Veggie Blog

Many people give up on exercise not because it is too hard, but because it gets boring. The original 2010 version of this post suggested hiring a personal trainer as the answer. A good trainer can help, but there are cheaper fixes to try first. The title “personal trainer” also guarantees very little on its own, so it is worth knowing what to check before you pay.

If boredom is the problem, try these first

Mayo Clinic suggests some simple ways to keep exercise interesting:

• Choose activities you enjoy. You are more likely to stick with them, and anything that gets you moving counts.
• Rotate activities. Switching between walking, swimming and cycling, for example, works different muscle groups. Mayo Clinic notes that this kind of cross-training also lowers the chance of overusing one muscle or joint.
• Exercise with other people. Friends, neighbors or coworkers can add company and encouragement.
• Learn something new. Classes and sports leagues at a recreation center or gym let you build a skill while you work out. See our guide to choosing a group fitness class.
• Set a new goal. When motivation fades, a fresh goal or a new activity can help.

What a trainer can do for you

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) describes a qualified personal trainer as a source of motivation and accountability. A good trainer can tailor exercises to your abilities, help you fit exercise into your schedule and reduce your risk of injury. Some people work with a trainer for a few sessions to get a program, then check in occasionally. Others meet weekly or more often.

A personal trainer is not the same as an athletic trainer. Mayo Clinic explains that athletic trainers are health care specialists who focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation, and in the US they must hold national certification and state licensure. If you want to recover from an injury, an athletic trainer may suit you better.

Check credentials before you sign up

ACSM points out that there is no national standard or minimum requirement for using the title “personal trainer,” and Mayo Clinic notes that anyone can call themselves one. ACSM suggests asking:

• Does the trainer have a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, physical education or a related field?
• Is their certification from a nationally recognized organization? In the US, ACSM points to the US Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS) as a place to check.
• Do they keep up with continuing education?
• Are they certified in first aid and CPR?
• Do they have liability insurance?

Mayo Clinic also suggests considering a trainer who has already been vetted and hired by a reputable gym, and warns readers to be wary of anyone who tries to sell them products or supplements.

Ask about fit, cost and policies

Personality matters. You need someone who explains things clearly, answers your questions and asks about your background and preferences. ACSM also suggests asking about experience with clients like you, references, session length, what the price includes and the cancellation policy. Ask for the billing, scheduling and cancellation policies in writing. ACSM advises against signing a long-term contract with a personal trainer, and suggests asking whether your gym offers a free fitness assessment or trial session.

What a good first session looks like

According to ACSM, a trainer should ask about your medical conditions, medicines, past injuries and surgery, and any aches and pains before you start. They should offer a screening and fitness evaluation suited to what you plan to do, explain how to use the equipment safely, and help you set realistic goals. ACSM recommends getting medical clearance before starting an exercise program if you have been diagnosed with heart, metabolic or kidney disease, or have symptoms of one. A trainer who skips these steps and goes straight to a hard workout is a warning sign.

Sources

• American College of Sports Medicine: Investing in a Personal Trainer (PDF)
• Mayo Clinic News Network: Athletic or personal trainer: What’s the best fit for you?
• Mayo Clinic News Network: How to Overcome the Top 5 Fitness Barriers
• Mayo Clinic: Fitness program: 5 steps to get started

The featured image is an AI-generated illustration, not a photo of a real trainer or client.