Personality matters.

Do you like them?  If you don’t like them, who cares what they know.  You have to spend two to five hours with them a week. Why hang out with someone you don’t care for?

Credentials are important.

What are their credentials? So, if you do like them, ask them who they are certified through. Here are some very popular credentialing bodies:

• NASM
• ACE
• ACSM
• NSCA
• ISSA

Some trainers have a degree in exercise science. This is fabulous. A couple of popular ones include kinesiology and exercise physiology. There are even degrees in sports psychology and physical education. Trainers should also stay abreast of the latest research and developments in the field.

What is his/her specialty?

• Weight loss
• Sports
• Body building
• Martial arts
• Yoga
• Geriatric
• Pre/postnatal
• Post rehab

How does this trainer design programs?

• Use of postural assessments?
• VO2 max assessment
• Are vitals checked?
• Are before and after pictures taken?
• Are circumference measurements and body comp assessed?

Watch the trainer interact with his/her clients

• See if you like what you see. Does (s)he talk a lot?
• Is (s)he in tune with the client’s form?
• Is (s)he on the cell phone while the client is working out?
• How is his/her nonverbal body language?
• Does (s)he possess emotional intelligence about his/her client?

Speak to reference(s)

• Call a current client.
• Ask the client what his/her goals were and what this trainer did for them.
• Is (s)he ever tardy for sessions/reschedule too much?

The hiring

• Do a consultation with the trainer before committing to a relationship.
• Determine a weekly plan of action with the trainer included.
• Have the trainer run through an appropriate cardiovascular workout with you to do you on your own.
• Assess your progress through specific and measurable goals.

What to avoid

1.  Trainers who give you improper exercises

• How do you know? The exercises should not cause you to be in pain.

2. Trainers who are unprofessional

• Shows up late/cancel frequently.
• Doesn’t take continuing education workshops.
• Look around at other people during the session.
• Talks about other people during the session.
• Comes into the session hungover.
• Doesn’t live the lifestyle of a trainer.
• Doesn’t listen to your personal goals.
• Isn’t attentive to your form throughout the session.
• Demonstrates inappropriate behavior, such as touching in personal places, or makes inappropriate comments.

3. Training with someone who doesn’t align with your personal goals

Want even more advice on personal trainers? Click the following links for finding the right trainer; building a successful relationship with your trainer; and when to call it quits with your trainer.

IDEA FitnessConnect, which is great for both fitness professionals and consumers, can definitely help make the process of finding a certified trainer, instructor or reputable health club or class more bearable and less time-consuming. Furthermore, it is the fitness industry’s only fitness professional directory that verifies certifications so you can be assured that your trainer or gym is on the up and up.

Since its launch in 2010, the number of fitness professionals who claim to be certified — but who actually are not — has decreased to 36%, which represents a 20% improvement, according to a recent survey conducted by IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

“It is very gratifying to know that we have made such a big change for the fitness industry in such a short time,” said Peter Davis, CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, in a release. “We have not only accomplished the change we envisioned, but this is great news for the safety of fitness consumers everywhere.”

In addition to increasing fitness certification transparency, IDEA FitnessConnect has doubled the number of fitness professionals listed to more than 250,000. It has also increased its certification-verifying partners to more than 150, making it the single-most complete and comprehensive directory for health and fitness professionals in the United States.

IDEA Health & Fitness Association plans to expand IDEA FitnessConnect to include other wellness professionals, such as dietitians, sports performance coaches, massage therapists and more. Awesome!

Need some personal trainer advice? Read our articles on choosing the right personal trainer and building a (professional!) relationship with your trainer.

Ending a relationship with your personal trainer can be tough. Whether it’s financial reasons or personal differences, sometimes you need to walk away. With the help of experienced fitness professionals — fitness professional and freelance writer Linda Melone (LindaMelone.com), Dwayne Davis (Fitnesstogether.com/morristown) and ACE-certified personal trainer Rachel Strang (Fitness Freedom LLC) — we help you figure out when to say goodbye to your personal trainer. This is part three of a three-part series.

You’re not that into it

Strang suggests asking yourself the following questions:
1. Are you diligent about doing workouts — with or without the trainer?
2. Do you have definite and defined goals and expectations?
3. Are you excited to learn and try new workouts?
4. Do you stay in contact with your trainer and realize that accountability is key?
5. Do you give feedback after workouts and ideas for future workouts?

If you said no to more than two of these questions, you may want to rethink your relationship with your personal trainer.

“I have had cases where a client seemed like a great fit. We were able to carry a conversation, had a great level of communication, however, they just didn’t want to continue whether financially or (they were) just not ready to start the training,” Davis explains. “There have been other cases where at the initial stage it seemed like a very tough fit. Not on the same page from a conversation standpoint, more about questioning of exercises first before trying them, but when it came time to end a personal training package they would renew.”

