Here are some frequently asked questions about Training for Life, our trainers and their methods. If you are unable to find an answer to any question relating to your enquiry please E-mail us.
- How will I know if my trainer is properly qualified?
- Why do trainers need to continue to gain qualifications?
- How does a trainer keep their knowledge up to date?
- Why does a trainer need professional insurance?
- Do trainers need a current CPR or first aid certificate?
- What is the charge for each session?
- Will I have a minimum number of sessions per week?
- What is the cancellation policy? Will there be charges?
- Can I pay for a block of sessions at a reduced rate?
- Do I have to pay for a number of sessions in advance?
- If so, do you have to be taken within a certain time frame?
How your fitness maintenance package is incorporated.
- What types of exercise will I be doing? (e.g. running, stepping, weight training)
- Will I have an initial fitness assessment?
- How will my progress be assessed?
- How many times a week will I work out?
- Can you provide nutritional advice?
- Can you provide programs for when I’m on vacation?
General questions
- Are you available at the times I need?
- How flexible are you with regard to changing appointment times?
- Can you come to my home?
- Do you have portable equipment?
- If not, do you operate from a particular gym?
About our certified professionals
How will I know if my trainer is properly qualified?
All our health and fitness professionals are assessed and evaluated as to their level of experience and certification upon their induction. Our pricing strategy is structured accordingly. If you are unsure in anyway please ask to see copies of their qualifications and ask direct questions such as when the last time they took a qualification was and which awarding body presented their certificate. Any legitimate qualified trainer will be more than happy to show you copies of certificates and qualifications so don’t be afraid to ask. All certified professionals supplied by Training for Life are fully verified with regards to their qualifications and insurance, so rest assures and at ease that we have done all your homework for you.
There is no one certification that qualifies a person to be a Personal Trainer. We look for a combination of specific health and fitness qualifications (from degree level to industry standards) plus valid insurance and first aid certification. We also encourage our members to continue their education by acquiring more specialized skills.
Why do trainers need to continue to gain qualifications?
As well as basic fitness programs and exercise plans, there are a wide range of areas where trainers specialize, called “Special Population groups”. This includes areas such as pre and post-natal fitness; cardiac rehab; obesity; senior citizens; asthma; arthritis; eating disorders and many more.
The skills and knowledge required for these areas is vastly different from the basics and so most trainers attend further courses throughout their working life to develop their particular interest of training.
How does a trainer keep their knowledge up to date?
With the exercise industry changing all the time, Personal Trainers should have up-to-date knowledge. This ensures we are able to provide you with the latest thinking about exercise and fitness.
Typically, personal trainers attend conferences every year and seminars on the latest advances in training techniques. Some undertake weekend courses in specific areas such as GP referral or Pre & Post Natal. We always suggest you ask your trainer when they last updated their qualifications and whether it was practical or theoretical based. For more information on any of the above please read more in our help and advice section here
Why does a trainer need professional insurance?
With the emphasis on getting in shape, you will often be gently ‘pushed’ to work your body a little harder than you may do without a trainer. What happens if you become injured due to negligence on the trainer’s part or simply because you slip whilst following instructions? Our trainers are covered in the case of any eventuality.
Do trainers need a current CPR or first aid certificate?
Yes, we require this as part of their skills and this is highlighted at their induction. This will ensure that if any accident or emergency arises, your trainer will be competent in assessing what to do and how to respond.
Which qualifications are recognized ?
We recognize only accredited qualifications and relevant experience.
Examples:
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates)
FSC (Fitness Standards Council)
NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association)
ACE Personal Trainer Certificate (American Council on Exercise)
ACSM HFI (American College of Sports Medicine)
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
About our Terms and conditions
What is the charge for each session?
Our rates are all tailored individually according you your location, trainer experience, and amount of time or sessions per week that you have. For more information please read our package information here
Do I have to undertake a minimum number of sessions per week?
Normally Yes. Commitment is a major factor that you must consider and you will draw up a mandate with your trainer and sign it. However flexibility must also be taken into account. You can reschedule your sessions around your own personal obligations by prior arrangement either with your trainer personally or through us. Packages are individually tailored to YOUR needs. Please read more about our tailored packages here.
