FAQs

How did you become a personal trainer?
 
I was working a mind numbing desk job and was not happy.  I couldn’t wait for my after work workout because I had been sitting there like a blob all day.  I was beginning to get bored, which from my Eating disorder past, i knew was not good for me. So I made the decision that I needed to make a career move; something that wouldn’t just keep me interested for a time, I wanted something i could do for the rest of my life.  The only criteria was that I had to do something I LOVED and that I need to help people. So it hit me like a medice ball: personal training.
 
So I researched it online, on company time of course, to figure out how to proceed. School was out of the question because I didn’t have the money or the time.  I found that the ACE (American Council on Exercise) offers an at home course, with a few practical skills classes. You don’t actually need to go to the classes, but I wanted to do the best job I could do so I went to a few at a near by community college.  So I bought the text book, study guide, and practice test and went to work.  i studied in my spare time for about 8 monthes. If you have more time to devote, it wouldn’t take nearly as long.  I took the test at another near by community college and got my results back instantly. I passed, got my certification and found my job.  It was the best decision i have ever made.
 
What’s your workout schedule like?
 
I get some form of exercise everyday.  I usually go to the gym in the evenings 3-4 days a week (I’ve never been able to work out in the morning, I don’t feel like I can give it my all if I just woke up) and do a combination of cardio, strength training and flexibilty.  On days I can’t make it to the gym, or just feel like something different I will woprk out at home. I either go for a run, take my pooch for a long walk, run stairs at the middle school across the street, and do strength training at home with a stability ball, dumbbells and my own body weight. My gym workouts last around an hour and a half start to finish and my ones at home are pretty all over the place. if i don’t have anything to do I can do strength work in front of the TV all night long. If I’m rushed I try to get in atleast 30 minutes.  I guess you could say I don’t really have a schedule: I just do whatever I feel like doing. It keeps it interesting and that way its fun for me.  I also wear a pedometer almost every waking moment so that even if I dont get a proper workout in, I alteast make sure I am moving enough through my everyday activities. I aim for about 12,000 steps which is considered “active.” Its not necessary but i kind of like seeing where I am at throughout the day.
 
I want to start working out and lose weight. Where do I begin?
 
This is a loaded question.  A lot of factors come into play here: medical history, injuries, goals, fitness level, body composition, time commitment, etc. so the answer is different for everyone.  Hiring a trainer is a great way to sit down with someone, discuss all of these things, and formulate a plan together.  However, there are some general guidelines.  Adults should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise most days of the week for health improvements, 1 hour for weightloss, and 1 1/2 hours to maintain a significant weightloss (30lbs or more.)  Strength training should be done a minimum of 2-3 days a week, with no more than 2 days rest between workouts.  For a plan tailor made for your needs, see your doctor amd/or a trainer.
 
So how do I pick a trainer?

I might just be biased because I am one, but I feel private trainers are the best. Here is the company I work for and they are pretty much all over the US. Box gym trainers are more concerned with membership sales and pushing supplements; not about your results.  Private trainers, like me, do not get paid on commission and don’t have to sell anything; managment takes care of that. So our only responsibility when it comes to you, is training. They are more expensive, but the results are incomparable.
So either way you choose, make sure they are certified.  There are no laws regulating the fitness industry, so any whack-job can say they are a personal trainer.  A few certifiactions to look for: ACE, ASCM, ASSA, AFAA, NCSA.  A trainer should never agree to train you without seeing you first, and the consultation should always be free. This is a meeting to see if you are right for eachother. A huge part of wether or not you acheive your goals is how your client/trainer relationship is. I personally need someone to kick my ass. Other people need that sensitive, empathetic type.  As a trainer, i kow there is a fine line of when to push and when not to, and a good trainer should be able to read that after a few meetings.  You need someone you trust and get along with, but also someone that can motivate you and hold you accountable. You shouldn’t want to let them down so you always try your hardest and always SHOW UP (its really annoying when people no-call, no-show.)  You need a trainer will push you and not fall into that “friend” role. You have enough friends, make the most out of your sessions. They should also be almost annoyingly concerned about any injuries you have. If a trainer knows you have a bum knee, makes you do squats, and never asks you if you are having any discomfort or pain, they are probably not as knowledgable as they should be. Just some flags to watch out for. The most important thing is that they train in a style you like best. You might not even like them, but if they push you hard, safely, then its probably a good fit.