By Maria Mahn

… as appeared in print

  2009 is filled with possibilities and hope for a healthier and happier year. Many of you resolved to lose weight and get in shape in ’09. Last week, you set goals for yourself and now it’s time to execute those goals.

  Hiring a personal trainer is something that many of you have probably thought about in hopes of helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. After all, having a personal trainer help you develop an exercise program, keep you motivated and track your results can make all the difference. However, before you sign up for 24 hours of self-inflicted pain, you should know what to look for in a personal trainer.  

  Ask for their credentials: ACE, NASM, ACSM, AAPT are the top organizations certifying personal trainers.  

  Also look for personal trainers who have a college degree in fields such as exercise physiology or kinesiology. Many trainers have additional training in speciality areas such as corrective exercise, pre and postnatal and performance enhancement.

  Try a session with a few different trainers. You would buy a car without taking for a test drive, would you? Although the trainers have the same credentials, their training styles and personalities may be completely different. If you watch NBC’s hit show, Biggest Loser, you know what I mean. Jillian and Bob – watch them in action sometime.