If you are a busy body and don’t have time to go to the gym then don’t just forget the idea of keeping yourself fit at all because being in shape has many advantages which we can never stop counting. So think on the terms of having a personal instructor come at your place once or twice a week as per required by your schedule and work out in total privacy. According to the experts, hiring a personal trainer may once have seemed to be only a luxury that the rich and famous could afford. Today, anyone with a little extra income has the power to hire a personal trainer. You don't have to be a Hollywood celebrity. A qualified trainer can assess individual fitness, create goals based on the status of that assessment, and motivate the client to adhere to the program as outlined. A proper program should address both the exercise and nutritional components of the person's lifestyle. Needless to say, a good personal trainer should be energetic and motivating, always encouraging their clients to reach maximum performance. Personal trainers today may work at their home, come to your home, work at a facility such as a health club or YMCA, or even work by phone. The following information comes from the consumer watchdog organization called Quackwatch (www.quackwatch.org). The author is Donald Evans, B.S.in kinesiology, with a specialization in fitness, nutrition, and health, from San Diego State University.

Academic Degrees

First, a professional personal trainer should have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, physical education, sport management. or something similar. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the university that granted the degree, make sure it is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The degree is an assurance that the trainer did not enter the profession on a whim or as a fly-by-night endeavor. Proper training requires between 2,000-3,000 hours of in-class instruction, many exams and research papers, as well as much outside study and writing. A normal time frame for completion is 4-6 years that provide a solid background in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise prescription techniques.

Certification

Personal trainer certification is another critical factor. Due to an absence of government regulation, many certifying bodies exist. Your best bet is to find a trainer who is certified by one of the following:

Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (CIAR)

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

National Council of Strength & Fitness (NCSF)

National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

There may be other quality agencies; however, those listed above are the most respected in the field. These certifications ensure that the trainer has demonstrated basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, exercise prescription, nutrition, and responsibility to the client. Valid CPR certification is generally required in order to sit for the exams, and most of these certifying bodies require continuing education credits every year or two. Finally, do not accept as legitimate any certification that allows the individual to take the exam at home. Some fringe agencies require only a 70% or higher score even though the exam is taken at home. There is no way to ensure that the trainer in question actually took the exam.

Degree vs. Certification

Ideally, your personal trainer should have both, adhering to the standards discussed above. The degree requires a more in-depth and complete approach to the academic subjects in question. Certification tests also cover various training techniques, as well as information related to client issues. If you are going to spend between $30 to $120 per hour, find a degreed and certified trainer and make the most of your hard-earned money.

Nutrition Credentials

No  customized exercise training program is complete without proper nutrition. Personal trainers with a Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the American Dietetic Association should be able to provide in-depth nutrition advice. However, a Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) credential or an associate or bachelor's degree in nutrition from an accredited institution may be sufficient for providing basic dietary guidelines. Work experience in the field of nutrition is also a plus. These additional credentials in nutrition should be considered as an adjunct to, but not in place of, the exercise science degree and personal trainer certification.

What You Should Expect
Many personal trainers have their own philosophy about the best way to develop their client programs. However, during the first meeting, the trainer should explore your health history, fitness goals, and any exercise preferences. You may also be asked to complete several forms:

Informed consent. This should outline the benefits and risks of engaging in an exercise program and states that the client accepts the said conditions without any undue deceit or coercion. It is required by law where program participants may be exposed to some type of harm. Potential clients are advised to read it carefully. Signing the document renders it legally binding. Health history form. This will contain questions regarding past and current medical problems, family history of disease, and possible risk factors which are contraindicated with exercise. Truthful responses will assist the trainer greatly. Physician approval. Although not absolutely required for apparently healthy individuals, a good trainer requires written approval from a physician. Once clearance has been secured, the trainer may ask you to perform several tests to provide a baseline information about your levels of flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. The test areas may include stretching, lifting weights, walking on a treadmill, using the stationary bicycle, and taking a body-fat percentage using skinfold calipers. The initial interview and tests will govern the type of exercise, equipment, and level of intensity that are used.

Warning Signs

Although the majority of reputable trainers abide by a code of ethics and professional standards, there will always be those who are less than qualified. Be highly skeptical if your trainer... Insists on a workout during the first meeting. Most personal training sessions last either 30 or 60 minutes. This initial meeting should be used to explore what you need and process any necessary paperwork. Tries to sell you dietary supplements. If the client chooses to use supplements, they are best obtained from a retail store. Advises everyone to use vitamins, protein supplements, amino acid concoctions, or other dubious products. Says that his or her style of training is the ONLY way to get results. Is hesitant to provide you with proof of credentials or references. This is probably a sign that the trainer's credentials are less than credible. Is uninsured. Liability insurance is a must for every personal trainer. Is not punctual about appointments, or is unavailable via telephone or email. Is unclear about the cancellation policy. Clients have a right to know how much time they have to cancel a session in advance without being obligated to pay the fee. Does not keep up with current research in the field of exercise science. Does not practice what he/she preaches. Those who do not train their own body may lack the dedication needed to inspire their clients.