Question to Personal Trainers

[gym_mom]

I've been thinking of hiring a personal trainer. Never having done this before, I'd like to make sure my expectations are in line with what personal trainers actually do.

I want a trainer because A) I have some specific fitness goals and am not entirely sure how to reach them, B) I have lower back issues and need to be certain my form is correct when working with weights so that I don't create any problems for myself C) seeing as I'm not really sure what I'm doing, I'm hoping a trainer can help me determine what and how much cardio/strength training I should do AND help make my workouts as effective and efficient as possible.

My thoughts are that I'd like a trainer who is not directly affiliated with a gym because I've never had luck going to a gym on a regular basis. Plus I want him/her to develop workouts that I can do at home, on my own. I figure at first I'll meet with the trainer two/three times a week, but once we both know that I can do the exercises safely I'll taper off to once every two or three weeks. This way we can monitor my progress and tweak my workouts as I move forward.

Am I on track? What do I need to ask/look for in a trainer? Any signs that I should be wary of? Would a trainer be willing to consider my Cathe workouts in developing a routine for me?

Thanks for any information you can share.

 

[fitnessgirl]

You are totally on track. I would ask around, ask friends if they know any "traveling trainers". There are many trainers who will come to your house and give you an at home workout based on your needs, goals and fitness equipment you have at home. Most traveling trainers bring their own equipment.

Try googling "traveling trainers" and enter your state. You can also go to www.nasm.com and you can locate a trainer in your area, just plug in your state and it will show you the trainers in your area.

Hope this helps, good luck ;-)

 

[lisaannjam]

Hi Gym Mom,

Gee, I wish we lived closer, as I'd love to come and train you!

You are completely on track as far as your expectations of a trainer. A personal trainer's job is to assist their clients in achieving their goals by creating a realistic, yet challenging program (created by incorporating fitness that the client enjoys and exposing them to new modes as well), teaching them that program, and then gradually weaning the client so that they can do the program on their own.

I am affiliated with a gym but also "travel" to other gyms and people's homes, as I have my own liability insurance to do that. Most of my clients are referred to me by word of mouth and also from my business cards, which are at the front desk at the gym where I work.

Do you know anyone that currently works with a trainer that they are happy with? This would probably help a great deal.

If not, there are websites where you can search for a personal trainer. I would simply go over what you have written here with them. Additionally, I would ask them about their certifications, years of experience and if they carry their own liability insurance. I would also ask them "who" the majority of clients they train are (such as athletes, stay-at-home Moms...etc.) This will give you a good indication if the particular trainer will be on target with your needs. If they are a well-rounded, experienced trainer, you'll be able to tell by how they answer your questions.

As far as a trainer considering your Cathe workouts...I actually lend my DVDs to my clients when they are ready for advanced workouts and they love them. Any good trainer will take what you love to do and incorporate that into a routine for you. That is critical for any program to be a success!!

You are very on track and I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone to suit your needs!! You have very realistic expectations.

Good luck to you!!! Again, I soooo wished I lived closer!!

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if I can be of help.