4 Things to Look For In A Certified Personal Trainer

It seems that everyone has or is thinking about getting one... a personal trainer.  Now, I've been working with a Certified Personal Trainer for the last 7 years because a) I live with a chronic disease so I need to stay strong, b) I'm aging so I don't want to get hurt and c) I want to look and feel good for as long as possible.   I have to share the highlights of article my Certified Personal Trainer just had published.  It gives you four easy guidelines to help you select a personal trainer for the first time or choose a new one.   I hope you find these guidelines helpful for yourself or someone you care about.

So, thank you to my Certified Personal Trainer, Robert Linkul MS NSCA-CPT *D CSCS *D for my personal strength, your dedication to excellence and for sharing your information about personal training and fitness. 

If you are looking for a Certified Personal Trainer with a master's in Fitness you have about a 500/15,000 chance of finding one. If you want to be trained by the best with the best education, Robert has some tips for you in finding your partner in your fitness.

1. Education - The Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) should have earned a fitness based educational background including a degree in one of the following: kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, or strength and conditioning.

2. Certification- Ensure that your CPT is certified at all times by an NCCA accredited organization. This means your trainer must take a standardized number of continued education hours every year. Those certifying organizations include:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE) 
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT)

3. Assessment - It is so important that your CPT performs a full interview and assessment including body fat, grip strength, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, body measurements, lung capacity, pulse, etc. This assessment should also include a review of family history and a physical activity readiness questionnaire.

4. Career vs. Job - You want your CPT to be career minded, motivated, and not simply considering you as another obligatory job.

Everyone is different and I think if you are enjoying the process and feeling better, you have a good person helping you become more healthy!

Tips by Robert Linkul MS NSCA-CPT*D CSCS*D
2012 National Strength & Conditioning Association's Personal Trainer of the Year

Robertlinkul@gmail.com

For more information read Robert's book - "Confessions Of A Certified Personal Trainer- Volume 1 The Fitness Revolution - Educating you on the right way to exercise", in soft cover and Kindle.