After attending physical therapy picking out an appropriate personal trainer is extremely important. Here are a few pointers and questions to consider:
- Make sure they take a health history to understand any cardiovascular or orthopedic considerations (ie osteoporosis, spinal problems, torn meniscus)
- Does your personal trainer have any experience with clients in a post- rehabilitation setting?
- Make sure there is a clear communication of “what is good pain” and “what is bad pain” especially if coming from physical therapy. At times physical therapy requires patients to endure a degree of pain in the effort to loosen scar tissue. Make sure your personal trainer understand what you are experiencing.
- If you had surgery please convey limits set by orthopedist, physician and physical therapist
- Set realistic goals with your personal trainer. Is it just weight loss? Manage stress? Or return to a sport they have stopped because of poor balance or endurance. Think ahead!
- If you are in a gym with personal trainers on staff take time to observe the personal trainers to find the right match. What type of clientele do they service? Older vs younger or aggressive vs conservative training styles.
- Have you had a recent physical? Lets not jump right into a program if you haven’t consulted with the proper heatlhcare practitioner
- Did they have you fill out a health questionaire like a PAR-Q? This questionaire screens for possible health issues that require you see a physician or physical therapist before starting a physical fitness program
- What qualifications do they have? Here are a few well respected types 1) The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), 2) The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or 3) The American Council on Exercise (ACE). These are the 3 most highly regarded national certifications for personal trainers. Also, these organizations have websites where you can search for a certified personal trainer that lives in your area.
- Do they have liability insurance?
I hope this helps and prevents or reduce unnecessary set backs or injuries.
Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation located in the Gabriel Realty Buidling at One East Ridgewood Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ provides orthopedic and sports physical therapy services for the greater Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Oradell, River Edge, Westwood, Ho-ho-kus and Bergen County region. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. The views expressed here are the author’s views and should be taken as suggestions. Always consult your physician or healthcare practitioner before engaging in a orthopedic, cardiovascular or sports physical therapy rehabilitation program.