How To Choose A Personal Trainer When You Are Over 50
Apr 2nd, 2009 by Jim
One of the problems when you decide to get serious and hire a trainer is knowing who will work best for your particular situation and who will be knowledgeable and know how to deal with the issues of an aging body while still getting the results you want. Here are 5 things you can do to make the selection process a lot easier:
1) Ask Your Friends Or Other Gym Members Of Your Age Who Are Currently Using Trainers About Their Experience
Has the trainer taken care to address orthopedic problems? Was their an initial interview session with medical questions, goal setting, exercise history and current diet habits? Do the workouts change frequently. How is progress measured? ( body measurements taken? regular weigh-ins?)
2) What Are The Trainer’s Credentials?
It’s sad to say but getting certified as a trainer can be done in a weekend course, The industry is going through a transition and soon we will be licensed just as nurses, therapists and barbers are. For now it is best to choose a trainer who has one of these certifications:
- ACE – American council of exercise
- ACSM – American college of Sports medicine
- NSCA – National strength and conditioning association
There are now specialty certifications for training older adults and for post rehab treatment - The international council on active aging and SFA are good sign of a trainer’s expertise in training with an older population
3)Is There A Trainer Who Has A Experience With Your Particular Issue?
Are you diabetic, post heart attack rehab patient, cancer survivor, arthritis sufferer, or are you a master athlete who needs guidance to compete in a half triathlon?
4) Are You Comfortable With A Younger Trainer?
…or would you feel better with someone close to your age who shares the deeper knowledge of what an aging body goes through on a daily basis. If you choose a younger trainer ,stand up for yourself if something doesn’t feel right or cause unusual pain or discomfort.
5) How Much Diet And Nutritional Experience Does Your Trainer Have?
Because 75% of your success in losing excess fat and gaining depends on nutrition, how much experience does your trainer have in helping his clients make the changes in eating and lifestyle choices that promote good health and a sensible steady weight loss.
Although most trainers are not dietitians and cannot dispense diets for medical issues, they can offer common sense advice guidance, reinforcement and consistent support in helping you to correct poor eating habits.
Shop Around And Interview At Least 3 Trainers Before Making A Decision
What are the frequency option? What are the fees and how are the sessions packaged? What are the cancellation policies and how flexible is the scheduling. A trainer client relationship is like a marriage. You will be spending substantial time together so choose wisely. You can make this a rewarding and enjoyable experience – a new life and a new body are just around the corner. Take your time and do it right.
