Physical activity - choosing a provider Part 3

Choosing a personal trainer

People use personal trainers to help them reach their health and fitness goals. Personal trainers will tailor an exercise program to your personal needs, motivate you to exercise and offer basic advice on nutrition.

Good places to start looking for a personal trainer include local gyms or fitness centres. Ask friends for recommendations or look in the telephone directory under health and fitness centres. When choosing a personal trainer, key points to consider include:

• Personality and communication skills – trust your instincts about the impressions the trainer makes upon you. The trainer should be someone you like.
• When are they available? And where will you train?
• How do they tailor exercise programs for individuals? What activities do they offer? What training methods do they use?
• Can they offer nutrition advice as well?
• Ask for references – so you can ask others about their experience
• Do they, or their employer, have insurance cover?
• What are the standard costs and are there extra fees?

Medical conditions

If you have a chronic or complex medical condition, you will need to consult with your doctor, and possibly a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before using a personal trainer.

Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk of a experiencing a health problem during physical activity. It is a filter or ‘safety net’ to help decide if the potential benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for you. Print a copy of the pre-exercise screening tool and discuss it with your doctor or exercise professional.