If you’ve been half-heartedly trying to reach your fitness goals on your own, then it is time to step it up with a Commerce personal training professional. Looking for a trainer is sort of like looking for a therapist in the sense that everyone has their own personal style. You need to find someone who meshes with your personality and is fully committed to helping you achieve your goals. This may sound crazy and terribly obvious, but many people have wasted their money on trainers who yap on cell phones, show up to appointments late, or stick them with mundane activities day-in and day-out.

• People Passion: The best trainer thrives on relationships and genuinely cares about each client. You’re not just a walking dollar sign. The people person cares about goals and knows just the right routines to get you there.
• Education: It may surprise you to learn this, but personal training is a largely unregulated industry. Just about anyone can say they are a trainer, without having to go through a strenuous training rigmarole as a doctor or registered dietician might. Look for someone with certification from a reputable organization (ACSM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, or NASM). A degree in a health-related field is always a bonus.
• Experience: A trainer that has 1-2 years of experience is good, but you also want someone who is well-versed in your particular set of circumstances. If you’re pregnant, find someone with a specialty in that niche, for example. If you have arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, or a heart condition, find someone who has worked with many other clients similar to you.

When you phone a Commerce personal training professional, ask:

-          Do you offer a complimentary session to assess my goals?

-          Do you perform a fitness assessment at the start of the program?

-          What will a typical session be like?

-          How long does the program run?

-          Am I charged hourly or per session?

-          What is the cancellation policy?

Be wary of a trainer who charges less than $50 or more than $90 per hour. Avoid trainers who try to sell you supplements. You don’t want someone who is sitting in a comfy chair drinking a cappuccino, staring at you work out. You don’t want a trainer who talks on cell phones at work, eats while you’re lifting weights, or offers to “crack your back” like a chiropractor. These are all very inappropriate for a true professional. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you’ve read the fine print. For instance, some trainers require a 20-day notice before cancelling your sessions.