The simplest definition of a Personal Trainer is someone who guides another person through an exercise or an exercise program. The general scope of practice for a Personal Trainer is to help enhance the physical fitness components in an apparently healthy person. The five main components of fitness that a personal trainer deals with are: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
If you are considering personal training, but you have a condition or injury, it is best to get approval for exercise from your doctor first.
Make sure you ask what credentials a personal trainer has, and if in doubt, ask for proof of that certification. Although many Personal Training certification bodies are requiring increasing amounts of education and experience from their students, there are many people out there who have very little education or practical skills, which potentially puts the client at risk for injury, or poor quality of service.
With that being said, there are many fantastic and knowledgeable personal trainers out there who can help you reach your goals, often much faster than if you do it alone. A personal trainer can give you the correct type of exercises for your needs, help keep you on track, and motivate you to succeed!
