How to Find the Right Personal Trainer to Help Meet Your Fitness Goals

Studies show that people who exercise on a regular basis benefit not just from physical fitness, but from a discernible boost in mood and lower rates of depression. That’s because the endorphins released into your blood during physical stress trigger positive feelings.

If that comes as no surprise, you are likely among the millions of Americans who do exercise regularly. But for many who favor a home gym routine, the road to all those happy endorphins isn’t always easy, and the right personal trainer can make all the difference in reaping rewards.

Because anyone with a mat and a good physique can pose as a personal trainer, locate a few to interview via friends or the internet, and take these tips from accredited trainers to help you find the trainer who’s right for you:

• Certification counts. Be sure the trainer is certified by at least one of the major national organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, or the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
• Follow-up on recommendations. Client recommendations can be the best way to find a good fit, and any trainer doing a good job should have a long list of satisfied clients. Follow through and talk to a few past and present clients about their goals, their experience with this particular trainer, and their level of satisfaction.
• Feel comfortable. Nothing can doom a client/trainer relationship like a personality disconnect. Talk for a while. Discuss your goals. Make sure you hit it off. Be sure your trainer listens to you and seems willing to personalize your routine.
• Expect to pay a fair cost. No matter how good the relationship you have, you are paying for a service, and the hourly fee will be commensurate with the value of the service you receive. The National Strength and Conditioning Association’s survey of trainer prices reported average fees of $50 to $100 per hour, depending on region (urban areas are typically more expensive than rural areas) as well as experience and demand.