If you are about to start an exercise program, but unsure of what to do, then hiring a personal trainer is the way to go. A competent trainer should assist you in planning a program that is appropriate for your fitness goals. He should be able to teach you the best workout for you goals and nutrition. Here are some advises on what to expect of a personal 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 an accurate record of all your sessions

* Motivate you to stick to your goals and exercise regularly

* Check to make sure that all safety and health guidelines are observed

* Correct your form for effective and safe alignment

Your trainer should be certified. And the certification should come from a legitimate organization. The American Council on Exercise, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and American College of Sports Medicine, are just a few of the well recognized personal training certification organizations. Visit the web site of the group that your trainer claims to be a member of, and confirm his certification.

Make sure that your trainer is also keeping his certification current and continues to attend classes, seminars, or successfully completes continuing education courses for credit. Your trainer should also be currently 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.

Try any of these places to search for a trainer:

* Your local fitness center may have trainers on staff. They can also suggest affordable training packages

* Search the yellow pages

* Google a Personal Trainer Finder

* Explore personal training studios 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.

Run if your trainer does any of the following or if you observed any of the following:

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

* Recommends questionable supplements or herbs.

* Disregards or rejects your questions

* Prescribes a level of training that is too difficult for you

* Will not return your e-mails or phone calls

* Diagnoses injuries or illnesses

* Disrupts your session to talk with acquaintances or receives phone calls (unless it is an emergency).

You can assist your trainer to do a better job by being a good client yourself.

* Avoid the small talk until after your session.

* Be prepared for your workout by bringing your own towel or water bottle. Write down any questions prior to your session and take it with you to your session.

* Reschedule or cancel your appointment at least 24-hours in advance

* Address any problems immediately.

* 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 Health and Fitness Center, Certified Personal Trainers of Rochester and Rochester Group Exercise Programs provide members quality service in fitness.