When looking for a personal trainer, it is important to know what it is you want to achieve.  Do you want to train for your first 5K walk/run?  Lose weight?  Rehab an injury?

Personal trainers specialize in different areas and work with a variety of populations.  I know trainers who specialize in working with athletes, some who specialize in working with pre- and post-natal women, some who work with cardiac rehab patients, as well as a variety of other groups.

The most important thing in hiring a trainer is whether or not you are comfortable with this person?  Do you think that the person has your best interests at heart?  Is he/she able to articulate back to you what you want to achieve?  What credentials does he/she have?  Is he/she willing to spend time with you helping you decide if he/she is the best fit for you and helping you to choose a training program that is right for you? 

It is important to be very picky when hiring a personal trainer.  Be just as picky hiring a trainer as you are when you choose a dentist or a doctor.

Last updated on October 28, 2008 by Jennifer Malocha