One way to get into shape is to hire a personal trainer who can assist you in creating a good program of diet and exercise which will help you to look and feel your best. As with almost any job which does not include professional recognition in official sense, however, there are a lot of people claiming to be personal trainers out there who won't do you much good, apart from lightening your wallet. In fact, the wrong personal trainer may end up doing you a lot of harm, since it is your health that is in question.

So, it is important that you know some of the things you need to look for when you decide to hire a personal trainer. In this article, we will take a look at some of these vital criteria.

The appearance of the personal trainer

We are almost loath to put this down, but unfortunately there are personal trainers out there who really just do not look the part. If your personal trainer doesn't look like the picture of health you would like to be, don't hire him or her. This can mean they are too skinny, not just underweight; remember that the focus of a personal trainer needs to be on a healthy looking body. And if you catch a personal trainer candidate smoking, it's time to look somewhere else!

You should also take age and body shape into account. You want your personal trainer to help you achieve your goals, not theirs. For example, you may see a personal trainer who is a body builder and looks the part; you may not want this type of trainer if your goal is to increase your speed or just to stay trim.

And, of course, there is the issue of age similarity. Look for a trainer who is within ten years of your own age, it will be a lot easier to follow their program, and you will know that you can do it!

Check with the gym where you are a member

Generally, people looking for a personal trainer also have a pass at a local gym, and that's a good place to look for a decent trainer as well. A gym won't recommend a trainer who isn't good at what he or she does.

Training

Although there is no formal education for a personal trainer, as there is for doctors or lawyers, there is a definite body of knowledge out there from which potential personal trainers may benefit. Ask your candidates what kind of training they have received, and the more formal (i.e. through a university or college) the better. They should be aware of the various muscle groups, bone structures, and have a good knowledge of body chemistry.

Don't take chances on amateurs when it comes to your health; make sure you subject potential personal trainers to a good screening process which includes the items we mention above!