You're not a movie star, but you can exercise like one. Working with a personal trainer can be a great way to boost your motivation and results. But if you're just starting with your fitness program, you may not know what a personal trainer is or how one can help you.

How can a personal trainer help?
Remember to first check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan or increasing your activity. A personal trainer can help you improve your performance and reach goals in competitive sports and in personal fitness training. A competitive athlete may seek one-on-one coaching to become stronger and faster than a person who trains alone. Personal trainers can also help with:

• Motivation. A personal trainer will help you work out harder and longer. This can mean faster results in weight loss and strength gain.
• Safety. A personal trainer can help prevent injuries by making sure you are training in a safe way.
• Planning. You can work with a personal trainer to design a custom workout plan that's right for you. This will help you track your progress and stay focused on your exercise program.

What to look for when choosing a personal trainer
Before you pick a personal trainer, you should know what you want from your exercise program. Do you want to lose a few pounds or are your training for a marathon? Is your goal to join a competitive sport team, or do you want help staying fit?

Once you understand your goals, it will be easier to find the right personal trainer. Here are some tips to help you when you start looking:

• Education. There are several professional certifications for personal trainers. The person you choose should know enough to answer your questions and help you get the most from your workout.
• Experience. If you're just starting an exercise program, a less experienced trainer may suit your needs. But if you're a competitive athlete, you may want someone with a lot of experience in competitive athletics.
• Availability. Before you hire your personal trainer, make sure he or she is willing to be flexible with your workout schedule.
• Personality. It's important that you are able to talk freely with your personal trainer. You will have to take your trainer's advice, and he or she may be critical of you at times. Part of your trainer's job is to push you or motivate you. If you don't like your personal trainer, you may not succeed with your exercise program.
• Business practices. You'll be working closely with and paying for your personal trainer, so you need to know that he or she can be trusted. Is your trainer properly insured? Ask to talk to some other clients to make sure he or she has a good reputation both as a trainer and a businessperson.

When picking a personal trainer, it's a good idea to shop around. Spend time with several trainers to find the one that best matches your fitness goals and personality. Working with a personal trainer can turn into a long-term relationship. Taking time to make the right choice can help you keep on track with your exercise program and reach your goals faster.

Related Articles The Benefits of a Personal Trainer Getting Strong Through Resistance Training Weight Training for Women 101 8 Benefits of Strength Training Training Tips for Competitive Athletes

External Sources AARP. Pick the best personal trainer for you.. Accessed March 19, 2008 American Council on Exercise. Supervised workouts improve results. Accessed on: March 19, 2008. . Accessed March 19, 2008 American Council on Exercise. Guide to certified training.. Accessed March 19, 2008

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.