What to look for in a good personal trainer

In today’s health conscious society, the increasing number of people who are more concerned with their fitness has led to an influx of gyms and personal trainers. Hiring a personal trainer has become a growing trend, especially in Houston. There are an estimated 5 million people in the Houston area and an estimated 5% already doing so. A personal trainer should be your mentor so that you can achieve your personal fitness goals. Choosing the right person to guide you is crucial, as it can greatly affect the results. The following are some ways to choose the right personal trainer in Houston

1. Certificate.Your fitness trainer must be certified by any NCCA accredited organization and must also be a member of one of the fitness associations in the Houston area. An initiative launched in 2003 by the fitness industry encouraged organizations that offer fitness trainer certifications to seek accreditation from the NCCA. The initiative was aimed at raising the standards of fitness trainers and protecting the well-being of clients. Check your fitness trainer’s certification and verify it with the issuing organization. Also check if you’re up to date to make sure your fitness trainer is up to date with the latest information and techniques in personal fitness.
2. educational background. While an NCCA-accredited certification is enough to show that your personal trainer is professionally trained to do the job, a college degree in kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition, or any related field would be an advantage. In a way, this is a guarantee that your personal trainer can design a training program and nutritional plan specifically designed to meet your needs.
3. Work experience. Your personal trainer should have at least one year of professional work experience in the field and should be able to provide you with references from other Houstonians who have used their services. You must have experience working with someone who has the same needs or conditions as you. Ask for references so you can check with past clients about their performance. Are you currently registered with any Houston gyms like River Oaks Fitness, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness? Or do you have your own private gym?
4. The net. A personal trainer who has connections to other healthcare professionals such as respected physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, and other allied healthcare professionals in the Houston area is an important factor to consider. You should have sources when answering questions that are outside of your area of ​​expertise.
5. Personality.Any good personal trainer, no matter where you live, should be able to communicate well and explain methods and techniques on a level that is clear to you. You also need to be a great motivator and understand that change is a gradual process. Another important thing to consider is the compatibility between you and your personal trainer. This is hard to describe, but use your natural instincts to figure out whether or not you’re a match for a personal trainer. If you feel comfortable with him/her during the initial meeting, you will most likely be able to work well with him/her.
6. Fee. Determine the amount you are willing to spend on your training. Personal trainer fees are charged by the hour and can range from $20 to $100. Some offer discount packages. Choose someone who charges a fee that is within your budget. Many personal trainers in Houston will also allow you several free consultations and trainings. This works in your favor as it allows you to see if you like the trainer before you commit to spending a lot of money with that person.
7. What kind of exercises does this person do? Houston is a very humid city, and while outdoor activity is great most of the time, summers can be brutal and you don’t want to be outside exercising when it’s 100 degrees outside. Make sure your trainer understands your body and the types of exercises you like in different weather conditions.

If you think you have found the right trainer for you, ask to see the proposed training program for you, which must be accompanied by a daily eating plan. Then request a free training session to really make sure he/she is the one to help you achieve your personal fitness goals. If everything is to your satisfaction, set a time for your first training session. Remember, there are many personal trainers in Houston to choose from – make sure you get the one that’s right for you!