What Qualifications Should A Trainer Have?

 My basic question is what certifications/training should my trainer have? Can I assume that they are well qualified because they work at the gym?  Oh, I am in Canada if that affects the type of qualifications. 

This is a response that I wrote in another thread a while back. There is one other cert that is good and I forgot it now....but it starts w/ an I. Sorry, can't remember now.  Anyway, I am a trainer and this is what I would look for to hire one.

If you are looking to hire a trainer you should ask what certification they have. It should be one of the top 3: NSCA, ACSM, NASM. ACE is ok too. They should have a four year degree in exercise science or something related. They should have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience. They should sit down and talk with you prior to your first workout. They should go over your health history, prior exercise history and goals. They should take basic measurements height, weight, blood pressure etc... Some will take body measurements and some will measure your body fat (I don't always do this because clients with a lot of weight to lose are often uncomfortable and sometimes it is better to just have them pick a pair of pants to act as their measuring tool). They should preform some basic fitness assessments to see if you have any movement inconsistencies that need to be addressed. They should allow you to ask questions. They should explain to you what they are thinking in terms of a workout plan for you. They may need to work on this after the see you workout a little because it helps to watch a client in action before making an exact plan. They should be able to explain why they are having you do a specific exercise. If they don't do these things and you don't feel comfortable with the person for ANY reason....DON'T let them train you. If you like the person but they are having you do something you don't like or understand....you MUST speak up. It is partially the client's responsibility to inform the trainer if you are not getting what you want.

Original Post by e-ksmom:

My basic question is what certifications/training should my trainer have? Can I assume that they are well qualified because they work at the gym? Oh, I am in Canada if that affects the type of qualifications.

You should usually assume they don't know very much more than you because that's generally the case. I have seen some of the most horrific crap perpetrated by so called "trainers"- really bad form, useless exercises, sticking clients on treadmills and wandering off and my favorite, trolling for other clients while they are working with their current one.

Listen to kashicat, she seems to be the exception to what I feel is the rule.

don't forget..years of experince count also---and there is also an education..some go to college for a personal training or exercise/kinesology degree--my husband is going to school for 6 months..i think those are really important to look at ..I'm saying this because if a person went to school I would look more into that than the type of "certificate " they have....

Thanks everyone.  Kashikat - I have even less confidence in the gym now she didn't do any of that. Spirochete - the treadmill made me dizzy at 2mph I nearly fell off! (I did get better) Bootser - I agree formal education makes me feel better.  Thanks again.