Diet & Fitness 

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How to choose a qualified personal trainer

Of course. First, you should focus on why you're hiring a personal trainer. Maybe you haven't done anything physical since you climbed a tree as a little kid. Or perhaps you want to train for a specific goal, such as running a marathon or completing a local walk-a-thon. Whatever the reason, a personal trainer can give you guidance on how to get in shape quickly and safely. And if you can explain what your goals are at the outset, the trainer will be better able to help you achieve them.

The problem is there are plenty of quacks out there who don't know the difference between a push-up and a pull-down. A bad trainer can turn what should be a fun and positive experience into a nightmare and leave you far from achieving your fitness goals. Here's what to look for when shopping for a personal trainer:

• An academic degree in a fitness-related field.Look for someone who has more than beginner-level fitness qualifications, such as an RSA Exercise to Music award or a Fitness Instructor award. Focus on finding a trainer who is a graduate of a fitness-related subject such as Fitness Science, Exercise Physiology (the study of the human muscular, skeletal, circulatory and nervous systems and how they respond to exercise), Exercise and Health Studies or who holds an advanced level diploma in Personal Training. Look for someone who has an APT (Association of Personal Trainers) Advanced Diploma or a qualification awarded by one of APT's recognised education providers. Also, since science and fitness are such dynamic fields, a trainer's education shouldn't cease after receiving a diploma. Make sure your trainer is continuing to train people, attending conferences and reading industry journals and newsletters to keep up with the times.
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