ACE Certified Personal Fitness Trainer covers Schenectady, Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Scotia, Albany, and NY Capital Region area
Why do you need a Personal Fitness Trainer?

Why do you need a Personal Trainer?

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Why do you need a doctor, a car mechanic or a hair dresser?

Answer: You visit a specialist because they have training and experience that you don't have. Personal Trainers certified by a reputable organization have a thorough education including anatomy, kinesiology, flexibility and basic nutrition.

Ask yourself ...

If you answered yes to any of these questions, professional guidance can help you avoid injury, get results and improve your leisure time activities.

What is a Personal Trainer?

A Personal Trainer designs Exercise Programs, educates their clients on healthy lifestyles, enhances motivation and adherence. A Personal Trainer should be educated through a reputable fitness organization (see list below). A Trainer will ask questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, habits and health and assess your current fitness level and goals. You should be prepared for a fitness "check-up" which typically includes blood pressure, heart rate and body fat percentage measurements. In addition a Trainer will evaluate your current fitness level by testing your cardiovascular capacity, flexibility and muscular strength and endurance.

Based on this information, the Personal Trainer will design a program focusing on your personal goals while addressing any physical weaknesses and health risks. The Personal Trainer will educate you, motivate you, and track your progress.

How should you pick a Personal Trainer?

There are several criteria you should consider when selecting a Personal Trainer.

  1. Education: Since there are currently no licensing or education requirements for Personal Trainers anyone can claim to be one. The trainer you choose should be certified through a reputable fitness organization. You should check with that organization to make sure that they have completed required continuing education and that their certification is active. Some of the most reputable certification organizations are:

    If you find a Personal Trainer with a certification not mentioned on this list, then look at the certification company requirements. If the company only requires an open book internet test then you should reconsider choosing that person as your Personal Trainer. Also, do not mistake a Group Exercise certification for a Personal Trainer certification. Many Group Fitness Instructor certifications are very thorough, but cover different topics than a Personal Trainer certification. Some Personal Trainers will also have a Group Fitness Instructor certification.

  2. CPR, First Aid and AED: A Personal Trainer should have an updated certification in CPR, First Aid and AED sponsored by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  3. Personality: Your Personal Trainer is someone that you will be spending several hours with so you should choose a trainer with whom you get along well. Make sure they listen, understand, and remember what you say to them. During all appointments with them, you should be the center of their attention. Choosing a Trainer that has shared similar experiences and has similar interests as you will be helpful.
  4. Experience: Make sure that the trainer has experience with other clients having similar goals as you. Ask for a reference of a client with similar goals that had good results. Some trainers may not give references for confidentiality reasons, but they should at least be able to give you a detailed description of similar clients' goals, setbacks and accomplishments.
  5. Specialties: Make sure your Trainer has education and/or experience with any specialties that you are concerned with such as diabetes, orthopedic issues or fibromyalgia.
  6. Convenience: Choose a trainer that can meet with you at a time and place that is convenient for both of you. Before you start working with a Trainer schedule several sessions in advance to make sure they will accommodate your schedule requirements.

How often do you need to see a Personal Trainer?

The frequency of your visits with a Personal Trainer should depend on your goals and your purpose.

If your main purpose is to learn new exercises and/or routines then the frequency could be anywhere from once a month to 3 or 4 times a month depending on what you need to learn and your previous experience. If your purpose is motivation or to alleviate boredom then you may want to see your Trainer twice or even 3 times a week.

All good Trainers will try to educate and guide their client as to the frequency of their visits. If a Trainer suggests a number of sessions that you don't think you need or can't afford, be sure to let them know your concerns. The frequency is up to you based on your needs and budget.

Conclusion

If you are interested in being more relaxed, healthier, thinner, stronger, or bigger then there is probably a Personal Trainer that can help. The same Personal Trainer isn't right for everyone so check credentials, get to know him or her and find one that is right for you!