There’s no question that physical activity benefits us all, and resistance training in particular is important at any age. But for those who are new to the gym or uncomfortable with the idea of getting started solo, a personal trainer is worth the investment. These professionals are called “personal” trainers for a reason—they develop workout plans that are specific to you, your goals, and any limitations you may have, and they monitor your technique and progress to ensure you’re being challenged safely.
This may sound great, but there’s a good chance you’re wondering how to find a personal trainer who can offer these benefits. For seniors in particular, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching your options. Here’s how to find a good personal trainer for seniors right here in Reno, Nevada.
Research Personal Trainers With The Right Experience
Beyond the essentials—a personal training certification and a long list of happy clients—it’s really important to find a personal trainer who has a lot of experience working with adults over age 50.It means they understand how to work around potential age-related issues, like joint or back conditions, menopause, bone density decreases, arthritis, etc. Plus, it means they’re familiar with your lifestyles and priorities.
Schedule A Consultation
On paper, a trainer may seem perfect. But there are intangibles that only become apparent in a face-to-face meeting, so it’s important to schedule a consultation. Different trainers approach this meeting in their own way, but the goal is to decide how you feel about someone’s personality and ability. Would you be comfortable spending a few hours a week in their company, especially considering that you’ll be out of your comfort zone somewhat? If not, keep looking until you find someone you think you can trust.
Ask About Their Training Philosophy
The health and fitness industry isn’t particularly well regulated, and there are a lot of trainers and coaches who promote things that aren’t evidence based. In addition to certifications from reputable organizations, a prospective personal trainer should be willing to share information about their philosophy and approach to fitness.Ideally, you want a coach who takes an evidence-based approach, not the latest trend or fad. Don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about their education, training background and coaching style, including the date of the last course they completed.
Ask specifically about how the trainer might accommodate any limitations you have, such as osteoporosis or low back pain, and how they would structure a plan that moves you closer to your personal fitness goals.
Ask For References
For a well-rounded idea of what you might expect with a particular personal trainer, ask for references in a similar age group.Ask about their experience with the trainer, how well he or she accounts for specific needs, and whether or not they recommend the trainer. You might also ask about personal results and how instrumental the trainer has been.
The Bottom Line On Finding A Personal Trainer For Seniors
Whether you live here in Reno or elsewhere, this is a useful guide for finding a personal trainer who has direct experience and a successful track record working with seniors. Don’t assume that every trainer is qualified to work with an older clientele. Spending time researching your options, meeting face to face, asking specific questions and checking references is the best way to find a personal trainer for seniors who can help you meet your goals.
We’ll save you some time and recommend Paul Fischer, a personal trainer right here in Reno who specializes in senior fitness.Paul has close to 30 years of experience in the industry with a robust list of certifications and qualifications. He understands how to work with older adults and has a long, successful track record. If you’re considering personal training in Reno, Paul has the experience, expertise and compassion to help.Contact him today to get started.