Does Your Trainer Have
Personal Trainer Certification?

Personal trainer certification is required for employment as a trainer at most health clubs and gyms today. While certification means that a trainer has satisfied certain standards and passed tests, certification alone does not guarantee excellence. All trainers are not equal.

Most health clubs and gyms have trainer lists of independent trainers or employees. Ask for the list. Then I suggest talking to more than one and asking for references. Be certain you are comfortable with a trainer’s personality and professionalism before employing him or her. State your fitness goals clearly, and ask your trainer for an opinion of them. Do not work with someone you don’t like. That may sound obvious, but many people start with a trainer and then realize it is a bad fit. If that should happen, it is important to end the association and find a more compatible trainer.

Following that cautionary note, let me say that most trainers I’ve been around seem to be conscientious, friendly, and professional. More than likely, your trainer will fit into that category. However, be as discerning as you would be in establishing a working relationship with a doctor, lawyer, or CPA.

The following are professional fitness trainer associations that offer education, testing, and certification for fitness professionals. Your trainer may belong to one or more of them.

Professional organizations offering senior specialist training are in bold . . .

•ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
Web Address: http://www.acsm.org

•ACE (American Council on Exercise)
Web address: www.acefitness.org

•AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates)
Web address: www.afpafitness.com

•Cooper Institute
Web Address: www.cooperinstitute.org/personal-training-education/become-a-certified-personal-trainer/index.cfm

•IFA (International Fitness Association)
Web address: www.ifafitness.com

•IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association)
Web address: www.ifpa-fitness.com

•ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association)
www.issaonline.com/certification/specialist-in-fitness-for-older-adults.cfm

•NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers)
Web address: www.nfpt.com

•SFA (Senior Fitness Association)
Web Address: www.seniorfitness.net

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