Home | TRAINING - Health Clubs | Articles | Diet | Alan | Exercise | Links Choosing a Personal Trainer To merit use of the title, a Trainer quite simply should be an accomplished expert in biomechanics, nutrition, injury diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of medical and psychological matters, such as medications, medical conditions, stress-related disorders and comprehensive health care developments, should also be evident, at a very high level. The years of study and clinical experience required to meet these criteria means your Trainer is very unlikely to be younger than their late thirties and should, at the very least, possess a good degree in one or more of the sports sciences. This should have been attained at the beginning of their career. There are numerous organisations on the market today offering qualifications for those wishing to become a Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor. Some involve only 12 weeks of  instruction before a certificate is given out. So how do you find a true professional who is very experienced and highly qualified in exercise physiology, biomechanics and nutrition? Don’t accept that a piece of paper, or a title, means any of the above. Ask some questions – like the following ones: Which subjects were studied and to what depth How long was the period of study (was it over the internet, correspondence course or full time basis) How much work experience, if any, is evident How old is the trainer Is there evidence of continued intense study/professional development You must then decide whether that person truly is an experienced and qualified expert in exercise and nutritional science. Consider if anyone can possibly acquire such levels after one year or less of tuition, regardless of the claims of the organisation or company that trained and gave them a certificate. If all your criteria are not met, then you will not have the professional you seek, and will need to continue looking. Your body and wellbeing affect everything you do, from sleeping to all conceivable forms of daily movement. So be completely certain of the skills and knowledge of the professional to whom you entrust your health and safety. In addition, it is very important to realise, that a fit looking or muscular individual, is no 'automatic' guarantee of safe tuition, advanced competence or technical knowledge. It is most unwise, when deciding upon a trainer, to be convinced that athletical appearance signifies the individual knows what they are doing. As health and 'body aware' individuals of both sexes are 'swayed' by visual imagery, this is, understandably, one of the most common errors committed by those seeking advanced exercise and nutritional professionals. You can contact Alan by telephone on  07833 110364