You'd think it would take much more than a rock-hard six-pack to qualify as a real fitness guru—but in a generally regulation-free industry, that's not always the case. Learn how to distinguish a legitimately trained professional from a posturing novice. By Emily Weiner

Surprisingly, there are almost no federal standards for accreditation in the world of fitness instruction. Which means that, beyond paying someone to ensure that you actually show up at the gym or yoga studio, you can't be sure that they actually know what they're doing or can keep you from injury. Below, find those who deserve your money and trust, as well as the best resources if you want to go pro.

Personal Training

Who they hire:
Before a trainer can get an interview at top gyms like Equinox, Reebok Sports Club or Crunch, he'll have to obtain basic certification through an organization such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (nasm. org), the American Council .on Exercise (acefitness.org) or the American College of Sports Medicine (acsm.org). For a fee, they'll send study materials including textbooks and DVDs to get you prepped for an exam, administered—much like the SATs—at designated locations across the country. While these certifications prove some knowledge of anatomy and program design they demand no hands-on training. Equinox and Bally Total Fitness are two of the very few gyms that require new hires to take a formal, in-house course, ensuring that trainees get practical experience before they lay hands on clients.

The gold standard:
After being shocked that his nine-year-old son was able to certify himself through an online program, celebrity trainer Harry Hanson opened the American Academy of Personal Training, the only New York State-licensed school in Manhattan dedicated strictly to personal fitness. His curriculum, which requires mock training sessions and student presentations in addition to extensive textbook study, has turned out reputable trainers from the start: "This industry is in a huge state of disarray," laments Hanson. "Anyone who wants to be a trainer can just go online and get certified with no physical training." Hanson has graduated more than 90 students since the school's inception in December—every pupil has been placed, so you're likely to find an AAPT grad at a gym near you.

138 W14th St
between Sixth and Seventh Ave
Tel: 212-242-AAPT
http://www.aaptschool.com.
260-hour course (completed with weekday classes in three months or in six on weekends)

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