* Knowledge and improvement of form and technique
* Breakthrough plateaus
* Motivation
* Individualized program
* Efficient program
* Structure
* Accountability
* Help to develop a lifestyle that encourages health

Everyone lacks motivation from time-to-time and often structure is lacking as well. Trainers also teach you basic nutrition that will help you along the way. Always keep in mind, adding a training program to your daily activities will drastically increase your quality of life, but diet goes with exercise, so make sure that your diet is the best it can be. You don't have to change how you function daily, but you may have to alter your diet and fitness regimen.

FIND ME A TRAINER!
Now that you've decided that you'd like to train with a personal trainer, you have to find one. What is a personal trainer? " A personal trainer, should be, at the very least, educated and certified through a reputable fitness organization." (www.sportsmedicine.about.com)

A trainers job is to assess your fitness level, set up a fitness program and keep you motivated and on track towards achieving your desired goal. Keep in mind, when you exercise with a personal trainer, they will push you past your comfort level. Don't shy away from something new, embrace the change. Doing exercises that you've never done, or don't regularly do will only help your body improve.

A personal trainer can help anybody regardless of physical condition or age. Make sure the one you find is certified by a nationally recognized organization such as CAN-FIT-PRO. Also, ask your trainer about their experiences and background. Any credible trainer will be more than happy to list their credentials. Make sure they are certified in First Aid/CPR. Before your first session , discuss the trainers fees, the cancellation policy and any other details or questions you may have.

SWITCH TRAINERS!
What are signs that you have a bad trainer? How do you know if your not getting what you should? Ask yourself these questions:

1) Does your trainer frequently cancel appointments?
2) Is your trainer frequently late?
3) Does your trainer get distracted easily, doesn't give you full attention?
4) Does your trainer not respond or listen to your feedback?
5) Does your trainer push questionable supplements?
6) Do you argue or not get along with your trainer
7) Does your trainer diagnose illnesses or injuries?
8) Is your trainer NOT certified by a nationally recognized organization?
9) Is you trainer NOT certified in First Aid/CPR?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions then you need to switch trainers. Each question above is very important and crucial in the guarentee that you are getting the best training and treatment. Like every service that you pay for, it must be done correctly.

ANYTHING ELSE?
Yes! Make sure you know what your ultimate goal is. You need to know your goal so the personal trainer can prepare for how you are going to achieve it. Personal training can range anywhere from $25-$100 per hour/session and sometimes you can split the cost with a buddy. Visit your local gym to find out more details and the information you need to get started.

In the beginning, your personal trainer will give you a fitness evaluation, which will include a series of tests that focus on cardiovascular, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. Don't be intimidated by this initial evaluation. The fitness testing is important so that the personal trainer can know what type of shape you are in. The trainer will then customize a program to fit your needs, budget and schedule.

Most important, if you suffer from any medical condition (injury or illness), it is mandatory that you go to the doctor and get an evaluation and clearance from the physician that you are able to exercise. If you do have a serious condition, no trainer will be able to work with you until you are given permission from a doctor, so that would be your first step. That's it! What are you waiting for? Go get that one-on-one attention that your body deserves!