The demand for personal trainers today is on the rise. Personal trainers are qualified fitness professionals who assess, discuss, motivate and teach clients how to improve their fitness and well being. Personal trainers can help you unlock your true health and fitness potential. If you have been considering, or are already training under the expert guidance of a personal trainer, these are things s/he should be doing:

Personal training is a private (personalised) class between a trainer and single or group of participants. It goes beyond just directing a certain exercise routine.By definition, a personal trainer is a fitness professional possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities for safe and effective exercise and program design, instruction and assistance for the purpose of reaching personal health and fitness goals. Passion, purpose, caring and coaching are the traits of a good personal trainer.It’s about responsibility, commitment, expert guidance, motivation, trust and more. The trainer and the client work towards a specific need or goal to succeed.

A personal trainers should have knowledge of the human anatomy, physiology, bio mechanics and the concepts of exercise, correct movement techniques,basic nutrition and exercise science. S/he should be able to design individual and group exercise programs tailored to the client needs, and be able to understand what attainable goals of individual clients are.

The personal trainer starts with initial evaluation and assessment to assess the client’s health and fitness status using proper scientific methods.The trainer administers various fitness tests and interprets the data to conclude current status. The trainer then sets goals for the client. S/he helps the client understand his/her current health/fitness status and works together to set realistic goals. The goals set should appear achievable to the client.

A customised programme is then designed to suit the client’s needs, interests and to meet the goal.The client’s health and fitness level plays a very important role to determine the exercise routine. Any injuries and health condition should be seriously considered.

A good personal trainer should be qualified to demonstrate various exercises and proper use of equipment and monitor the client closely to ensure the application of correct techniques and to improve client skills.S/he should communicate clearly to explain the exercise methodology, listen and pay attention to difficulties the client faces. It is important that a client and trainer practice feedback methods on both sides to clear any confusion.

Motivation is extremely crucial to ensure improvement on performance and compliance to the program. It creates and sustains ‘Want and Interest’ to succeed. Without the right motivation it is very unlikely that the client will hit the right volume and intensity to achieve their goals, especially difficult ones. Motivation helps them overcome comfort zones. A trainer should create trust and reliable rapport to influence inspiration and motivation. S/he must consider client psychology, personality and trigger factors to constantly motivate them.

A good trainer monitor and ensures progress at all times.The client should be under close supervision and vigilance. The information should be recorded to measure current and ongoing status. The trainer should make necessary changes to focus on progress and meet objectives.

The trainer advises and educates clients about lifestyle modification techniques and nutrition to help improve their overall health and well being.

Note: Self-taught or trial and error methods doesn’t qualify one to become a trainer. Having big biceps or a good physique are also not indicators. Exercise is a science – period! And there is a process to become a qualified fitness trainer. However, trainer has limitations and should know their perimeter of knowledge and specialty. One must never hesitate to refer clients to healthcare professional if and when necessary.As a client you have the right to ask for your trainer’s qualifications, just as you would want to know about your doctor or teacher or engineer.

The author is a certified professional fitness instructor, founder and master trainer at Rage Fitness and a fitness columnist who specialises in mixed martial arts.