What is our cancellation policy? Will there be charges?
Our packages are manufactured such that you must complete your session within at least once a week of your previous session. Rescheduling can be arranged with adequate notice through your trainer personally or through our help desk. We can arrange an alternative to suit your timetable (subject to availability). This policy is enforced to help motivate and monitor you progress. If you fail to attend you will be deducted a single session from your package for each unattended period. We cannot highlight enough that this is a commitment
Can I pay for a block of sessions at a reduced rate?
Our packages are generally based on a 6-month block or period and prices vary greatly with region. However this is not a rigid policy. We can tailor packages to suit your individual requirements. Our recommendations are to allow time for your adjustment. To understand more Please read our package information here
Do I have to pay for a number of sessions in advance?
Yes. Your sessions are paid fully in advance. One payment for a period of 6 months or alternatively you can pay by monthly installments. Our trainers get paid for their attendance. If you fail to keep your appointment without notice or prior arrangement, you will be charged.
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If so, do you have to be taken within a certain time frame?
Again we work to a 6-month period package. Our aim is towards motivating you and making you aware that commitment is the key issue. Flexibility and common sense must prevail however and most obstacles can be overcome with prior arrangement, either through your trainer personally or through us. We can arrange replacements to substitute in most circumstances, subject to availability.
How your fitness maintenance package is incorporated
What types of exercise will I be doing? (e.g. running, stepping, weight training)
This is dependant on your goal strategy, dependant upon what you wish to accomplish and how you want to look physically matters greatly on what exercises you will do. You will spend time with your trainer discussing this. He will ask you what your goals are and will tell you exactly what you need to do in order to accomplish them.
Will I have an initial fitness assessment?
Yes, this must be ascertained before you begin your goal strategy. This process is an education in enhancement. You have to work up to accomplishing your goals gradually and strategically. Burn out and lack of motivation is key areas that your trainer will bear in mind and try to avoid. Too much too soon can be detrimental to your overall accomplishment.
How will my progress be assessed?
Monitored is more in keeping with the overall picture, you will know your self how you are progressing mainly by the way in which you look and feel. Your trainer may work with you on an assessment schedule. That will be discussed with you on a weekly basis. You may be asked to complete certain forms or journals to help with this. Diet monitoring may be one of the pre-discussed strategies.
How many times a week will I work out?
This is very much dependant on you and your goal strategy. This will be discussed in depth with your trainer at your initial assessment. Your motivation and commitment is vital, your trainer is a curtail element of your success. The amount of appointments you have will directly affect you and your goals. Please read more about our tailored package deals here
Can you provide nutritional advice?
Yes. Your trainer will discuss a diet plan aimed at achieving your goals. You may be asked to keep a journal recording what your eat and when.
Can you provide programs for when I’m on vacation?
Yes. Our policy and mission is aimed at improving your lifestyle and vacations are one of the highlights. There will be no pressure put upon you to spoil your vacation. You will build up a working relationship with your trainer over a period of time and you will discuss how your goals fit in and around your social life in general. A program can be arranged for almost every personal circumstance.
General questions
Are you available at the times I need?
Yes, within reason a personal trainer will become a part of your health and fitness lifestyle. His or her advice at certain times will be essential. Availability is something you will discuss on a person level with your trainer.
How flexible are you with regard to changing appointment times
This depends on the individual trainer. Some have very busy schedules that they must adhere to. If you cannot keep your appointment let them know well in advance where possible. We will work to find a replacement if the need arises and if time allows. (Subject to availability).
Normally yes if you request this. Some trainers prefer to work from your home. However we also respect your privacy and can arrange an appointment at a gym if necessary.
Do you have portable equipment?
Again this depends pretty much on the professional that we provide. Our health and fitness professionals will be fully equipped whenever and wherever you chose to meet them. For example, it would be pointless for a masseuse to arrive without a massage table.
If not, do you operate from a particular gym?
Some do, some don’t, some have their own gyms and some prefer to work from your home or theirs. This is totally up to you and your individual needs. We will tailor a trainer to you and your personal requirements. Please specify as much information as possible when purchasing one of our packages in order for us to assist you to the best of our abilities.
