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I'm looking at my match results, now what do I do?

You may get one match or you may get a bunch. If you get a bunch, how do you pick the best match for you?  Smashfit thrives on excellence. We want your experience with Smashfit, and your new trainer, to be exceptional. So in order to make your best match, here are some guildlines and questions to help ensure a smash fit!

1. Ask to see their certifications* and ask which federation they are associated with. Your best bet is to go with a recognized and reputable organization. A good trainer will be proud of their certifications and education and will be more than happy to share this information with you. You can do this by fax, e-mail, or some federation websites will allow you to verify the trainer's certification on-line. (See the end of this article for information about the different certifications.)

2. Ask if they have a current CPR and/or first aid certificate.

3. Let the trainer know if you have any injuries or health limitations and find out if they have experience with your situation. Truth is, your trainer should ask you for a detailed medical history. Not doing so should be a red flag.

4. Ask for proof of liability insurance.

5. Be sure to know if your trainer is quoting per hour, or per half hour. You may also want to ask them if they offer package training sessions, or group sessions for you and a friend.

6. Ask for specifics about what your training will consist of, i.e. weights, bands, cardio, etc.

7. Ask if they offer consultations for training and/or nutrition counseling. If you are looking for nutrition counseling, ask them if they are a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. If they are not, then you will be paying for nutritional advice.

8. Ask for references from other clients.

9. Ask to see a copy of their contract. It should lay out their policies on cancellations and billing. When you are ready to sign, the contract should include your final cost and the amount of sessions your are contracting them for.

10. And lastly, but very importantly, is personality. Does the trainer seem knowledgeable and motivated? Did they seem forthright with their answers? Did you "click" on the phone? You may need someone high energy to give you the motivation you need; or you may be drawn to someone with a quieter disposition.  

At Smashfit, we'll bring you the best selection of trainers. Then you pick exactly what's right for you!


*So how do you know who's reputable?

Although there are hundreds of places to get certified, especially with the access of the internet, we suggest you go with the trainers who are certified through recognized and reputable organizations.

This is a list of most of the national organizations that are both proven and highly regarded:

* ACE - American Council on Exercise
* ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
* CI - Cooper Institute
* CSCS - Certified Strength and Condidtioning Specialists
* NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
* NCSF - National Council on Strength and Fitness
* NFPT - National Federation of Professional Trainers
* NSCA - National Strength & Conditioning Association