For many of you as you are preparing for you pageant you may have questions as it relates to training and dieting.  While we at Scott’s Training Systems offer both in person and online training some of you who do not live in Arizona and do not want to utilize online training (which is very effective) I suggest you take the following items into consideration when hiring a personal trainer:

1. Do they have certification and/or degree related to exercise?

If not, run!  Just because someone has a “nice” physique and knows how to transform their body, it doesn’t mean they can help you achieve your fitness goals.  Always ask for credential.  Three of the most popular certifications are: NASM, ACE, and ISSA.  There are several other quality certifications out there, but just make sure they have one.

2. Talk to their clients

Ask them what type of person the trainer is.  Are they on time?  Does the trainer miss appointments on a regular basis?  What goals have they helped the client achieve?

3. Observe the trainer while they are working.

Are they on their cell phone?  Are they checking out other members instead of watching the client?  Chances are if they are not paying attention to that particular client, they won’t pay attention to you.

4. Do you want to go to a studio or gym

In a gym you have all the other members to deal with and wait for them to get off the equipment.  You may also find that the trainers come and go and it is hard to work with one, not knowing how long they will be there.  In a studio you have fewer distractions and are able to get more one on one attention.  The downfall to a studio is most will not have all the bells and whistles of a gym, but a quality trainer should be able to help you achieve your fitness goals with whatever equipment he/she has available.

5. Does the trainer appear to be physically fit?

If they look like they are not in shape, you may want to find a trainer that looks like they are living the life they are preaching.  That is not to say, someone has to be in shape to be a great trainer.  But, I don’t think you would go to place to get your hair done if thought everyone that works there has a hair style/cut you do not like.

6. Shop around.

Personal training is not free.  It takes a financial commitment that many people have to take into consideration.  Do they offer ½ hour sessions, 1-hour sessions, group, classes, etc?  A quality trainer should be able to assess you and tell you what type of program is best for you.  Again another downfall with going to a major gym is that they tend to have set session times.  Even though you may only need ½ hour you have to pay for an hour.  Or maybe you can go an hour, but they only offer ½ hour sessions.  Find the right program for you.

Scott has an online weight training program for girls who are located out of state. Contact Scott for a consultation: scott@scottstrainingsystems.com or via phone (480) 820-0835. Let him know that you read this article and the consultation is FREE!