The trainer does not act professional
The professional manner in which a trainer conducts themselves is very important. If either party cannot maintain a professional relationship, it’s best to seek another trainer.

“I’m aware the title is ‘personal’ trainer, however, personal in this context should mean to professionally conduct a personalized detailed program to obtain the clients particular fitness goal. Not to be a boyfriend/girlfriend or some other personal provider outside of fitness,” Davis explains. “This doesn’t mean you have to look for a zombie trainer, rather than a trainer who [has personality]; just keep it professional. You can even be friends, but when it’s training time that should be the complete focus.”

Your financial situation changes
If you can’t keep up with payments, it’s time to call it quits. “Unexpected expenses, loss of a job or any other number of financial situations could end a wonderful relationship abruptly,” Melone says. “Barring finances, a good rapport, willingness to listen—on both the part of the trainer and the client—makes it easiest for both parties to be happy with the outcome. [I've had clients work with me for over five years.]”

There are cheaper ways to get in some focused attention: Ask your trainer if you can bring a few friends for a small group training session. Many trainers will work out a group price with you to help lessen costs.

Go cyber: g, usually available at a fraction of the cost of a regular personal trainer, is gaining popularity. InSHAPE Fitness offers 30-minute blast sessions via Skype. Keep in mind that, according to ACE Fitness, despite the obvious benefits of online training, it is most effective as a supplement to working one-on-one with a qualified trainer. Due to the complexity of many strength-training and conditioning programs, novice exercisers should begin with a hands-on trainer. Read how to choose a reputable online trainer here.

“Typically, if a client has a realistic view of what to expect from training, is willing to work hard, and can afford the service, this would equate to a long-term client,” Davis says.

After a thorough search, you found a personal trainer that is the perfect fit for you and your fitness goals. Now, how do you keep a healthy, productive relationship to ensure you are both making the most out of your time together (and maximizing the money you spent)? With the help of experienced fitness professionals — fitness professional and freelance writer Linda Melone (LindaMelone.com), Dwayne Davis (Fitnesstogether.com/morristown) and ACE-certified personal trainer Rachel Strang (Fitness Freedom LLC) — HellaWella provides you with the tools for keeping the personal trainer you worked so hard to find. This is part two of a three-part series.

Work hard
“The perfect client is one who is willing to work hard,” Davis explains.

This doesn’t mean you have to be the fittest client, just one who is willing to push it to the best of your ability. You paid for results — go get them!

Melone agrees. The best client works hard and is willing to do the work. “It always amazes me how people will pay good money for a trainer and then fight them on every point,” she says. “If you have limitations on what you will or won’t do, be clear up front. I once had a client tell me his nightly martini nightcap was non-negotiable, for example [which was fine, by the way].”

Communicate
Keep the lines of communication open and have specific goals. Strang says those who are honest with both themselves and their trainers and speak their minds regarding expectations and feelings are the best clients to work with.

“A client [should] communicate whether something is hurting them and even mention what discomfort they may be experiencing during certain exercises,” Davis says. “This is the perfect way to either stop or modify an exercise to ensure their safety.”

Love it
You have a fitness expert available to you at least once a week — get motivated! Enjoy the sweaty workout, eat healthily and do your homework on off days. Strang says she loves when her clients enjoy their workout and “love the feeling of a higher intensity, a higher heart rate and reaching a greater level of fatigue, and get excited when they are pushed to a new level.”

“Usually weight training is conducted with the trainer and homework would include cardiovascular training, plus following a healthy diet plan, Davis explains. “A [good] client helps make the trainer look even better by adhering to the proper cardiovascular, plus healthy, guidelines. Why? Because adhering to all of these fitness variables will create outstanding results!”

8 rules of etiquette (that should be) between a personal trainer and client

1. Respect. “Remember that, no matter how well you get along, it’s still a business arrangement,” Melone says. “Respect the trainer’s cancellation policy. Trainers can also be flexible on the policy if it’s a person who doesn’t make a habit of canceling late.”
2. Punctuality. Show up on time (for both) and be ready to work.
3. Cut out the booze. If you have an early morning appointment, avoid drinking too much the night prior or cancel if you’re hungover.
4. Keep it professional. Act and dress appropriately. If either party cannot maintain a professional relationship, it’s best to seek another trainer.
5. Show good form. Always demonstrate the proper way to perform each exercise.
6. Stay positive!
7. Stay motivated/keep the client motivated.
8. Avoid texting/talking/checking cell phones during the workout. [Wait, people actually do this?]

Stay tuned for Part III next week: When to say goodbye

According to the 2012 American College of Sports Medicine’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends, The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that in 2008 there were approximately 261,100 employed fitness trainers and projects that by 2018, that number will increase to 337,900 (a difference of 76,800 workers, a 29% increase in the work force in just 10 years. Wowee!).

