Hiring a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction whatever your goal may be. A qualified trainer should help you devise a curriculum that fits your objectives. He should educate you on the best exercise for you goals. Here are some tips on what to look for in a trainer.

A personal trainer is someone who is hired to help someone else with his or her physical fitness through a personalized diet and workout program. A fitness mentor should be able to:

* Evaluate your level of fitness

* Assist you in constructing your fitness objectives

* Teach exercise procedures

* Keep records of all your sessions

* Motivate you to exercise and stay with your goals

* Warrant that all safety and health specifications are observed

* Correct your form for effective and safe alignment

Do not assume that your trainer is certified just because he is working at a gym. If certified, the certification should come from a legitimate organization. The American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are some of the most recognized and sought after certifications for personal trainers. Do not just take his word for it. Visit the web site of the organization that he claims to belong to and check his certification.

Make certain that your trainer maintains his certification. He should keep it current, attends, classes, seminars or completes accredited continuing education courses. He should also be CPR certified.

Make sure that your trainer has several years of experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight, you want someone with experience helping others lose weight. Football coaches are also trainers. If your goal were to lose weight, would you ask a football coach to train you? Of course not!

A good trainer should listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals. He should be focused only on you during your sessions. A good trainer should assess your progress regularly and modify things if needed.

The personality of your trainer is important because you will work very closely with him. Feel comfortable asking questions.

You can find a trainer through any of these places:

* Most gyms have trainers on staff and offer attractive packages for personal training.

* Look in the Yellow Pages

* Use a Personal Trainer Finder

* Seek personal training workshops in your area.

You may be assigned a trainer at some health clubs. Be sure to communicate with the manager regarding anything in particular you need to work on (for instance, getting ready for a 5k run). This way, you will secure a trainer with expertise in that field. Visit the health club beforehand to rate and observe your trainers abilities. Talk to your trainers clients. Verify whether or not they had success in reaching their goals. Watch him relate to his clients and how his clients relate to him.

If your trainer does any of the following, find someone else fast!

* Trains you so hard that you are in pain for days. Soreness is normal, not pain.

* Prescribes or recommends suspicious herbs or supplements.

* Inattentive to you or trashes your questions

* Dictates a level of training that is too arduous for your level of fitness

* Would not return your e-mails or phone calls

* Diagnoses injuries or illnesses

* Suspends your session to chat with friends or accepts phone calls (unless it is an emergency).

You can support your trainer being a worthy client yourself.

* Save the chitchat for after your meeting.

* Be ready for you session by carrying your own water bottle and towel. Write down your questions beforehand and bring it with you to your meeting.

* If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, give at least 24-hour notice.

* Immediately address any concerns

* Before approaching him, wait until he is finished with another client

* Bear in mind that your coach is there to lead and encourage you. YOU still have to do the work!

Rochester Athletic Club, Rochester Health Club and Rochester Personal Training dedicate their services to fitness and health.