You’re totally out of shape (or deconditioned,as the politically cor-
rect like to say). If climbing the ropes in high school gym class was the
last time you worked out, a personal trainer is a great way to bring you
into the modern age. A lot has changed over the years, from the equip-
ment to the lingo to proper stretching and strength-training techniques.
A trainer can get you comfortable in your new environment and start
you on a program that’s appropriate for your fitness level, so your new
foray into fitness doesn’t end a week later with a trip to the orthopedist.
You don’t need to sign up for life; five to ten sessions can get you up and
running.
You want to update your program. You can hire a trainer for a session
or two to reevaluate your workout regimen. If you’re feeling stagnant,
a new routine can give you a jump-start and ultimately improve your fit-
ness level. (Of course, you actually have to work out for this to happen.)You’re training for a specific goal. Say you want to run your first 10K
race, but you aren’t sure how long, how far, how often, or how hard to
train. A qualified trainer can design a workout program that’ll get you to
the finish line. Look for a trainer who specializes in the area you want
to work on, such as losing weight, building strength, or getting fit for ski
season. We know a trainer who works only with runners, designing their
running schedules and appropriate strength-training and stretching rou-
tines. Many of her clients are people who want to run their first marathon
without getting injured.
You’re coming back from an injury or illness. If you have a specific
condition such as lower back pain, or if you’ve just had surgery on your
knee, a trainer can help you get back on your feet. Check with your
doctor; she may want you to visit a physical therapist first. Still, more
and more physicians are giving the okay for trainers to participate in a
patient’s rehabilitation. Screen the trainer carefully, so you don’t make
matters worse. A growing number of trainers specialize in conditions
such as multiple sclerosis or breast cancer.You need motivation. If you won’t exercise unless a trainer is standing
there counting your repetitions, consider the money well spent.Weeding Out the Poseurs .............................................................................
Currently, few states have legal requirements for fitness trainers (and even
those laws have loopholes). At the same time, a behind-the-scenes scramble
is underway among the various professional organizations vying to be declared
the official certifying body. In the meantime, however, anyone who can hoist
a dumbbell and print a business card on a home computer can call himself a
personal trainer.46 Part I: Getting Your Butt off the Couch