Proper Trainers Ensure A Safe Workout

Harry Hanson has been a personal trainer for more than 20 years. But by going to a certification website, he nearly let his nine-year-old son earn the same credentials.

"I wanted to show how easy it is to get certified online, that I took a test from an online company and I put it in my son's name and they didn't do any background check, nothing, and the certification came in his name," says Hanson. "Some people decide they want to be a personal trainer and they've never lifted a weight their whole life. They go online, they pay $600, and next thing you know, they're a certified trainer working at one of these big gym chains."

To be fair, many online training sites are accredited by certifying agencies recommended by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, a widely-accepted industry trade group. But because there are no standardized educational requirements for personal trainers, the industry self-regulates.

While there are a lot of skilled trainers out there, Hanson says there are many who still don't have the knowledge to get you through your workout safely. So he co-founded The American Academy of Personal Training, which provides one-on-one instruction to train the people that will eventually train you.

"We are one of the only few programs, besides universities, that are actually monitored and watched by the New York State Department of Education, and in our Boston location as well, through a state license," says Hanson.

Most health clubs accept trainers with all forms of educational backgrounds including online certifications. But some leading executives say the industry is moving toward more stringent requirements.

"The fitness industry for years has been sort of chasing the medical industry in trying to affiliate ourselves with them," says Vice President Ed Trainor of the New York Sports Club. "The only way we are going to get closer is if our level of expertise is raised."

The academy's instructors recommend that consumers look for certain traits in their trainers before they begin an exercise routine.

"Make sure you have an assessment, make sure that you're ready to exercise and that you've discussed that with your trainer, that they have evaluated your blood pressure, your heart rate, and that they feel comfortable that you're ready to exercise," says trainer instructor Angela Corcoran.

That way, consumer can sort through the the good and bad trainers that are already out there.