What do I need to know about personal training?
Experienced personal trainers can help you reach your fitness and health goals faster and safer. A good trainer will expertly guide you through a training plan that works best for you by taking into consideration your individual goals, limitations, and opportunities. He or she will make all the decisions about what exercises to use and what weight to lift, allowing you to focus on just working hard.
A good trainer will help you avoid dangerous activities that waste time and risk injury. Remember, the side effects you earn in the gym are yours to keep: feel energetic all day, love how you look, and sleep like a baby. What do you have to lose?
How much does a personal trainer cost?
The average personal trainer cost in Austin area is between $75-$150 a session. Expect to pay more at high end gyms. A big chain gym personal trainer might be priced very differently than a small, niche gym personal trainer.
Training rates vary greatly between cities, so look around in your area. Beware the very low priced trainers, and understand there is no one standard. However, remember that training is an investment. You won’t regret taking better care of your body and working toward your health and performance goals. With the right trainer, it is absolutely worth it.
What personal training certification is required to be a personal trainer?
None! The United States does not have a universal certifying body, or requirement. The certification organizations that exist (NSCA, ACSM, ACE, Cooper Institute, ISSA, NASM) provide elective certifications, but legally, anybody can take money for personal training services. This is why it is so important to ask your trainer which certifications he/she holds and maintains.
What personal training certification is best?
The National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is the industry leader, as it is tested and comprehensive, and requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
The gold standard after NSCA is the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Most CPT (certified personal trainer) certifications require only the candidate to be 18 years of age and have a current CPR/AED certification. For example, the NASM cpt requires candidates be 18 years of age, hold a current CPR/AED, and advertises that exam can be successfully prepared for and completed in 10 weeks. Yikes.
What should I look for in a personal trainer?
Your personal trainer should have a current certification, some years experience, and should look the part. Now, your personal trainer does not need to look like he or she just stepped off of the highest bodybuilding stage, and neither does he or she need to be the strongest person in the world. However, a combination of credentials, experience, and willingness to practice what they preach is important.
You should also enjoy your personal trainer’s company. You don’t have to – and probably won’t be – BFFs, but your personalities should be complementary. It is a bit of a matchmaking process, so choose someone who feels trustworthy and respectful.
How do I find the best personal trainer in Austin TX (or how do I find the best personal trainer near me)?
You can begin by googling in your area. For example, “personal trainer Austin tx” or “Austin tx personal trainer”. See what individuals and gyms show up in your search. If any pique your interest, read about them a little more.
You can also ask your friends and acquaintances if they know of any trustworthy trainers. From here, you can collect contact info, and reach out. Most trainers will be happy to talk to you and/or do a consult to see if you are a match.For more details, including exact scripts for reaching out to potential trainers, read this blog post about how to find the best personal trainer for you.