WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A PERSONAL TRAINER!

Here are three very important things to consider when hiring a personal trainer:

1. Are they nationally certified?

There are so many trainers out there claiming to be experts and are not even certified. This should be the first step for any trainer entering the industry. When a trainer is nationally certified it shows you they have studied hard and have taken some classes/workshops to understand the body and how it works. Certified trainers are normally much more knowledgeable and qualified. But BEWARE! Not all certifications are equal. There is a lot of really weak “certs” out there that you can get online. Here are some of the best and most recognized in the industry that you can feel certain are worthy.

National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.)

American Council on Exercise (ACE)
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Premier Personal Training Solutions (PTS) {New to the United States, form UK Great Cert}

2. Do they have direct experience?

Would you hire a dentist to perform your open heart surgery? They are both doctors right? Of course not! Find out if the trainer you’re looking to hire has experience in working with other clients who have the same goals or conditions as yourself. A rookie trainer is ok if you’re getting a good deal and they are nationally certified but if you really want great results I would highly recommend some experience, direct experience. Start by googling your area for example, personal trainer Lake Mary and then read thier website and look for good testamonials.

3. Try before you buy.

Take the trainer for a test drive. You should be able to try at least one free session to see if you like working with him or her. See if your personalities click. Does the trainer enjoy talking “coffee talk”? There is nothing wrong with a little conversation but if you spend half the session talking you’re just wasting your time. Did you have fun? Are you being challenged? Remember it is their job to push you a little beyond your comfort zone so if you’re not being challenged then move on. Are they good at getting you motivated? I always ask my clients when starting out what their motivation level is on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being ready to conquer the world. Normally it’s moderate to low (3-6) when first starting. It’s my goal to have the client at a 9 or 10 by week 2. It’s great to see that happen, I get excited just thinking about it. Also, are they in good shape? It’s hard to get motivated if your trainer is fat and has no energy. Make sure they practice what they preach.

If you’re getting great results, feel challenged, and are having fun then congratulations you have found a great personal trainer who understands what the personal training experience is all about. Remember to thank them once in a while and the best thank you is always referring them to your friends and family.

There are a ton of personal trainers in Lake Mary so do your home work and test a few out before commiting to one.

Fighting the Fat

Today I am talking about FIGHTING FAT, literally. Boxing and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is becoming main stream in the fitness world. Personal Trainers are now starting boxing classes (me included) and health clubs have classes called “Body Combat”.

Why is this hot right now and do these types of workouts meet the needs of average Americans looking to get into shape? To answer the first question, MMA is more widely accepted and respected today thanks to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). With Spike TV airing regular bouts of highly trained and in shape mixed martial artist for all to see on cable TV. Many of the fitness magazines are putting these world class athletes on the front cover, showing off that 6 pack. Fighting reality shows “The Contender” and “The Ultimate Fighter” have been a huge spring board for these athletes to enter into main stream. ESPN is now covering MMA on Sports Center and on their website. Needless to say, in a few years from now “MMA” will be a widely excepted term or brand, like McDonalds.

The second question was weather or not this type of training is good for the average American looking to get into shape. The answer is an absolute “Maybe”! Yes, I know that absolute maybe is an oxymoron. Here are some things to consider before starting a fighting fitness program or actually taking the fighting discipline itself. For the person looking to lose more than 35 pounds I recommend the fitness fighting but only after you have been cleared by your doctor. If you have a bad back or any major joint problems this may not be the way for you.

If you have less than 35lbs to lose or your just bored with your workouts than YES do it! Now-Go do it! Seriously, this is the best cardio and the most fun you will ever have exercising in your life. You will work harder than every before and while your boxing or throwing leg kicks your adrenaline will be pumping so much you wont even know your exercising until you take a break. Then it hits you and your body lets you know, WOW I’m really out of breath!

Fighting for fitness will work every muscle in your body, especially your core, heart, and lungs. It also improves neurological function, balance and coordination. Not only that but the average person can burn between 350 and 500 calories. I have been training clients using kickboxing as a big part of their program and the days we box are the most exciting and intense. Ask any client and 9 out of 10 will tell you that they love fighting the fat more than any other fitness activity!

When starting a fighting fitness program make sure you are with someone who is qualified to teach you proper technique for punches and leg kicks. Just because someone is a trainer with a name tag doesn’t mean they know how to fight. Watch the trainers and see who is boxing and who seems to be the most knowledgeable. Which clients look like they are doing the best job fighting? You could also join a MMA school. This means a place that teaches Boxing, Kickboxing, MUI THAI, Jujitsu (submission fighting) or the like. This could be a little more intense as far as the seriousness of it. There will be more of a focus on skill but also the conditioning.

Either way I say Fighting the Fat is a sure fire way to give your body the Knock Out Punch it needs to get in great shape!