Americans have never been as unhealthy as they are today. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 34.9% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Being overweight puts Americans at elevated risk for multiple conditions, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, and coronary disease.
One of the most important weapons in the fight against obesity is exercise. Unfortunately, according to a report from CBS News, a staggering 80% of Americans get nowhere near the recommended 2.5 hours of exercise per week. The problem? There is no one to hold us accountable, no one to push us to hit our weight loss goals.
That’s where personal fitness trainers can help. If you choose a personal trainer who fits your needs, both financial and physical, you can transform and possibly elongate your life. With these three simple tips, you can take the guesswork out of choosing somebody can motivate you and keep you on track.
What to Look for When Choosing a Personal Fitness Trainer
- What Are Their Credentials?
- Consider Personal Training Rates
- Do You Need a Specialist?
For CNN, few things are as important to choosing a great personal trainer as assessing their credentials. More specifically, any trainer you’re considering should be able to show their certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine(NASM). Certification is proof that your trainer has the knowledge you need to transform your body and your life.
Personal training rates, according to WebMD, can range anywhere from $15 to $100 per hour, with the average being right around $50 an hour. Before looking for a trainer, first figure out what you can afford to pay for a sustained relationship with your trainer. Next, ask each trainer you’re considering about their personal training rates up front. This way you can avoid wasting time in full interviews, not to mention a surprisingly huge bill at the end of the month.
Whether you’re looking to get in shape for a competition or you simply want to live a happier, healthier life, you need to find a personal trainer who has the experience and knowledge to help you meet those goals. As the American Council on Exercise details, there are personal trainers working in all sorts of different fields, from prenatal conditioning to martial arts. Finding a specialized trainer is simpler than you might think. Asking your pediatric physician for a recommendation, for example, is an easy way to find a trainer who specializes in fitness for pregnant women.
Do you make a living as a personal trainer? What do you think people should consider before hiring somebody? Let us know in the comments below. Read more like this.