Wanted: the perfect trainer

I am having trouble sticking with my fitness program. Will a personal trainer help me? What is the best way to locate one in my area?

JIM

Laguna Niguel

A personal trainer can provide motivation, expertise and personal attention -- all important factors in reaching your health and fitness goals.

And with the growth of the fitness industry in the last decade, they’ve become more affordable and more available than ever before.

However, not all personal trainers are created equal. They can vary greatly, not only in experience, cost and availability, but also in approach, philosophy and personality.

Here are some tips to help in your search:

Consider your goals, needs and budget.

Do you need a trainer for every workout or would seeing a trainer once a week keep your program on track? Maybe you need a trainer only to perform an assessment, design a workout and be available every couple of weeks. Also, decide whether you want to be trained at home, at your office or in a gym -- and how often you can afford to see a trainer. (Sessions can cost $30 to $100 per hour.)

Do your homework.

Many trainers have their own websites. Peruse these sites to learn more about their business and their personal style. Does the trainer make realistic claims, have experience working with people like you and provide references you can contact?

Some personal trainer organizations offer online searches of qualified trainers. Although these services will not generally offer insight into a trainer’s particular style or approach, they will usually have information about background, certifications and education.

You can also contact local gyms or health clubs to find out more about the trainers there. This more personal approach will generally provide an opportunity to meet or speak with a variety of trainers. Most health clubs (especially chains) require trainers to have a nationally recognized certification, but many small studios do not.

Ensure that the trainer is qualified.

Ask to see each trainer’s qualifications and certification. There are hundreds of certifications for personal trainers. However, because there is no government regulation, many of these certifications can be obtained online -- by anyone -- with little if any proof of expertise. Your best bet is to look for a trainer who is certified by one of the following nationally recognized organizations:

* Aerobic and Fitness Assn. of America (afaa.com)

* American College of Sports Medicine (acsm.org)

* American Council on Exercise (acefitness.org)

* Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (www.cooperinst.org)

* National Academy of Sports Medicine (nasm.org)

* National Strength and Conditioning Assn. (nsca-lift.org)

Beyond certification, practical experience is important too, especially if you have special needs or goals. Some trainers specialize in working with athletes, older adults, pregnant and post-natal clients, or those who have been injured. Even if a trainer says he or she can do what you need, ask for a resume and look for specific experience.

Finally ...

Give careful consideration to personality. His or her approach should complement your style. You will experience better results when comfortable and energized by a trainer and how they interact with you.

Don’t be afraid to buy a few sessions with different trainers and pick the one that motivates you the most. It’s your money -- and you need a personal trainer with knowledge, expertise and personality that works for you.

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Jay Blahnik is a Laguna Beach-based personal trainer and IDEA Health & Fitness Assn. spokesman. He can be reached at jay@jayblahnik.com or health@latimes.com.