I know the title of this article sounds like I’m pushing the reader to feel like they NEED to work with me. Though I would love to train as many people as I can, this article is intended to encourage you to work with any certified strength and conditioning coach or personal trainer (the key word being CERTIFIED). The first part of this article is going to discuss what you should look for in your trainer or coach.
Education
Someone who tells you how to work and train your body should have a solid understanding of the body and its functions. In order to have a sound understanding of the anatomy and physiology behind training, your coach should have a Bachelor’s degree (or be pursuing a Bachelor’s) in a health or exercise related field like Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Health and Wellness, Strength and Conditioning, or Physical Education. This formal education gives you the reassurance that your trainer has more education than just the typical high school biology or anatomy classes (you probably took those classes too). College level classes discussing exercise physiology and exercise prescription give the coach a basis to understanding how to effectively train individuals of various backgrounds (in-shape/out-of-shape, athlete/non-athlete, young/old) safely. For example, I see advanced plyometrics, like a box jump, performed way too often by individuals who are not ready or who do not need to take the risk of doing an exercise like this. Box jumps require a high level of strength to handle the demands placed on the ankle, knee, and hip joints. With an educated trainer, you will receive instruction appropriate for your skill set, needs, and goals (i.e. Grandma doesn’t need to deadlift 400lbs during her first workout back after a few years).
The next priority would be to see if the coach has a certification in strength and conditioning or personal training. Some examples of organizations that provide reputable certifications include:
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) http://www.nsca.com/
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise-Related Field, Adult CPR/AED Certification
- Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
- Requirments
- Certified Special Populations Specialist (CSPS)
- Requirements: One of the following: Current NSCA Certification, Bachelor’s Degree, or Physical Therapy/Athletic Training License
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Requirements: High School Diploma, Adult CPR/AED Certified
- Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
- Requirements: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise-Related Field, Adult CPR/AED Certification
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor (GEI)
- Requirements: High School Diploma, Adult CPR/AED Certified
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
There are other certifications that are respectable as well. There are also less reliable certifications that can be accomplished over a weekend course. I would steer away from these certifications because you want your money to go to someone who has spent more than a weekend learning his craft.
Ask your trainer what personal training related certifications they hold, then with the power of the internet you can do some research as to what prerequisites are needed and what is involved with the certification process.
Experience
The next area to address with your prospective coach/trainer is the experience he or she has in training. Has the professional worked with individuals who have similar goals as you? For example, if you play baseball or are a marathon runner, has this trainer worked with athletes in your sport? If so, they will have a better idea on how to help you reach your goals. Aside from athletics, goals that you may want the trainer to have experience with may include weight loss, working with low back pain, working with novice weight lifters, etc.
If your prospective trainer does not have much experience, this does not mean that he should be immediately crossed off the list. This opens the door for you to pick his brain on how he would train someone with your goals. What types of exercises would he have you do? If the trainer proposes plans that sound on track with your goals and that he can back up with his educational background, then it could be a good fit for you.
My greatest recommendation is to ask questions. Investing in a trainer or coach is a worthwhile investment, but it is your money so that service should be valuable to you. As the customer, it is your right to be able to ask questions about education, experience, training styles, etc.
The next part of this article will focus on the benefits of working with an educated and experienced strength and conditioning coach (even if you already know how to lift weights)