Bod-God on Call

Where can a personal trainer go wrong?
Doctors in Delhi report an increasing number of patients who have been hurt or injured by personal trainers who do not appreciate the needs of people with special considerations, such as those who suffer chronic pain. 8216;8216;People might find themselves unable to move for three days after a session with an unskilled personal trainer,8217;8217; explains Dr Atik Vasudev, senior consultant in sports medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

8216;8216;The physiological needs are different for different age groups. While those in the 20-30 age group need an aggressive programme, the elderly must adopt much milder workouts. Similarly, an arthritic person cannot follow a vigorous programme but needs a wide range of gentle motions for the joints,8217;8217; says Dr Vasudev.

How should I choose a trainer?
Your trainer should be a resource for fitness, exercise, nutrition, training and lifestyle. He should be there for personal instruction and motivation at times that are convenient to you. He should be positive and passionate about good health and fitness, and help others reach their personal goals.

The key is not to be taken in by appearances: A strongly built trainer may not be able to give you the same body. The minimum a personal trainer should possess is certification from a reputable organisation that trains such experts. But schooling, by itself, doesn8217;t make for a perfect trainer. Make sure the person you employ is up to date with current research, and doesn8217;t believe in the one-size-fits-all philosophy. And most of all, the person should be interested in your body.

What should I look for?
As a first step, ask a health professional you trust for references.

Arrange a one-to-one meeting. Quiz the trainer on his/her background and training.

Seek information about his/her current and former clients and speak to them.

Specify your needs and goals. Discuss your full medical history with the trainer.

Confirm that he/she is knowledgeable in physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, or specialities8212;pre or post-natal fitness, injury rehabilitation8212;you may be looking for. Your trainer should also have CPR mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and first aid certification.

You should be comfortable with the trainer; he/she should have good communication skills and sound you out about your needs and limitations.

Ask yourself the follow-ing questions:
Did the trainer ask me questions about myself and my lifestyle?

Does the trainer promote an integrated programme that includes all five components of optimal health strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training?

Did the trainer have good listening skills and communicate well?

Am I comfortable with the trainer8217;s gender?

If all the answers are yes, sign him up now!

Trainer Tabs
Keep an eye on the following:

The trainer should keep a record of your workouts

He/she should update you regularly on the progress towards your short and long-term goals

He/she should keep you motivated and feeling good about your exercise regimen