A personal trainer can help you reach your goals by designing safe and effective workout programs especially for you. A personal trainer is a source of motivation and encouragement, and a resource for the latest information on health and fitness. A personal trainer can help you fit exercise into your schedule and teach you how to make the most of your time.

Since we are a network and not an organization, we do not require that our trainers be certified by any one particular certification organization. There are a number of highly respected nationally recognized professional fitness and personal trainer certification organizations. The trainers who advertise here have certifications from at least one, in many cases more than one.

Some of the organizations include: the American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, International Sports Sciences Association, International Sports Medicine Association/American Aerobic Association International, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. All of these organizations require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by the American Red Cross.

All reputable certification groups offers courses and testing in subjects including: anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, range of motion, structural integrity, fitness screening and testing, training principles and techniques, understanding equipment, sport nutrition, sports injury, physician interfacing, sport psychology and motivation, safety and injury prevention. To be certified by these organizations requires rigorous study, participation in courses, hands-on training trials, and passing difficult examinations.

This question can only be answered effectively after you have talked with a trainer. It depends upon your current conditions, goals, schedule, budget and your trainer's availability

Yes. The trainer you choose must be a good fit for you. You should get along well, and be comfortable with your trainer. Your trainer should motivate you without intimidating you or pushing you beyond your limits. Your workout program should reflect that your trainer understands your limitations, needs, and goals.

A personal trainer should begin by learning about any past or current medical conditions; including injuries, pains, and cardiovascular conditions. The trainer may also conduct fitness tests to determine a safe and effective starting point for your training.

The answer to this question somewhat depends on where you are in your life at the time you choose to become a trainer. If you are at an age, or in a position to go to college and get a 4-year degree in a fitness related field, that is one option. If you are not in a position to go to college fulltime, perhaps a nationally recognized certification would be a better choice. Once you have graduated and/or have your certification, it is desirable to obtain practical work in the field. There are intern programs at various company wellness centers and health clubs where you might begin to accumulate hands-on experience.

Perhaps you have a few training clients and several years of experience as a personal trainer, and are wondering why you need to join a site like this. Today there are more personal trainers than ever. It is sometimes hard for potential clients to recognize the difference between you and other trainers. To remain competitive, you need as many ways as possible to set yourself up as a better, more recognized and respected trainer. One way to differentiate yourself is advertising with a website like Bodywork411.com. We pre-screen, evaulate, verify credentials and require recommendations from health professionals. Why is this important? People looking for personal trainers need to be able to trust the source. Bodywork411's evaluation process, ensures users that you are qualified, certified and legit.