Currently in Alberta there are no strict regulations on the level of training needed to become a personal trainer, making it very important to look into an individuals credentials before placing your trust and physical fitness in the hands of a lesser trained individual.
Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk.
It is a trainer's duty to educate YOU the client and help you achieve the goals that you have set out for yourself effectively and efficiently.
Elite athletes don't become elite athletes on their own; they are elite due to help from a carefully selected team of coaches and therapists, they are not alone.
In our society we feel that we can do it all on our own, all we need is a gym membership or home fitness equipment, and a copy of the current fitness magazine, which contains 'the' workout program.
We feel we can do it on our own without coaching, guidance, or education which is likely to result in unnecessary injuries.
By hiring a qualified trainer you are one-step closer to a better, more functional you! Don't be afraid to ask questions, your first meeting is all about you getting what you want and need, and not to settle for anything less.
That individual should help educate you to understand what your individual body needs and requires, and to be able to incorporate that into your goals.
Every individual suffers from dysfunction in some form or another, whether pain is present or not, no one person is perfect.
Those that suffer from dysfunction and/or chronic pain are less likely to perform the needed exercise properly without direction.
The habit of performing certain dysfunctional motions is hard things to over come without coaching and guidance from an educated eye.
These problems do not go away over night, they usually take time to develop therefore it takes time, persistence and hard work to over come.
Be sure to demand and expect only the best!! Watch out for:

• Cookie cutter sales tactics: If you feel like your conversation has been pre-recorded chances are they have been coached to say certain things to get your business.
  
• No interest shown towards your interests: A good trainer will develop a plan based on what you like as well as what you need.
  
• All talk and no action: A good trainer will incorporate some sort of functional testing, postural analysis, or specific muscle testing.
  If all you're asked for is measurements and your weight...
  demand more, they should deliver.
  
• A Know it all: A good trainer will admit when they don't have the answer, but will search it out or find an alternative.
  Those that claim they know it all are usually the ones that know very little!!
• Letters behind a name: Most individuals have some sort of qualifications or letters behind their name.
  Inquire as to what they stand for and amount of training needed behind it.
  Chances are if it was a result of weekend course, how much could that individual really learn over a couple of days compared to 2-4 years of training.
  
• Personality: Be picky and ensure you like the individual that you choose to work with.
  You will be spending a lot of time together and liking that individual will result in more of an investment in your goals...
  no one wants to disappoint a friend!