By. Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT
Perhaps the most popular resolution of the New Year is to "get fit and lose weight." Unfortunately, this often proves to be the hardest resolution to keep as the months wear on. Some people choose to work on their resolution individually while others seek professional help.
The purpose of this article is to help you make a well-informed decision before trusting your money and your body to an under-qualified and potentially harmful personal trainer. Ask yourself, "Would I go to a doctor that did not go to medical school?" or "Would I go to the dentist to check my eyes?" Well the same is true for exercise. Ask yourself, "Would I trust my body to someone that did not have a thorough understanding of human physiology and functional movement?"
The honest truth is that personal training in the fitness industry is not regulated. There are currently no industry standards to govern the field of personal training, which has led to serious problems in terms of the quality and consistency of training available. In reality, there are many unaccredited, fly-by-night organizations that are overly eager to certify unqualified individuals to become "personal trainers." Many of these individuals do not have any formal education in exercise science or a related field.
There are four organizations that are leaders in the health and fitness industry: the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The most important thing is that these organizations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which ensures that strict guidelines regarding professional training and examinations are adhered to.
Questions to ask during the initial consultation with any personal trainer:
1. Are you certified by any of the following organizations: American College
of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Academy of
Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association?
2. Do you at least have a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a
related field (e.g., Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Biomechanics)?
3. How many years of practical experience do you have?
4. Can I talk to some of your current and/or previous clients?
5. Most importantly, ask yourself if you feel comfortable working with
your personal trainer as a person. Are they sympathetic to your personal needs? Are you able to connect with them, or do your personalities clash?
Every individual is different and therefore every exercise program should be specifically tailored to address the goals they want to achieve. Ask questions-- and lots of them! Remember, you are hiring an expert and you should be confident that your trainer is knowledgeable in all the science behind working out and not just helping you look good.
Lastly, do not judge a book by its cover. Physical appearances do not determine the quality of knowledge that your trainer possesses. Experience and knowledge should be the deciding factor in choosing your personal trainer and not his or her asking price.
About the Founder
Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT is the founder of FunctionWorks Fitness and former State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has over 10 years of formal education and practical experience in the health and fitness field. Charles has earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine and his Masters of Science degree in Exercise Science and Performance Enhancement. He also holds the highest level certifications by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Trainer, Consultant and Educator
Charles is a consultant and educator in health and fitness. His in depth knowledge about the function of the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to exercise performance makes him a sought after speaker locally and nationally. He currently is a lecturer for the American College of Sports Medicine. Some of the private and public organizations that he has worked with are:
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine
University of Hawaii Department of Health and Exercise Science
Kapiolani Community College Exercise Sport Science Program
Westfield State College
National Strength and Conditioning Association
American College of Sports Medicine
McDonalds Restaurants of Hawaii
Chaminade University
Fitness Resource Associates
Fitness Education Network
YMCA of Honolulu
University Health Alliance
For more information contact:
Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT
808-779-1604
functionworksfitness@gmail.com
