Caution advised in personal trainer selection

Caution advised in personal trainer selection

Gym goers around New Zealand are being advised to exercise caution when choosing a personal trainer, says a judge in a competition to find the country’s best personal trainer.

Richard Beddie, President of Fitness New Zealand says that although there are an estimated 1,000 personal trainers currently working in New Zealand, a registration system has yet to be introduced. “Currently, anyone can call themselves a personal trainer without actually having the necessary skills or qualifications,” says Richard.

A formal registration system is due to be established within the next year but until then Richard advises anyone considering using a personal trainer to check their credentials carefully. “In the vast majority of cases, the trainers are fully qualified and experienced. However with the massive growth in the personal training industry in recent years, it pays to check credentials and qualifications to make sure you’re getting the right service.”. Alternatively you can look for a centre that displays the FitnessNZ code of ethics – this ensures that all trainers in the centre are suitable qualified.

A judge in the Powerade Trainer of the Year competition, Richard believes that a commitment to help achieve an individual’s health & fitness goals, the ability to develop varied programmes and offering ongoing feedback are the most important skills of a personal trainer.

Richard says a winning personal trainer must have the ability to incorporate exercise and nutritional advice into a person’s lifestyle, rather than simply adding it on. Says Richard, “People have busy stressful lifestyles and it’s not always easy to drastically change eating habits or routines. A good personal trainer will be able to suggest ways of improving a person’s exercise and nutritional needs in a realistic and non obtrusive manner.”

According to Richard, ongoing support from a personal trainer is vital to achieving the best results.

“People may think they need to see their personal trainer several times a week to get the results they want but often less frequent sessions, backed up contact such as a weekly check up call, are all that’s needed. This gives the client the confidence to continue their programme, knowing their trainer is there if they need them.”

Richard believes that the very best trainers communicate well with their clients. “A good personal trainer listens closely to what their clients want, is honest and realistic about what can be achieved. They might not always tell you what you want to hear but they’re there to test your limits and help you reach your goals.”

The Powerade Trainer of the Year competition is open to all personal trainers nationwide. Richard Beddie says the competition is a great opportunity to recognise excellence in the industry. “Initiatives such as this are an excellent way to focus on and reward the fantastic work that is being carried out by so many personal trainers.”

The judging panel also includes sports dietitian, Nikki Hart and former All Black Captain Sean Fitzpatrick. The winning trainer receives $4,000 and the person nominating the winner has the opportunity to win $1,000 of personal training.

The Powerade Trainer of the Year competition is open until 14th October. Entry forms are available from fitness centres and gyms around New Zealand or by calling 0800 505 123.

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