I am new to your "world of fitness"! I recently joined a gym as you suggested. But I am totally overwhelmed by the variation and complexity of the equipment therein. I am considering getting a Personal Trainer, but I am not even sure I need one. I know YOU and Trish are Trainers, but can you provide me with an OBJECTIVE answer?

Dear "Half-Way",

Both Trish and are honored, and delighted, that you trust us to answer that important question. As usual, we will do our best to answer fairly, objectively, and completely within the scope of this column. And with our typical charm, personality, and wit, of course (David said that!).

Though it appears that the proliferation of Personal Training is a recent phenomena, it actually is not. Though not the oldest profession, people have been providing this service for decades. However, a number of things have changed, and they are worth noting.

First, there is an increasing number of people engaging in an exercise program for the first time in their lives! Many of these people are middle-aged and beyond, and are duly concerned about risk and injuries inherent in the exercise process. It is truly amazing how many people have gone through most of their lives being virtually sedentary, and are just "waking up" to the need for physical health, wellness, and balanced fitness. This is an exciting, but challenging, process.

Next, the decision to utilize the talents and expertise of a qualified Personal Trainer often is just good sense. Considering the time restraints that many have, and the need to increase the efficiency and benefits of the valuable time spent in the gym or at home working out, it is just sound financial planning and good time management to get and use a Personal Trainer.

Finally, the engagement of the right Personal Trainer can make the exercise experience in itself more fulfilling, meaningful, stress-reducing, and FUN (there we go again!). It is amazing how refreshing it is for a high-powered executive to be able to give up the pressure of control for a short time, and be intelligently and respectfully guided in such a wonderful activity such as exercise.

There have been many recent changes in training and certification of Personal Trainers. In the last decade, over one hundred certifying organizations have jumped into the "Fitness Arena". Some are credible, and some are just revenue-producing schemes. In this short space, it is impossible to assist in sorting through the many organizations… but here are some general guidelines.

Some of the benchmarks of credibility of Fitness Certification Organizations are their longevity (how long HAVE they been in business?), the quantity and quality of their membership and staff, their insistence on VERIFIED C.E.U.’s, and the actual process of Certification that they offer. It is our feeling (just an opinion) that Certifications obtained through the Internet are lacking in credibility, and do not reflect any measure of the skills or competency of the Trainers. We feel that responsible Certification Organizations should insist on in-person, sit-down and tremble examinations, and even offer pre-certification training and workshops.

By the way, because of the great diversity and lack of consistency in the Certification process, it is likely that there will be state-administered licensing for Personal Trainers very soon. We would applaud this initiative.

Now it’s time to ask "exactly what DOES a Personal Trainer do to earn the big bucks"? We thought you might be wondering!

The CORE Functions of a Personal TrainerHere is a list of the major functions and responsibilities of a Personal Trainer:

• Educator

This function is VITAL! It is better to learn to fish than to be given a fish. WHAT? Something like that. More precisely, you need to actually UNDERSTAND what you are doing, and why you are doing it. This will broaden and enhance your exercise experience.

• Motivator

How much motivation do you need? Well, the Trainer should ALWAYS be energized, and enthusiastic. And sometimes having paid the high fees for Personal Training will motivate you to show up, and utilize that time you have paid for!

• Supporter

"When the going gets tough…" You need a Cheerleader!

• "Drill Sergeant"

Not really something Trish or I are good at. But some people really respond to the "do this, do that" type of program.

• "NAG!!!"

Don’t have access to a nagging Mother? Pick a nagging Trainer! There ARE some!

• Challenger

"Just one more rep" is the battlecry when the Trainer is performing this function. Generally very useful.

• Conscience

It’s difficult to cheat, or even worse just not show up, when you have a Personal Trainer. So out of pride, or embarrassment, you’ll get more fit!

• Enforcer

It is generally recommended that if you need this, choose a very large Trainer, or one who is very impatient!

• Magician/Miracle Worker!

We all need that! Remember, though… any success take credit for your diligence and devotion. Any failure, blame on the Trainer!

It is important to remember that all people are different, and have different needs and preferences. When choosing a Personal Trainer, one must be honest about what one actually NEEDS from the Trainer.

You need to make a true assessment of your own needs and objectives. Do you resist control and direction, or do you welcome it? Are you gregarious? Are you self-motivated, or would you benefit from some "external" encouragement and pacing?

We generally recommend that you "interview" prospective Trainers. An obvious objective is to determine their competence and experience, but you should dig much deeper. Are they pleasant, attentive, respectful, diligent, enthusiastic, spirited and FUN (there we go again!)?

A mistake that people make is assuming that Personal Trainers are just for "beginners". This is absolutely untrue. As one gets more fit, and more efficient in using the tools of exercise, more complex and advanced workouts are often required. And this is a job for "Super Trainer!".

Personal Training can help by providing you with that extra attention, support, confidence, encouragement and guidance needed to achieve your personal goals …weight loss, body tone/definition, increased fitness or just feeling the benefits of a healthier life style.

The benefits of being fit and healthy are immediate. The body loves nothing more than 100% attention. The experience of taking your fitness to a new level will have a cathartic effect on your whole life.

The bottom line… "If you can afford one, get one!"

• Planning and commencing an exercise program that is low risk, and high return.
• Accurately accessing strengths, weaknesses, and imbalances, and learning specific techniques to enhance the positive and strengthen the negative.
• Learning how to use the exercise equipment effectively and safely.
• Learning proper exercise TECHNIQUE. Machines do NOT teach how, they only restrict movement.
• Being motivated and encouraged to make continuous progress.
• Creating the opportunity to continually improve and fine-tune your program as you become stronger and more fit.
• Offering recommendations and referrals for other services such as nutritional counseling, Pilates, Yoga, Therapeutic Massage, Chiropractic, etc.