Tips for finding the right personal trainer

If getting into better shape is high on your priority list for this year, joining a gym may be a smart move. While it is completely possible to get a great workout without ever stepping foot inside one, gyms offer a wider variety of workout options. Another benefit that gyms offer is one that you may need more than anything else: Help.

Personal trainers can provide a great deal of assistance when it comes to helping you reach your fitness goals. Armed with knowledge that you probably don't posses, good personal trainers will lead you through appropriate and effective workout sessions, ultimately bringing you to the point where you able to continue training all on your own. But, just as there are good and bad versions of workers in just about any profession, there are some fantastic trainers and there are some, shall we say, not-so-fantastic trainers.

Here are a few tips that can help you make a more informed decision when deciding whether or not to hire a particular trainer:

Check references. Talk to people who have worked with this particular trainer. Ask them about their experiences and level of satisfaction.

What's his/her training style? For example, are you looking for a drill sergeant? Someone to yell and scream at you in the middle of a crowded gym? If not, make sure your trainer's style is far less in-your-face. Also, if you're not looking for a paid gym buddy (follow the link and search for the "A Bit Too Personal Trainer"), be sure to find a trainer who clearly will be all business.

Check qualifications. Someone with at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a similar field would be ideal, but this shouldn't be a deal-breaker if they don't. However, they should be certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as ACE or ACSM.