How to Choose a Personal Trainer
by Karen Anderson, Senior Exercise Physiologist at Vitalelife & Sowelu
Personal trainers might seem a dime a dozen if the number of groups training on our beaches and parks are anything to go by. But as with any industry, there are bad apples, especially the unqualified type only in it for the money. The Natural Therapy Pages spoke to Karen Anderson of the Paddington Sowelu Centre, which offers a range of yoga, Pilates and small group personal training for her tips on choosing a personal trainer…
What qualities should a personal trainer have?
I believe one of the most important qualities a personal trainer can have is brilliant listening skills. Truly listening to a client will enable a trainer help the client to achieve their personal goals. So when you combine this skill with a knowledgeable, motivating, genuine caring person who has a strong passion for fitness and health you have a recipe for success.
How important is it for your personal trainer to be qualified?
It is very important to have a qualified personal trainer as this will ensure that they have a solid understanding of the human body and this knowledge will enable them to prescribe exercise safely and effectively.
What qualifications are there in Australia for personal trainers?
In Australia you are required to do a certificate 4 which is a 2 year course available through TAFE.
Is the industry regulated in any way?
Yes Fitness Australia is the governing body who regulates personal trainers in Australia
Are there any industry associations that are relevant?
Yes Fitness Australia
What group sizes are typical in your classes?
Our personal training classes are designed to train a maximum of 6 people in each class. Our yoga and Pilates classes can accommodate up to 17 people.
How do you go about structuring a session?
Each client must have an assessment before joining a class. This assessment enables the personal trainer to identify any injuries, diseases or special needs that need to be taken in to consideration before their personal program is written. This ensures the trainer knows all of the client’s history and personal goals before they commence a session. The personal trainer will manage 6 different programs in the same class so each client will receive a professional individualised exercise session.
Do clients of different abilities or fitness levels pose a problem?
No our personalised programs enables our personal trainer to manage a client with special needs and specific fitness goals.
What sort of timeframe would you need to see some tangible results?
This depends on client’s specific goals however most people will feel physical and psychological changes within in a 6 week period.
What else is on offer at the Sowelu Centre?
Physically we have private personal training available for a wide range of client’s healthy and chronic disease plus yoga and Pilates. There are also a wide range of complementary health professionals such as acupuncture, meditation, muscular skeletal therapists, counselling and energy healing. If it is not exercise or complementary health that you are looking for then we have a wonderful range of beauty treatments, naturally organic skin care products, and other exciting merchandise.
Read about how our Personal Trainers can help you achieve your goals
