Happy New Year from Florida Sports Docs!!
It’s that time of year where we make commitments, New Year’s resolutions to create positive changes in our lives.
One big, common resolution is improving your health by starting a fitness program.
Here’s a great inspirational quote to get things started…
“A great attitude becomes a great mood, which becomes a great day, which becomes a great year, which becomes a great life.”
Ziglar
If your New Year’s resolution is making the commitment to get in better shape, in my book this is always a great idea. But, as great ideas go, for them to become a reality there needs to be a plan of action with it. Most people when they start exercising have good intentions, desire and motivation. Their challenge then becomes how to sustain this enthusiasm and stick with it for the long term.
If your commitment to this journey to become healthier is lacking in the planning department what happens more times than not people tend to over do it, quickly become bored, get too sore, or get injured. If you are a person who has not exercised in a very long time, or maybe never, coming up with a plan on your own can be an impossible task. What I definitely don’t recommend is using strategies like watching what others are doing, using a magazine or you-tube to develop a workout program. This type of strategy is a good way to get hurt, lead to frustration and ultimately failure. These are just a few reasons why it’s imperative to hire a professional to help you establish goals and design a short and long term exercise plan.
Why You Need A Professional Personal Trainer
When hiring a Personal Trainer, I strongly encourage people to look for a “Nationally Recognized Personal Trainer.” Yes using this strategy to get started will cost money, but the investment in you is well worth it. The long term benefits of this approach well outweigh the cost…injuries are very costly!!
I tell all my clients, all the time, that if you’re going to do it, do it right! But, I want to caution you not to use just any Personal Trainer!
Hiring a personal trainer is like hiring any other professional, there are good ones and bad ones. What you will find is most of the Gyms/Health Clubs are full of trainers but, a great many of them are not the most qualified. What I want you to consider when you go to the local Gym/Club is that these places are corporate businesses and are set up to maximize profits, not necessarily providing qualified trainers. So, when you’re new to this process hiring a qualified person can a very confusing process. Most people are not well informed that there are dozens of personal training certifications out there. This lack of information can easily land you a less than qualified trainer. Unfortunately it’s really easy for anybody to go on the internet, take a test and boom; they’re a certified personal trainer.
With my 20+ years of professional experience I decided to make my New Year’s Resolution to post an article on valuable information and tips on hiring a qualified Personal Trainer. This information provides industry insight on what you should look for in a trainer and best questions to ask.
Here is where I suggest you start:
- Ask what their educational background is?
I believe it’s very important to have someone with an exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine or a human biomechanical degree. Personal Trainers with these degrees will have had important classes in anatomy and physiology and injury prevention.
- Do they have a nationally recognized Personal Training Certification?
The answer to this will always be yes…. So, here are the only nationally recognized certifications; National Athletic Training Association (ATC), National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). They have two certifications, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). These certifications require high levels of education and experience.
There are many others certifications: NASM, ACE, ISSA
These are not my favorite. People take these certifications because they are easy to get and require little experience and education. I’m not saying that you can’t find well qualified trainers with these certifications! But, your chances are greatly reduced. Just be cautious!!
- Ask if they do a physical movement screen?
Two types of movement screens:
- FMS (Functional Movement Screen)
- SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
This is a must! If they do not perform either of these screens, may be a big red flag!
Having a physical movement evaluation provides the trainer valuable programming information. These evaluations provide insight into your movement patterns, point out any dysfunctional movement patterns and if you are susceptible to injury. From the assessment information the trainer can properly personalize your workouts by structuring your short and long term goals and exercise program around these findings
- Discuss your goals and expectations with the trainer. This conversation will give you time with and insight to your trainers’ motivation and personality. Personality matters!! If you’re going to spend your hard earned money, several hours of your time and enjoy the workouts, make sure personalities are a good fit.
- Ask for references. Do not be shy. Some people seem like they are well intended and looking out for your best interest but, never judge a book by its cover. Call some of the people they have worked with in the past, as well as, the present. Like I said earlier, it’s your time and money!
These tips should help you accomplish a good starting point for your healthy journey. Feel free to print this and use our tips to help you get the right professional for you. If you have further questions on this subject, please let us know on Facebook!