Getting motivated to pump iron and break a sweat in the gym can be hard, but hiring a personal trainer to get you started may be the extra push you need. Personal trainers will get you on a routine that allows you to best meet your fitness goals. Finding the right trainer for your needs, schedule and budget may be hard, but there are certain things to look for: 

Certification

You trust your health with a board certified physician, so why not trust your body with a legitimately certified personal trainer? A trainer working at a gym does not automatically make him or her well qualified. Make sure your trainer is certified by organizations such as The American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.  Trainers who are certified by a credentialing agency or institution often undergo written, oral and practical exams. 

Experience

Just because a person is in great shape doesn’t mean he or she is qualified to be a personal trainer. Each body reacts differently to exercise and experienced personal trainers will know how to handle various body types. Be sure to ask how long they have been personal trainers and how many clients they have worked with. Additionally, if you have special needs, be sure to ask upfront if they have worked with clients with your problem area before.

Fees

Hiring a personal trainer is a big investment of your time and money, so be sure pick one that meets your schedule and budget. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, physical trainers can cost anywhere from $20-$100 per hour. Considering this, be sure to pick the one you can afford without compromising quality. Also, ask up front how billing is handled and whether they charge per session or per hour.

References

Reputations can speak volumes when picking a personal trainer. Don’t be afraid to ask the trainer for a few references you can talk to. Also, if he or she trains in the gym you attend, ask fellow members if they know anything about the trainer to get a feel of what the he or she is really like. According to the American Council on Exercise, it is good to know how empathetic, serious, prepared and professional a trainer is beforehand before being stuck with someone you may feel uneasy with.