There are more fitness educator programs available in colleges, which mean a more competitive industry for fitness professionals. For us consumers, this can lead to more quality trainers at lower prices (fingers crossed!). The problem is how do you find the right one?

Choosing the right client/personal trainer relationship is like dating; if the chemistry is not right, there is no future. With the help of experienced fitness professionals—Linda Melone, CSCS, fitness professional and freelance writer (LindaMelone.com) and Dwayne Davis, BS, ACSM-HFS, CSCS (Fitnesstogether.com/morristown) and Rachel Strang, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, BS Health Promotion and Athletic Training, BGSU (Fitness Freedom LLC)—HellaWella provides you with some guidelines for finding (and maintaining!) the best trainer for your fitness needs. This is part one of a three-part series.

The search
How should you go about searching for a personal trainer? Melone recommends searching sites like ACEFitness.org, ACSM.org and NSCA-lift.org for qualified trainers who match your needs. You can even ask your local gym — many have personal trainers available in-house.

“If you’re into a particular activity, look for a trainer who’s into the same sports/activities as you, Melone says. “For example, if you enjoy running, find a running trainer. Keep in mind, however, that if the trainer is qualified they do not necessarily have to practice the same sport. For example, I was not into golf, tennis, running and all the other sports my clients practiced, yet I knew enough about the mechanics to help them improve.”

So now you’ve got a list of trainers, how do you whittle down your list? Davis says that when considering hiring a personal trainer, take the following variables into account for the right experience:

Education: “With more education comes a greater likelihood that your training will be carried out both safely yet efficiently. It’s very important to look into the type of education trainers in your particular area possess.  This should include either a degree in the field of exercise science/kinesiology, nationally credited certification, or both. Not to be confused with experience, but it’s important to note that if your trainer of interest is new to the personal training field, the level of education is of even greater value when making this decision.”

Experience: “If a trainer of interest has been working with clients for a long time (10 years+), there is an increased chance he or she will know how to address your fitness needs. A trainer’s personal experience with training or athletics is very important to consider as well. Knowing that your trainer has been in your shoes will help you push harder, plus he or she will also have the empathy for you during a training session to know when to push through or when to back down.”

Personality: “If you can’t get along with your trainer, no matter how good they claim to be, it will not work!” Like any relationship, communication is a must. If you can’t get along and there is not enough information exchanged,  you will not be working at your optimal level, Davis says. This will increase the chance of injury and decrease the intensity of your workout, which only hurts you, the client!

Reputation: “There are many kinds of persona’s that affect reputation from loud to quiet or clown to [even] weird,” Davis explains. “What’s really important to note is whether they have the rep of being effective. What I would like to hear when asking about trainer X is: ‘He or she is good, very attentive, got good results, and never hurt me.’ This would mean you’re on the right track.”

Davis says that the trainer’s style is usually what creates a reputation. Keep in mind what type of style suits you. For example, you have the common “drill sergeant” type who is very loud, in your face and aggressively pushes you to go beyond. On the other side of the spectrum, you have the “quiet-yet-detailed” trainer who is more of a coddler, which is very effective if properly matched with the right client.

Another way to find out if a trainer is for you: “Ask for a freebie, ” says Strang. “Most trainers should offer a free consultation/first session to potential new clients. It allows you time to get to know the trainer and let them know your expectations and the trainer to interview you to see if it will be a good fit.”

During the free session, Strang says, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself: Can I spend several hours a week with this trainer?

Also, look around and make sure their rates are clearly stated!

Stay tuned for Part II next week: Maintaining the personal trainer/client relationship

If you’re concerned that you’ll give in to that third piece of pumpkin pie or forego your daily workout for a spot on the couch this Thanksgiving, help is just a (free) phone call away.

Town Sports International, owner and operator of New York Sports Club, (as well as Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia Sports Cubs), is launching a toll-free service to help you over come these urges and keep you on the right track.

This “Don’t Be a Butterball” hotline will be manned by certified personal trainers dedicated to helping consumers battle the holiday bulge, one workout at a time starting at 3 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be fully staffed through Friday, Nov. 25, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Call the experts at 1-855-I-Am-Full or email DontBeAButterball@town-sports.com and get tips on how to prepare for, and recover from, your Thanksgiving meal. You will also get a free one-week pass to help get a jump start their holiday fitness routine.

“We launched the ‘Don’t Be a Butterball’’ hotline as a public service to offer support during moments of overindulgence,” said Raed Jarrar, a fitness director at the New York Sports Clubs, in a press release. “By offering expert fitness advice and a free pass to our facilities, we hope to alleviate some of the additional stress that surfaces around the holidays.”

Tell us: How do you ward off the urge to overindulge during the holidays?