Personal trainers are in demand now more than ever before
Four years ago, 55-year-old Marilyn Latchford of Pickering, Ont. made what she calls "the best investment" of her life: she hired a personal fitness trainer. A former government worker turned public speaker-executive coach, Latchford says she was overweight, out of shape and had poor posture before hiring Toronto-based personal trainer Sean O’Brien. Since deciding to work out twice a week with O’Brien at Extreme Fitness, Latchford has undergone a metamorphosis.
"I look at least 10 years younger!" says an enthusiastic Latchford. She has lost 25 pounds thus far, has dropped from a size 14 to a 7-8, and along with boasting a toned body has improved her posture to the point where she says she stands two inches taller.
"I’m playing fastball with 20-year-olds," adds Latchford. "There’s a noticeable posture improvement, which people continue to point out to me when I am at public-speaking engagements."
You would think that someone with the drive of Latchford would have been able to get fit on her own. Think again. In fact, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), one of North America’s leading fitness authorities, personal training is one of the fastest-growing professions in the health and fitness industry, indicating there are many others like Latchford who rely on an outsider to provide motivation and expertise.
But because personal trainers are in demand now more than ever before, it’s caveat emptor for those seeking the aid of a trainer. There are, in fact, more than 60 organizations that certify trainers. Certification courses run anywhere from a day to three years, making the personal trainer industry very much an unregulated industry.
O’Brien is a 10-year veteran of the training industry. He sees himself as "a combination of a drill sergeant and a caregiver," barking out motivation when it’s needed, and soft-selling instructions on days when his clients are obviously a little more stressed or tired from a hard day’s work. "I think you can be both," says O’Brien of his dual role. "There’s a time and place for a trainer to be a little more sympathetic." Yet, while pushing a client is a personal trainer’s foremost role, it is imperative that a client and a trainer enjoy synergy while working out. Otherwise, this gym-based partnership can turn into a match made in hell.
In Latchford’s case, long hours at work, poor nutrition and lack of motivation only added to her self-assessed shyness within a fitness-club setting. She did make the first move, however, speaking with O’Brien about hooking up in the gym, but she didn’t follow through with her plans until O’Brien telephoned her. Four years later, Latchford is glad O’Brien took the initiative to form a trainer-client relationship. According to O’Brien, the fact that hiring a trainer will get a client into the gym is reason enough to hire one. Surprisingly, he says about half of fitness-club members who pay on a monthly basis don’t even work out. "When you have a trainer, there is accountability," O’Brien explains. "There is always someone waiting for you at the club."
Extreme Fitness’s regional health-centre manager, John Foulkes, agrees with O’Brien on accountability. Foulkes says personal training is an integral part of his club’s overall operations. "Personal training is at the heart of our service element," says Foulkes, who likens a trainer to a "consultant" and a "coach." Foulkes says athletes, non-athletes and those members who are resuming a workout regiment after a long layoff can all benefit from the services of a personal trainer. The fitness-club industry is a competitive one, and similarly the personal-trainer game is just as cut-throat. Prices range from about $40 to $100 an hour, depending on a trainer’s education, training and certification.
While it is not mandatory for a personal trainer to have post-secondary education in kinesiology or exercise science, many would argue that it is necessary if a trainer is to be considered knowledgeable and professional. And with the fitness industry perpetually changing in terms of technology, training and health, education is an important element of any trainer’s tools. And while the end result – living a healthy life – should be the goal of any trainer-client relationship, a successful marriage in the gym always boils down to one thing: chemistry.
"I hired Sean primarily because of his personality," explains Latchford. "He didn’t put any pressure on me. He’s a unique individual, very personable." l trainer brings many pluses to your workout routine, including motivation, implementation of a safe, efficient and effective routine, and help in losing weight. It’s important to ask for qualifications and references, and to ensure there’s no personality conflict. Don’t be afraid to take your trainer for a test drive: if you’re not a good match, and you’re not having fun, then hire another trainer. After all, it’s your health – and your money.
