Exercise & You: Tips for Finding a Personal Trainer

Listen, I’m not one of those people who love exercise. Frankly, I wish power shopping and bar hopping counted as cardio and wearing high heels took the place of calf raises. But it doesn’t work that way. And it seems that whenever my schedule heats up, working out falls by the wayside.

That’s why, last fall, I enlisted the help of Brad Kolowich, Jr., a certified personal trainer. This way I feel financially obligated to get in the gym and personally obligated because he’s waiting for me, 3 days a week, at 6am.

Initially, I was nervous about bulking up instead if slimming down (didn’t happen), injury (not a chance), and a cookie-cutter workout (Brad provided customized and unique workouts every day. I don’t think we’ve ever done the same workout twice!) The results have been amazing.

I love that Brad is so passionate and knowledgeable about this profession; and I figure many people can benefit from his advice and suggestions, so I talked him into answering a few questions (you can thank me later).

Of course, I have my own reasons, but what are the other benefits to using a personal trainer?
1. Accountability. Whether one is advanced in their knowledge of fitness or just getting started, a good trainer will be there for you, pushing you to a limit that you may not be able to achieve on your own. He or she will be prepared and waiting for your next session, keeping you from skipping your workout that you may have skipped otherwise.

2. Just getting started. A fitness trainer may provide the boost and jumpstart that you may not have been able to generate on your own.

3. Database of exercises. A good trainer will have an unlimited database of exercises for you, keeping things interesting as you move closer to your specific fitness goals.

4. Help you to avoid the dreaded plateau. If your program is not consistently changing on a daily basis, you will eventually reach the dreaded plateau = the same result over and over. In order to prevent this, a good trainer will continue to consistently change your exercises, rest periods, rep ranges, and sets per session.

5. Help you reach your goals. If you've struggled over and over again to reach your fitness goals, a good trainer will be able to determine where you may have been mistaken and turn you onto the right path. A good trainer will also help you create realistic goals, unlike many of the "lose 10 lbs. in 1 week." funny business.

How should one go about finding a personal trainer?
1. Ensure that he or she is certified through a nationally recognized organization. There are only a small handful of nationally recognized organizations out there of many certifications that you may see on the market today. A trainer being certified through one of these few organizations doesn't necessarily ensure that you will have a great trainer on hand though; it just ensures that he or she has a good foundation of overall fitness knowledge and also betters your chances of finding a reputable trainer. Do some background research on your potential trainer. Look for previous client testimonials and ask others that may have or are currently working with your soon-to-be trainer. Some of the most popular nationally recognized certifications include: The American Council on Exercise; National Academy of Sports Medicine; American College of Sports Medicine.

2. Consult with your potential trainer prior to your first session and see how well you mesh with his or her personality and training style. Just because you could see yourself out for drinks on a Friday evening with a particular trainer doesn't necessarily mean he or she may be able to provide the motivation and drive that you need to reach your goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. Yes, while being able to joke and carry on a great conversation with your trainer is an added bonus, you also want to ensure that you're getting the best bang for you buck for what you’re actually there for in the first place. Ultimately, if you are able to keep the winded conversations before or after your session, you'll ensure that you're seeing the best results as well as allowing your trainer to do what he or she does best.

What rates are to be expected when looking for one-on-one training?
Rates vary based on trainer, his or her experience, and location. Generally expect to pay $50-$100+ per hourly session for a certified personal trainer.

Choosing a personal trainer whose demeanor and attitude complements your own is as important as all the other considerations. Brad and I click so well because he’s not only a great personal trainer, he’s the nicest guy in the world. His awesome positive attitude and energy makes doing dead lifts at 6a.m. much more palatable.

Brad’s offerings include:
• one-on-one personal training (in-studio, home, or office)
• small group personal training (2-5 individuals)
• one-on-one fitness consulting (in-studio, home, phone, or office)
• online personal training + fitness consulting
• boot camps

For more information about Brad, visit www.bradkolowichjr.com and check out his blog for helpful tips and tricks!

Now, go get your sweat on!

Photo courtesy of Brad Kolowich Jr.