Hiring a personal trainer
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

There are no more excuses. You can no longer claim that you, too, would have Beyoncé's booty, Brad Pitt's abs or Oprah's new physique if you had a personal trainer. Today's personal trainers are like the '80s Thigh Master -- accessible, abundant and fairly affordable.

Personal trainers, however, offer something that past exercise trends never could -- a workout tailored to your individual needs and ability. From the novice who wants to establish good exercise habits to the seasoned pro training for the big win, people are investing in personal training to help reach health and fitness goals.

"It's more and more commonplace," says Susan Lee, executive director of the Certified Personal Trainers Network. "People are becoming more health conscious -- it's a healthy investment."

A new body for everybody
For many, personal training evokes images of hard bodies pumping iron in front of all full length mirror or spoiled stars working out in their home gym, but that's a small part of the picture.

Lee, who also runs her own consulting company, Synergetics Personal and Corporate Wellness Inc., and manages the personal training program at the University of Toronto, says trainers work with people from all walks of life, including affluent seniors who want to live their golden years in good health, new moms looking to get back in shape, and even people recovering from accidents or injuries.

Personal trainers are increasingly "considered part of the health-care continuum," says Lee, adding that the burgeoning business attracts those with a passion for fitness and a knack for motivating others.

Finding a trainer
Tiziana Ienna owns and operates Fisico Personal Training Services in Vancouver, B.C. She also holds a master's degree in exercise physiology from the University of British Columbia and earned her trainer certification from the BC Parks and Recreation Association.

"People who come to me feel safer because of that background," says Ienna, who would like to see a central organization set standards and regulate the training industry.

Until then, it's up to those seeking a trainer to do their homework. With more than 100 certification programs in North America -- some of which offer mail-order qualifications -- it's wise to be prudent.

Lee recommends working with a trainer whose certification involved theory and practical exams, as well as CPR and first aid training. For example, CRTN's program costs $650 and trainers spend an additional $150 to $200 per year on books and workshops to stay current.

"As well as the expertise of the trainer, the comfort level is very important" says Lee of the trainer-client partnership.

Finding that special someone can be as easy as joining the local gym and signing up with one of the trainers on staff. A quick Web search will also reveal a number of private personal training organizations. Some Web sites, such as the one operated by CRTN, have search engines to connect people with local trainers. Many trainers also freelance part-time and build their businesses through referrals.

Here are some drills to put potential trainers through:

• Examine their credentials. Check out their certifier's Web site to see how stringent the program is.
• Ask about expertise. Ensure your trainer has worked with people like you -- there's no sense in hiring a power lifter if your goal is only to lose a few pounds.
• Demand thoroughness. A good trainer should ask to take a comprehensive look at your medical history.
• Ask about their client base. Ask how long the trainer has worked with current his clients -- long relationships indicate progression in exercise programs.
• Request references, and be sure to check at least two or three.

Will it hurt?
When Michelle Smart joined her Toronto gym, she avoided a free consultation with a personal trainer because she dreaded the fitness assessment -- more specifically the body-fat test.

"I knew I was out of shape, I didn't need someone rubbing it in," she says.

"We used to always start with a fitness test, but that was intimidating," admits Lee. Increasingly, trainers are moving toward consultations where clients discuss goals, health issues, the type of equipment and exercise they enjoy, as well as what they expect from a trainer.

Trainers then develop an exercise program that caters to a person's abilities and objectives. The program should be flexible and evolve as needs change.

A few sessions with a personal trainer may also breathe new life into your existing workout. Providing motivation and direction are trainers' main assets, says Ienna. "(Clients) get that extra push and it tends to be a harder workout. Technique correction is a very big factor as well."

Some clients work with a trainer two or three times a week for constant motivation and supervision, while others see a trainer only occasionally to update their fitness program or receive feedback. It's a personal and financial decision.

The price of a new bod
Trainers charge between $50 and $100 an hour, with prices varying according to geography -- urban centres are more expensive -- and experience. Most also offer packages; for example, Ienna charges $60 an hour, but buying in bulk reduces her fee to as low as $48 an hour.

If you already belong to a gym, working with a staff trainer is usually less expensive than having someone come to your home. However, if money is no object, many trainers will help set up a home gym. Some trainers also operate small studios, the cost of which is usually reflected in the hourly fee. Many also run programs outdoors, using exercise balls, small weights and natural elements, such as a steep hill for running.

Think you can't afford a trainer? Consider partner or small-group training, which still involves a lot of one-on-one instruction, but the fee is usually close to half, at $30 an hour or less. "The social aspect is fun," says Lee, adding that it's important everyone have similar goals.

No matter your goal, or level of fitness, experts insist that everybody can benefit, both in terms of overall health and self confidence, from a personal trainer. Still longing for Beyoncé's booty or Brad's abs? Go for it -- no more excuses.

Michelle Warren is a writer in Toronto.