12 tips for hiring YOUR personal trainer

1. Personal trainers are increasingly more likely to hold a Bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field and/or to be licensed physical therapists or athletic trainers.
2. Not all "certifications" are the same. You should feel free to ask for a trainer's credentials before committing to working with him or her.
3. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, whether at a health club or at home. Inform your physician if you are changing or increasing the amount or intensity of your workouts and if you are interested in adding dietary supplements to your routine.
4. Ask friends and co-workers for recommendations of personal trainers and the reasons why they like a particular club or fitness professional.
5. A quality health club or gym is a great place to find and work with a personal trainer. Talk to fitness directors at your health club to find a qualified trainer that meets your individual fitness needs.
6. Meet with prospective trainers first to find out how they would work with you and what kind of programs they might recommend to achieve your personal goals.
7. Keep in mind that a personal training certification does not qualify a trainer as a nutrition counselor/dietician, physical therapist, or other specialized healthcare provider. A good trainer should not recommend specific supplements, medicines, or curative practices for illnesses, injuries, or health conditions unless they have the appropriate credentials.
8. Trust your instincts. If you don't believe a trainer will motivate you, that person is probably not right for you.
9. Make sure a trainer has the experience necessary to work with you safely and effectively. Just because a trainer is accomplished at helping clients prepare for marathons, they may not be the right person for someone just getting back into a fitness routine.
10. Tell your trainer about your level of experience, current level of activity, fitness goals, and all medical conditions or dietary requirements. Be sure to share all relevant information about your health and physical condition necessary to develop a fitness program that is appropriate for you.
11. If you have existing injuries or a chronic health condition, make sure that your trainer works with your doctor to develop a program that is appropriate, effective, and safe. Your personal trainer should ask you to complete a health history questionnaire to help identify any existing medical conditions.
12. Take your time and research all the potential trainer options thoroughly to maximize the investment you make in both time and money.