INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Personal training has always been part of the top fitness trend predictions by the American College on Sports Medicine (ACSM).

In the Philippines, the average number of personal training clients in a major health club ranges from eight to 12 percent. The number of personal trainers increased over the years from five to as many as 30 in a local gym. This trend shows people are now more aware of the importance of being fit.

What are the things one should look for in a personal trainer? These are tips from clients who achieved a strong body, positive attitude, and balanced lifestyle with the help of trainers.

Education and training background

A dedicated trainer will not hesitate to spend on education to serve clients better and work effectively.

In the Philippines, we have trainers certified by international bodies. Others are even licensed physical therapists and graduates of exercise science-related courses.

The basic credentials a trainer must have are: Updated first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and a completed fitness course which includes exercise physiology, exercise-related science, health assessment, fitness testing, exercise programming, nutrition and weight management, injury prevention, emergency procedures, and knowledge for special populations.

Experience

Rene Dio, a professional power lifter, has been in the industry for almost 27 years and has helped many clients achieve their goals. I have witnessed his skills since I started my first job as fitness trainer nine years ago.

If your goal is to build muscles, get someone who is experienced in helping clients achieve a well-toned body. If you want to lose and maintain weight, get someone who has helped clients shed a lot of weight and maintain it.

Professionalism

In the Philippines, a training session costs P700-P1,200 per hour. To maximize P7,000-P12,000 for 10 sessions, make sure the trainer arrives and finishes on time.

Result-oriented

A trainer is result-oriented if he or she can teach you how to properly execute exercises on your own—and that’s when you get real results. A trainer should teach you how to be independent especially when you are on a vacation.

Look for someone who is genuinely concerned about your progress and commitment to healthy living.

Passion for healthy living

An effective trainer is one who walks the talk and can motivate you to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

If your goal is to lose weight, get a trainer who can teach you the natural way to lose and maintain weight and not to depend on strict diets, over-exercising, diet pills, and other weight loss aids. Get someone who can teach you how to approach your goals in moderation.

If your goal is to manage stress, get someone who knows how to deal with stressors effectively. A good trainer exhibits a balanced life, knows how to relax, and creates life outside the gym.

E-mail the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com.