Professional trainer can help with fitness goals

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Personnal Trainer Demie Scott April 30 2010 in Crystal Lake. (Dave Shields/For Sun-Times Media)

Updated: March 23, 2012 8:06AM

Almost three months into 2012, are you still dedicated to exercise — or have you found new excuses to quit? What about those of you who are noticing positive changes but may need some assistance to take your fitness goals to the next level?

This might be a good time to consider hiring a personal trainer. Mmmm ­— how to start?

Key credentials

As I mentioned in a previous column, a trainer can provide the knowledge base, accountability and motivation necessary to accomplish your goal in a safe and efficient manner.

However, as in all professions, there are some traits — both objective and subjective ­— you should be aware of when selecting that person.

Regardless, if you work out at home or in a gym, you want to be sure a trainer is:

Educated: A trainer should be certified with one or more of the top organizations in the industry ­— NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is a preference for many.

Experienced: A trainer should have background developing a program complete with progression and modifications pertinent to your specific needs, such as sports conditioning, low-back issues, etc.

Professional: A trainer should be appropriately dressed, neat and well-groomed (they are working, not working out). Punctuality and preparedness (written program in hand) are a must.

When training at home, it is not necessary to have an elaborate gym.

A personal trainer will generally provide whatever tools are needed to follow their program design.

After all, the most difficult workout can involve moving your own body weight through space; a push-up is a good example.

Gym restrictions

Are you a member of a gym? They probably have a personal training staff that can accommodate your schedule at that location.

Unfortunately, trainers outside of that gym are not allowed to train members at a gym — something all trainers are aware of.

There are several reasons for this, including liability. If the trainer does not work there, they cannot train there.

Sometimes a trainer will suggest that they accompany you to a gym where you can “work out together” in order to bypass the rules.

While clients and members are not aware of the lack of integrity demonstrated by this behavior, every trainer knows better. After all, even a physician has to have rights and privileges at a hospital in order to treat patients there.

Generally, trainers will exercise at the gym where they are employed so they can set a visible example for members and show support for that club.

Personal trainers are professionals who take pride in their ability to help people achieve their fitness goals.

They create an alliance with a gym based on philosophy and opportunity. A trainer who will accompany a client to a gym where they are not employed violates a non-compete understanding within the training culture.

At-home trainers

So if you have a favorite trainer who cannot train you at your favorite gym, ask them to come to your home.

There are also independent studios where you can rent space by the session. These options will help to maintain the ethics, safety and ability of trainers to earn a living.

Remember my motto: “What would Demie say?”

Well, this time, it would be: “Train with integrity.”

Next time: “Company or Crowd?”

Demie Scott is a certified personal trainer and owner of FrisScott and Associates Inc. and occasional columnist for The Courier-News. Do you have a health and fitness question or topic you would like considered for future columns? Email Scott through the contact us page on her website, www.makingfitnessconvenient.com. Check with your physician before starting an exercise program.