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"If getting in shape (or back on track) is going to be one of your New Year&amp;#039;s resolutions this year, I really feel that hiring a trainer can be a huge help. &amp;quot;A personal trainer can be a wonderful asset to kick-start a workout routine, to reach new levels of intensity and to keep you accountable for getting enough physical activity,&amp;quot; agrees Alexis Peraino, M.D., a physician at the Cedars-Sinai Center for Weight Loss who also has a degree in exercise physiology. But, its important to remember that you need to pick the right one for you since finding a good match is key to getting the results you want. Here are Peraino&amp;#039;s top tips for starting the process so that you&amp;#039;re all set come January 1: Interview candidates in tough-minded fashion. Don&amp;#039;t be afraid to delve into a potential trainer&amp;#039;s background, credentials and clients. If you have a specific health issue \u2013 like arthritis, a back injury or you&amp;#039;re overweight or obese \u2013 ask how they address those issues in their workouts. Ask if they can provide references, then follow up and speak with their past clients. Experienced trainers possess multiple techniques and can tailor a workout to a client&amp;#039;s specific needs and fitness level. Also, remember practical logistics questions: Does the trainer&amp;#039;s availability match yours? What&amp;#039;s their cancellation policy? These are all very important questions that you shouldn&amp;#039;t be afraid to bring up. Ask about their certifications. Those aren&amp;#039;t just pieces of paper. Current certifications are proof of training, qualifications and a commitment keep abreast the latest science and trends in fitness. Among the groups whose credentials are most respected: American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. Make sure the trainer interviews you. Trainers should be raising their own questions about prospective clients&amp;#039; fitness level and whether they can exercise safely. They should ask about medical conditions, medications, previous injuries and surgeries that may relate to physical activity. Top trainers often offer an assessment that serves both to demonstrate they understand the risks of exercise for their clients and their ability to appropriately determine clients&amp;#039; health and fitness. Once you&amp;#039;ve gone through these steps, you should be better able to settle on a specific individual that you feel is the best match. Do you have any other tips for choosing a trainer? \u2013 Abby Cuffey, Associate Health Editor Check back next week for part 2 of the trainer series and learn things to look out for once you&amp;#039;ve started an exercise program! "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/a45751/how-to-pick-a-trainer-1226/>