Choosing a Personal Trainer

So you've taken the plunge and decided to hire a Personal Trainer to guide you to reaching your fitness goal...

This is a great step to take and will likely increase your retention in an exercise program.  However, there are things you should know about your trainer before you choose the one that will work for you the best.

First and foremost, the trainer should be nationally certified through an accredited organization.  There are MANY names out there that will pop up when typing "personal trainer" in your Internet search, but not all of these may provide the best qualified professionals to suit your needs.  Three organizations have set the standard for providing adequate instructional material, training, and programs to develop health and fitness professionals.  If your trainer carries a current certification through any one of these organizations, they are well qualified and knowledgeable in the field to provide you a safe and effective fitness program.

 The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 40,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.  Founded in 1954, the ACSM promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.  Members of ACSM work in a wide range of medical specialties, allied health professions, and scientific disciplines, and are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and the advancement of the science of exercise.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit educational association founded in 1978. Evolving from a membership of 76, the association now serves nearly 30,000 members in 52 countries. Drawing upon its vast network of members, the NSCA develops and presents the most advanced information regarding strength training and conditioning practices, injury prevention, and research findings.  The NSCA brings together a diverse group of professionals from the sport science, athletic, allied health, and fitness industries. These individuals are all in pursuit of achieving a common goal—the utilization of proper strength training and conditioning to improve athletic performance and fitness.  Central to its mission, the NSCA provides a bridge between the scientist in the laboratory and the practitioner in the field. By working to find practical applications for new research findings in the strength and conditioning field, the association fosters the development of strength training and conditioning as a discipline and as a profession.

Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials to health and fitness professionals.  In addition to its evidence-based NCCA-accredited Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification, NASM also offers a progressive career track with access to advanced specializations in Sports Performance (PES) and Injury Prevention (CES), Continuing Education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs.  The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today’s health and fitness professionals enhance their careers while empowering their clients to live healthier lives.