look forward to answering any further questions or concerns which you may have.

With Health,             

Holly Smith                                                                                                                             

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