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Looking For A Personal Trainer, Or Looking To Become One?
By Michael C. Podlesny
In his article in Americn Fitness, David herbert, discusses the importance of uniform skill sets for personal trainers (PFT) in the U.S. Numerous industry sources have reported great consumer demand and at least a perceived if not real need for the services of PFT. With an increased awareness that regular physical activity has the potential to reduce older Americans` risks for some major chronic diseases, it is only logical that the demand for and health promotion activities from this sector is also increasing.
One of those major diseases being discussed that a good routine can help with is Breast Cancer. Gerald Hart also of American Fitenss says, "assessments, evaluations and exercise programs start out much the same way for all clients. Assessments should include, at a minimum, taking a blood pressure and heart rate, the author said. He adds that the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the affected shoulder and side of the body are of special note for a client with breast cancer."
Personal trainers provide the motivation, accountability, knowledge and efficiency a person working out is looking for and really needs. They also help their client get the most from their current exercise routine by educating them on propert workout techniques and in some cases aide in their nutrition plan.
Don`t think personal trainers are important? Christina Gilham of Newsweek reports, on the growing popularity of personal trainers for CHILDREN. Yes that is children. Parents hire them to help their children with weight loss, basic physical fitness, or athletic training. I agree with the use of using personal trainers, but I guess long gone are the days where kids just go outside and play to get exerfcise. Gilham recommends having the child see a pediatrician first before using a personal trainer.
How wide spread are the use of personal trainers? Sarah Harrison claims that older people in Liverpool, England, have qualified as gymnasium trainers with an aim to encourage in the city. Diane Brennan, a nurse for older people and supervisor of programmes, has founded Active Ageing, a partnership between Liverpool Primary Care Trust and the city council. According to Brennan, more than ten people aged between 75 and 79 have qualified as trainers. So obviously age is not a factor for either using a trainer or becoming one.
Are trainers affordable though? That all depends. Research that I have done has revealed that you should be prepared to dish out anywhere from $25 to $45 per hour, depending on what part of the country you live. I have also found
that if
you hire a niche market type of trainer, in other words a trainer that
specializes in getting you ready for a sport or an event, you will
pay more, based on experience.
A lot of centers also have their own personal training staff on board, and some
gyms offer discounts for purchasing multiple sessions, or signing up with a friend
and so on. If you aren`t ready to dish out big bucks for a trainer, you should
look into joining a spinning class, aerbics class etc., where the cost per session
is much lower, since you will be sharing a class with a lot of other people.
Whether
you are looking to become a trainer, or you are looking to hire the services
of one, one thing is for sure, there are plenty of options out there for everyone
to choose from.
By: Michael C. Podlesny
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