Degrees. What about the personal trainer whose qualifications come from accredited colleges and universities? Many degree programs focus on exercise physiology, exercise science, physical education and sports management. The collegiate degree infers that a certain standard was upheld during matriculation. But unless you ask for a copy of transcripts, you have no way of knowing exactly what classes were taken or how well the personal trainer performed in those classes. If the degree is from another country, it makes a determination even more difficult.

Some certified and licensed healthcare professionals have branched out and added personal training to their repertoire or even changed professions to personal training. Allied healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and athletic trainers, have college degrees in related fields. This type of personal trainer is perfect if you are interested in rehabilitating old or existing injuries. Having a certified athletic trainer as a personal trainer can be particularly valuable for athletes who want to return to competition.

Experience. When you purchase personal training sessions, think of yourself as the employer of your trainer. How important is experience to you? Would you prefer to have a trainer who is new, or a trainer who may have more practical knowledge?

Charles Kemp, a professional bodybuilder and personal trainer for 12 years, believes that experience is far more important than any certifications. "I have some concern with individuals who only have a certification and a limited amount of experience. Credentials look great on paper, but if they can't translate them into practice, they have little value."

Finding compatibility with a trainer

After deciding what certifications, degrees, type of experience, etc., are important, consider the following variables when choosing a personal trainer.

Goals. A personal trainer's skills should match your needs. To find the appropriate personal trainer, do some goal setting prior to starting a search. Determine what you want out of personal training. Your trainer should be able to assist you in setting realistic long- and short-term goals and advise you if your expectations aren't reasonable. For example, if you're interested in improving sports performance, then a certified strength and conditioning specialist is the most appropriate person for the job. If you want to compete in a bodybuilding contest, perhaps a trainer with bodybuilding experience could provide you with insight. If weight-loss is a goal, choose a trainer who also has a background in nutrition, such as a registered or licensed dietitian.

Exercise philosophy. Interviewing personal trainers about their exercise philosophies should be your next step. Every personal trainer has a different philosophy on physical fitness, and it should mesh with your outlook. If you only want to stay active and exercise two days a week for two hours, you won't be happy with a trainer who believes that the minimum amount of exercise required is two hours every day. Similarly, if you wish to be a fitness model, you will not be satisfied with a personal trainer who only uses Eastern practices such as yoga and tai chi.

Personality. Interact with trainers to get an idea if you like them. This may or may not be an important aspect to consider. Some people feel more comfortable with a trainer whose personality they like, and others will place more importance on other attributes.

Schedules. If you have to work out at 5 in the morning, but the personal trainer is a night person and prefers sleeping in, the relationship is preset for failure. Know what time of day, for how long during that day, for how many days during the week and on which days you want to exercise before choosing a trainer. And, if you know you will need to make appointments with little advance time, or will need to cancel frequently because of business or family, the trainer should be consulted. Personal trainers have time constraints too, and some will be very flexible with appointments while others won't. Schedules must match to make the relationship solid.

Type of training. Other factors to consider are where and how you want to exercise. Locations range from the gym, to outdoor biking to the tennis court. You can choose a group exercise class, weight training, cardiovascular training, sports-specific exercises or a combination of these. Know what your trainer is willing to do and where they are willing to go. Some work solely inside a gym and will never venture outside. Others wouldn't consider an outside morning jog and others will insist upon biking at sunset. Whatever your preference, find a personal trainer who is willing to comply.

Finding a fit

Finding a personal fitness trainer with desirable qualifications is relative to each person. Some people base more credence on educational background, some want a trainer they can be friends with and some will base their decisions on how much the trainer costs. Whatever the end result, the process should still be the same: Have a clear-cut idea of your personal exercise goals and discuss these goals and other issues with potential trainers before choosing the one who is right for you.

Checklist for Choosing a Personal Trainer

Things to do before choosing a trainer:

* List your fitness/exercise goals.

* Determine if certification, education, specialization or experience is most important.

* Make a budget for personal training and know your limits.

* Decide where, when and how you want to exercise.

* Determine whether you want to be alone or in a group.

* Make sure the trainer has liability insurance and written business policies.

* Interview each trainer to determine philosophy, personality and flexibility.

By Thomas Incledon.