Background Checks

Thanks for stopping by the Workout of the Week blog!
Today's topic is making sure your personal trainer or exercise instructors are properly educated and certified.

"It's not only for safety,” says Jenny Weber of the Wellness Council of Iowa, “it's also so the person feels that they're getting a full exercise prescription." Think of it like this, cooking dinner doesn't make someone a chef, driving a car doesn't make someone a mechanic, and working out at the gym doesn't make someone a trainer. "That person needs to come from a bachelor of science in exercise physiology or kinesiology along with professional certifications." Weber says if we want to get the most out of workouts with a trainer - it's critical to make sure the person is properly trained themselves! If you’re not comfortable asking the personal trainer or group exercise instructor ... ask the owner or manager of the club you are joining. Find out what kind of education, certification and experience exercise professionals have and also ask if the gym requires them to continually renew their certifications.

There are dozens of organizations that provide training and certification. Common ones for personal trainers include The American College of Sports Medicine and The National Strength and Conditioning Association. Group fitness instructors are often certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and the American Council on Exercise. Once certified, trainers and instructors usually have to work to maintain their skills. "Yearly you're required to take continuing education credits which is crucial because the industry changes," explains Weber. Bottom line – don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s your money, your workout and your health.

EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com