Boot Camps & Personal Training

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Whenever hiring a personal trainer, I always advise people to plan on interviewing at least 3 different trainers. You are going to be spending quite a bit of time with that person and you really want to make sure that their training style, philosophy and personality are a good match with your own.

Other things to ask about are education, experience and other things that would qualify them as being knowledgeable in their field. Ask the trainer if she/he carries insurance and if they have ever had an injury claim filed against them. You will also want to ask how many years the trainer has been in business actually training people... unfortunately some trainers have the certification, but have very little experience... everyone has to start somewhere, but I would be leery of those with little gym experience. Another way to catch a great trainer is through word of mouth, ask around to friends and colleagues.

Last but not least make sure you interview all three before you make your decision even if you decide you have a favorite before the end of the interview process. Its important to make sure you and your trainer are a good fit, so that you can maximize the results you get in the gym!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. If I was a customer I would want to know that my trainer had to work as hard as I did, and that my trainer actually had other work to do all day long besides working out! I hear from so many people about how easy it is for me to stay in shape because of what I do for a living. My response is I think its actually harder! Trainer's who are independent, have all the same responsibilities and stresses any other business owner has. In addition a constant pressure to look " Like a Trainer".

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. 1.) How many years experience training people?
2.) What other experiences do they have in the industry that would add to their qualifications?
3.) Do they have any formal Certification? If so who is it through and is it current?
4.) Are they CPR certified? Is that current?
5.) Are they knowledgeable about Nutrition and Supplementation?
6.) Can you talk to any of their previous clientele for reference?

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love helping people and being active. Personal Training and teaching Boot Camps is what I do - for many people it is something they do on the side or for a lot of the younger crowd something they do as a job for a short period of time.... This is my profession and my passion, I wouldn't want to do anything else! I am so blessed to be able to work with and help so many people. The feelings you get when a client tells you, they don't need to take their diabetes meds anymore because of your exercise and nutrition advice is just AWESOME! Knowing that I can make a difference in the quality of life of others - is what its all about.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. YES! YES! Every two years I have to take 20 Continuing Education Units in my field to stay current with my Personal Training Certification. I am currently studying for my Sports Science Nutrition Certification, which counts as my 20 CEU's for the next two years. In addition I read, read, read. Love to spend a day at the bookstore with some coffee perusing the Health and Fitness sections.