Q: I am 71 and have worked out moderately but not strenuously most of my adult life. I would like a few sessions with a personal trainer. How can I do this on limited means?
-Eve Stone, San Lorenzo, Calif.
A: In the bad old days, the trainers were the most muscular guys in the room loaded with specious advice on diets and supplements to help the hapless gym member “get big.” These days the majority of trainers are certified by organizations that require knowledge of CPR, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition science, program design and even separate skills for special populations (seniors, disabilities, degenerative diseases and so forth). Such colleges as Purdue in Indiana and Denver’s Metropolitan State College are even starting to provide programs and major studies specifically to prepare personal trainers.
Unfortunately, it is still possible to end up hiring someone who is unqualified, inexperienced or who does not have the specific skills you need. The most common mistakes made by people looking for a trainer is to pick the person who is “nice,” “looks good” or who, unknown to you, has a “no pain, no gain” attitude about getting in shape. Here is a checklist to help you find a good trainer:
Check credentials. The training industry is unregulated; therefore, hiring a trainer with some legitimate higher education and certification from a nationally recognized and accredited organization is a safer choice than someone who attended “Wassamatta U” and got certified by sending $49.95 to “BeATrainer.zero.”
Some of the best agencies to check with (but not limited to) are American College of Sports Medicine, 317-637-9200; IDEA Health and Fitness Association, 800-999-4332; National Strength and Conditioning Association, 800-815-6826; American Council on Exercise, 800-825-3636
Read about available trainers. Most gyms have files on their trainers, which include a complete biography of their education, experience, special skills, philosophy and areas of expertise.
The gym management should help you find someone who meets your requirements and budget.
Watch and learn. If at all possible, observe the trainers as they work with their clients. Marc Rabinoff, chair of the Human Performance and Sport Department at Metro State, says: “The trainer should be able to offer a variety of exercises on many different machines or weights so the specific needs of the client are better met than just using what little they know and trying to apply it to a ‘One Size Fits All’ program.”
Set up an interview and a trial session. Talk with the trainers you are considering and chat about your concerns and goals. The trainer should be able to provide both credentials and references and be willing to talk with your medical professionals for advice and guidance regarding any of your physical needs or limitations. A trial session of at least 30 minutes may give you a sense of how well they understand you and your needs.
Linda Buch, ACE Certified exercise specialist, will respond to fitness questions only in her weekly column. Send questions to: Body Language, The Denver Post, 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail her at LJBalance@aol.com.
