Performance & Body Design

FAQs

• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

  I am constantly attending continuing education seminars and coursework. I strive to read and learn more within my industry everyday. Below is a list of my current certifications and courses/seminars I have attended and completed. Current Certifications: AFAA: Certified Personal Fitness Trainer AFAA: Certified Group Fitness Instructor NASM: Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification IYCA: Youth Fitness Specialist IYCA: Youth Nutrition Specialist Easy Flexibility: Kinesiological Stretching Technique Certification FiTour: Myofascial Release Foam Roller Certification Red Cross: First Aid & CPR/AED for Adult/Pediatric Crystal Practitioner Crystal Healing Practitioner Usui Ryoho Reiki Level I, II, Master & Teacher Crystal Reiki Master & Teacher Animal Reiki Practitioner Currently Pursuing: Mental Toughness Course Hydration Coursework Former: Powder Blue Productions: Certified Turbo Kick Instructor AFAA: Certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor Coursework: Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2009) AFAA Practical Skills and Choreography Powder Blue Productions: TurboKick Certification Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2010) AFAA Prenatal Fitness Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2011) Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2012) Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2013) Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2014) AFAA Yoga Essentials I AFAA Yoga Essentials II ACE Small Group Training Workshop Perform Better - Functional Training Summit (3-Day-2017) Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - Life Coaching World of Sound Therapy and Sound Healing Practitioner Course Reiki Business Course

• What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

  You have one body, if you don’t take care of it, where will you live? When you choose to put your most valuable asset in the hands of a Fitness “Professional” make sure they ARE A PROFESSIONAL. You need to know what questions to ask and what to look for when interviewing your potential fitness trainer. The following guidelines will help you ask the right questions to make a well-educated decision when investing in your health and wellness. What are you certified in? And by whom? You might be surprised who will call himself or herself a trainer. There are many “trainers” that don’t have any certifications at all. A certification is important because it ensures that the person has a standard base of knowledge when it comes to health, fitness, and nutrition. Ask to see a copy of the certification and check the date. Most certifications are good for two years from the date printed on the certificate and require a certain number of continuing education courses over the two years for recertification. There are a multitude of associations and counsels that offer certifications. There are many reputable trainer certifications including ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NASM, NEFTA, and NFPT. Write the company down and check online to ensure it’s from an accredited company. The fitness industry is ever-changing and we discover new and improved ways to train as well as some we should avoid. Without a current certification, you have no way of knowing how old the training techniques and philosophies are that they are using. Are you insured? For your peace of mind and theirs, a fitness trainer should be insured. If you see “Insured” on their business card, website, or resumé, don’t assume that they are currently insured. Be sure to ask to see a “Certificate of Insurance,” and read it. Check the date and make sure it’s current. If they refuse, they are probably not insured, and definitely not someone you want to entrust with your health. What is your hourly rate? Personal training rates typically range from $60 - $100 per hour. The cost is determined by a number of factors including the location, date and time, type of training, as well as their experience and specialties. Where the training session occurs directly affects the price as well. At most gyms, trainers either pay “rent” (a fee per client per session) or pay a percentage of the session price per client to use the facility. At-home training tends to be more expensive because of the time to get to the location and for the use of a trainer’s own equipment and transportation. Another aspect that affects the cost is the type of training you are receiving; elite sports specific training is more costly than general training for people new to fitness. Some trainers may charge more for holidays and weekend sessions. Other determining factors in a trainer’s rate are a trainer’s experience and certifications/specialties. Trainers with extensive education, experience, and know-how charge a higher rate. Just like with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Don’t skimp here, this is someone you’re trusting with your health and well-being. If you don’t have your health you don’t have anything. What is your availability? Consistency is the key to success in anything, especially fitness, so you need to eliminate any “excuses” that may prevent you from establishing healthy habits and rhythms. The most common excuse is “I don’t have time.” You need to be doing a minimum of three workouts a week to maintain your level of fitness. Depending on your needs and goals you may be meeting with your trainer anywhere from once a month to six times a week. If the times that you are available and the hours they offer don’t coordinate with your schedule you need to find a different trainer or amend your schedule to accommodate those available times. Why do you train? Specifically, do they have a mission statement? What is their motivation? Whatever their answer may be, it will give you valuable insight as to their true character and drive. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with them as a person and their motives. This person should inspire you. You should want to look forward to working with them and see yourself reaching your goals with their guidance. If you do not feel you have a connection with them, be honest and tell them it’s just not a match and find someone else. If the trainer truly wants what’s best for you (as they should), they will fully understand and appreciate your honesty. Do you have testimonials or references? Having references that recommend training with the trainer you’re considering is very important. Successful clients are generally more than happy to tell their story and how their trainer helped guide them to where they are now. Testimonials can tell you a lot about the trainer’s style, personality, and philosophies with regard to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. If they don’t have any references or testimonials, they may simply be inexperienced or not concerned with their reputation and clients’ results. Tips: Check with your health insurance company to see if you get money back for fitness-related expenses. Most insurance companies give up to $150 toward gym membership and/or fitness training services. As with any contract, DO NOT sign an agreement until you’ve read it in its entirety. Make sure you know and understand their billing, fees, and policies. You don’t want to find out you committed to something you didn’t understand if a problem arises. It’s an investment in you, and YOU ARE worth it! Physical fitness and proper nutrition are key contributors to a healthy lifestyle and require discipline. Establish good habits over time and these will lead you to your goals and are a continuous path to the best you can be. © 2012, Kristin D Mercurio, Performance & Body Design.