Personal training represents a substantial investment of time, money and effort; so it‘s worth doing the research and investing in a first-class trainer.  How do you know what you’re getting into, and what represents a quality trainer?

Credentials

Education is just the beginning; a personal trainer should have a 4-year degree in a relevant field and/or hold a certification with a well-recognized body such as (ACE) American Council on Exercise, (NSCA) National Sports and Conditioning Academy, and (ACSM) American College of Sports Medicine.

 However, these degrees and certifications generally don’t include the hands-on component and definitely don’t guarantee a quality trainer. A top-class trainer will often have an area of expertise in therapeutic exercise or sport-specific training and can specifically address your needs and circumstances, whether your goal is to increase strength and endurance, improve abdominal strength, alleviate back pain and postural deviations by correcting muscular imbalances, or just to get in better shape.

Training is a process and your trainer should be able to evolve your exercise and stretch programming as your body adapts.

Goals, Technique, and Communication

Not only should your trainer be totally focused on you for the full sixty minutes of an hour session, but patiently insist on proper technique. A good trainer can sense when minor or major changes in frequency, intensity, duration, and selection of exercise need to be instituted and will be flexible, adapting exercises to your level of fitness.

A trainer not only provides the knowledge necessary to get in shape, they should be professional, punctual and consistent, holding you and themselves accountable for your goals. Your trainer should also provide encouragement and support. An open channel of communication should be maintained between you and your trainer, and policies, procedures and pricing clearly addressed prior to beginning training.

A first class trainer will listen empathetically and specifically address your concerns and circumstances, providing scientifically based answers to your questions. Even the best trainer will not always have all the answers, but will have the resources and follow through to find answers for you.

Assessing Your Level of Fitness and Your Individual Needs

Optimal performance and wellness is a holistic process, a quality trainer will review your medical history, and communicate with your nutritionist, doctor and other medical professionals when necessary, in order to problem solve and institute the best program for you. A first-class personal trainer will appreciate that evaluation is an important component of designing an individual stretch and exercise program and suggest this where necessary. (Evaluation may includes posture, blood pressure, body composition, stress testing, hormonal and lipid panel)

Don’t assume your personal trainer should be a drill sergeant tasked with making your life living hell - chances are if you don’t genuinely like your trainer things won’t work out. Remember, it’s all about you and trainers are not one size fits all.

PFCs Professional Fitness Trainers

PFC provides an eclectic team of pre-screened trainers with exceptional collective expertise. Specializations range from sports specific programming to myofascial release therapy. Prior to training, a postural evaluation is performed by a specialist. PFC trainers design individual stretch, post-rehabilitation, and training programs based on your postural analysis report. Our trainers maintain communication with your nutritionist at PFC and other health professionals, monitoring your progress and adapting your exercise program to maximize results - whether your goals are wellness, improved performance or weight loss.

Our training team includes a variety of personalities and training styles and our best effort will be made to match your needs with a top-class trainer who can provide the knowledge and support to assist you in accomplishing your goals.