How can I spot a good fitness trainer?

At first glance, it's not always clear how good a trainer will be. Look for these signs to see if your trainer is worth the money you're paying him.

1. He asks about your health. Your body is the foundation of your training, so it's important to know what injuries you've had in the past and if you have any recurring medical conditions. It;s a necessary step to step up an optimal training plan, and also to avoid injury. So, stay away from trainers who appear to have no interest in your health.

2. He puts you to the test. To be safe, the first time you do each exercise in a itineary prepared by youtr trainer, you should insist that the trainer either performs them woth you or watches your formwhile you do them. That gives him the oppurtunity to discover muscular deficiencues or imbalances and tweak your training program.

3. He's got good qualifications. Don't shy away from asking about his specialized education.A good sign is if he completed a dgree in sports science or ohysical therapy, or if he has a certification from fitness institutions of your local area. It's also important to know what specific qualifications your trainer possesses. There are a lot of specialized training skills he could have, such as performance-oriented strenght training or cardio training that you could also tap for more challenging workouts.

4. He likes to talk. The best trainer can't help you if he can't explain what he knows. He should be ready to talk, east to comprehend, and satisfied only when you fully understand how the exercises work. You should feel like he's taking follow-up questions, which are part of the rights as a paying customer. If the trainer motivates you to improve your performance level and you're enjoying yourself, then you're in good hands.

5. There are things he doesn't know. In most cases your trainer won't be a doctor, so he should send you to a specialist if physical problems arise that don't easily go away. It;s a sign that your trainer is competent that if he has an answer for every injury. He should also have suggestions on proper nutrition. Some gyms have a nutrition adviser that you can ask about specific problems.

6. One bad sign: He just wants your money. Unfortunately, there are trainers that after a tryout session at their gym only seem to want to sell you dubious nutritional supplements. This often ties in to the gym's philosophy. Get out of that gym as soon as possible, you deserve better.