You’ve tried everything: the South Beach Diet, step aerobics, the treadmill–and you still haven’t seen results. If your workout is stuck in second gear, it may be time to consider hiring a personal trainer, a private fitness coach who can help you reach your goals through a custom-designed exercise regimen.
Once a luxury of the rich and famous, personal trainers are widely available for private workouts in your home or at gyms. But why hire a professional trainer when so many gyms offer group fitness classes and the latest exercise equipment?
“The benefit is you’re hiring an expert to help guide you. That’s what they’re there for,” says Allen Saltzman, co-owner of Topanga Training and Fitness in Woodland Hills, Calif. “You hire a trainer to help you achieve your goals more quickly than you could do it on your own, and more safely.”
Jade Molina, sports performance and fitness director for 360 Health Club in Reseda, Calif., agrees. His gym serves 5,000 members and conducts about 1,000 personal training sessions a month. He can spot those in need of professional help.
“Ninety percent of people at a typical health club–they’re exercising improperly,” he says.
But with the assistance of a personal trainer, “They could refine their technique to maximize [their workout]. They could become a lot more efficient in their exercise execution to get much better results.”
Trainers also can be a boon to beginners, who want to get into shape but don’t know how or where to start.
“By having a trainer, they can guide you, write out your goals, and assist you in getting the right equipment and reaching those goals,” says personal trainer Kathy Kaehler, who has worked with celebrities Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford and Michelle Pfeiffer.
How frequently you see your trainer will be influenced by your fitness goals, motivation and pocketbook.
“Ideally, you see a trainer twice a week and come in on your own twice a week, depending on how quickly you want to lose weight. You have to know what you’re inclined to do,” says Topanga Training and Fitness’ Saltzman.
Molina recommends meeting with a trainer three to four days a week in the beginning, followed by a decreasing number of weekly sessions.
“The first two to four weeks are much more critical because that’s when you want to stop and quit. If the trainer can get you past the fourth week, the odds of you committing to a lifestyle [change] are much greater.”
How to find a personal trainer
Working with a personal trainer can help you reach your fitness goals safely and effectively. Here are some ideas to help you find and get the most from a trainer.
– Ask around your gym or ask friends or co-workers for recommendations. Consider hiring a fitness trainer at your gym. They will be familiar with your facility, and you can always seek redress from management should a problem arise.
– Consider your budget before hiring a personal trainer. Typical fees range from $50 to $75 for an hourlong session, with many gyms including sessions in membership packages. Prices climb if a trainer comes to your home.
– Once you’ve found a candidate to hire as a trainer, ask about his/her fitness certification. Reputable agencies that give certifications include the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council of Exercise, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and the American Council of Sports Medicine. A bachelor’s degree in an exercise-related field such as kinesiology or physical education is a desirable alternative.
– Ask about the trainer’s professional experience. Ask for references and follow through with phone calls.–L.A. DAILY NEWS.
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Edited by Curt Wagner (cwwagner@tribune.com) and Victoria Rodriguez (vrodriguez@tribune.com)
