Training with back injuries

Are there individual personal trainers or gyms on the Westside that provide traditional training with free weights and machines, etc., for people with a history of back injuries who need to be careful of what they do? I’m looking for a regular gym, not a Pilates studio. Thanks.

Jill Landefeld, Los Angeles, CA

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Most gyms employ personal trainers, but not all trainers are created equal, and it will be up to you to choose someone who has experience working with clients with pre-existing injuries. While we can’t provide specific recommendations, there are a few ground rules that should help you to select wisely.

First, it’s crucial to find a trainer who has a legitimate certification; among the more respected ones are the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. While most gyms these days screen trainers to make sure their certifications are legitimate, a few aren’t as picky. Certifications can be easily gotten via the Internet for as little as $125. You can check a certification online to see if it’s valid. Look for the amount of study and training necessary, how the testing is done (open book vs. classroom testing), and how often the certification needs to be updated.

In addition to basic certification, many trainers decide to get additional education and preparation in a specific area, such as geriatrics, working with obese people, or working in a physical therapy clinic. Your best bet is to find someone who’s had experience in physical therapy. Chances are they’ll be equipped to tell you what exercises are best for you, and the proper way to do them. Back problems are nothing you want to trust to someone who has little practice in that area.

Before starting to train, be up front about your injury as well as your fitness goals. Do you want to be able to garden without pain, or run a marathon? Do you prefer easier workouts, or do you like pushing yourself? Make sure you are satisfied with the trainer’s program, methods and manner, and that your goals can be met in a reasonable amount of time.

If, after a few sessions, you don’t feel comfortable with the trainer, look for another. It’s important to be at ease with your trainer and able to communicate your needs.

- Jeannine Stein