By: Adam Pounds, EIM Owner
While attending the University of Alabama, I had the opportunity to study under the instruction of Dr. Jane Robertson. She was unrelenting in her requirements for her students. Our required reading included text she had written, plus the books “Future Shock”, “The Third Wave”, and “Mega Trends.”
Dr. Robertson insisted that in the future, people were going to live longer and would need our expertise to obtain and maintain a healthy quality of life. She referred to us as fitness consultants; however, today we are better known as personal trainers or fitness specialists.
For the last 10 years, personal training has been in the top 10 Worldwide Fitness Trends.
People are hiring personal trainers for various reasons:
- To make exercise a lifestyle and be held accountable.
- To gain knowledge and understanding about exercise program design.
- Accountability, direction and motivation.
- To get a jump start, or refocus, usually after the kids go back to school, or after the holidays.
- To seek expert advice concerning fitness goal setting, testing and measuring.
- To get out of their exercise rut and change things up a bit.
EIM currently offers 3 levels of personal training. Master Trainers have completed a master’s degree in exercise physiology or a related field and maintain a national training certification. Performance Trainers have a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology or a related field and maintain a national certification. Personal Trainers have at least 3 years experience in the field and also maintain a national certification.
HOW CAN A PERSONAL TRAINER BENEFIT ME?
A personal trainer is a great choice for people to stay on track with their fitness needs. Exercise specialists work with you to help you meet your overall health and fitness goals. They also develop personalized plans to strengthen muscles, tone the body, and enhance cardiovascular health.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PERSONAL TRAINER?
1. Listens to you.
The best personal trainers listen to your specific health needs and find ways to incorporate them into your fitness plan. Trainers monitor your progress, pay attention to your health behaviors, and motivate you to be the most fit, healthy, and successful individual you can be both inside and outside of the gym.
2. Takes a detailed history.
Every experienced trainer knows the importance of your medical and health history. Knowing your current physical condition and medications, trainers create a safe and effective workout program specifically tailored to your needs. Trainers use pre-exercise screening to identify individuals who may be at high risk during physical activity. This information helps your trainer minimize potential risk while exercising and accelerate your results.
3. Experience.
When choosing a personal trainer, their experience and credentials are very important. There are two things to look for in a trainer. First, you want a trainer with a college degree in a health related field. Second, you want a trainer who holds certifications through accredited health and fitness organizations. People who don’t train with a professional may experience disappointment, wasted time and money, and an increased risk for injury.
4. Holistic approach.
Last, when looking for a personal trainer you want to find someone with a holistic approach. A trainer should meet your health needs and desires, but more importantly a trainer’s main focus should be to improve your overall quality of life. Many trainers work together with registered dietitians who can help design unique nutritional plans that are realistic and achievable. Personal training is not only about exercising – it’s about promoting a healthy, successful lifestyle so you can experience life to the fullest.
Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly are two ways you can help your body stay healthy. And for some, finding the best personal trainer in your areas is the perfect way to get these habits in place and stick to them long-term. By combining these simple acts, your body will be better equipped to regulate blood pressure, control cholesterol, and avoid serious issues such as obesity.