Tips on Hiring an Expert to Jumpstart Your Fitness Program
A certified trainer or nutrition expert can make the difference between working out and starving yourself day after day and not making any progress and achieving the body shape of your dreams. Having an expert to guide you step-by-step may seem like a luxury, but it can be a worthwhile investment in your health and well-being. Most of us need some coaching, mentoring and the training that working with an expert offers.
But just because he or she looks like an Olympic medalist, doesn't mean he knows enough about fitness and physiology or that he has mastered the art of motivation. Certified Trainers may have areas of specialization such as Weight Management, Weight Training, and Strength Training.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, a nutritionist may have an MS, RD, or CDN. A registered dietitian is an expert in the science of nutrition and dietetics who is able to assist in evaluating nutritional information and supplementation, and translate it into practical application. Dietitian qualifications include a 4-year BS degree in dietetics or nutrition with a 9-12 month internship or completion of a coordinated undergraduate program that combines classroom and clinical experience. Other variations in training and focus include food and nutrition management, community nutrition, education, research, and dietetic technician.
Here are some simple steps to take to insure that you have done your homework before you sign up:
- Be sure to check out the credentials of any fitness or nutrition expert you are considering. Experts come with varying degrees of expertise, and many are certified in more than one area of specialization. Ask what kind of education and training they received, which certifications and licenses they hold, and what their particular field of interest is.
- Determine what your needs are in terms of:
- Expertise
- Fees
- Billing policies
- Flexibility in scheduling sessions
- Whether you are more comfortable with a man or woman
- Frequency of sessions
- Ask for references from other clients they have worked with.
- Get referrals from people who have used trainers and nutritional counselors before and were satisfied as well as from your physician or other medical professionals.
- Make sure they carry liability insurance. If you're under medical care, they should request a health screening from your doctor.
- A good place to start looking is at your gym. A trainer or fitness professional who works in a club will often charge less per hour than one who works independently and comes to your home or office.
Most importantly, look for someone who makes you feel comfortable and motivates you, and whom you can get along with long-term.
You can find more information on locating a personal trainer or nutritionist at these websites:
WWW.USTRAINERSEARCH.COM
WWW.NSCA-LIFT.ORG
WWW.NFPT.COM
WWW.ACEFITNESS.ORG
WWW.GLOBAL-FITNESS.COM
WWW.FINDANUTRITIONIST.COM
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~phsnutr/phsnutr.html
WWW.EATRIGHT.ORG
