Once upon a time, it was only the famous and very rich who enlisted the help of personal trainers to help keep them in shape. But these days, personal trainers are popular with a wide variety of people.

"Personal trainers are now very accessible and are considered to be effective," says Lauretta Stace, Chief Executive Officer of Fitness Australia. "Shows like The Biggest Loser help people to understand the role of a personal trainer and that personal training does get results, such as weight loss. However, most personal trainers would agree that becoming fit and healthy is a long-term strategy for most people, not a quick-fix."

The great news for us mere mortals just trying to be fit enough for the day-to-day demands of life is that hiring a personal trainer is more affordable than ever!

"Exercise and fitness is no longer an issue that revolves around glamour and appearance," says Lauretta. "It is now an important part of being healthy and remaining that way for an enhanced quality of life into the future. The cost of using a personal trainer is really an investment in your longer term health and fitness, so I believe it is a prudent investment.

"And you can pay even less, by working with a trainer in a small group, maybe with friends or work colleagues. There are now many flexible options available for working with a trainer which gives people greater choice and they can shop around. Most people don't baulk at spending money on the latest technology or beauty services and products. A similar investment should be made in your health and wellbeing."

Lauretta says personal trainers are increasing in popularity because people consider it to be a very motivating, fun, safe and effective way to exercise and meet their fitness and health goals, regardless of age or current fitness level.

"There are loads of benefits of using a PT," she adds. "Goals are set with the client and worked towards in a collaborative and supportive manner; it is far more motivating if someone is there to keep you focused and it's a safe option too, as exercise programs are tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the individual."

Here's some info from Fitness Australia about personal trainers:

Your personal trainer is there to:

• Help you make the best use of your exercise time.
  
• Help with technique, for the sake of both efficiency and safety.
  
• Monitor your progress.
  
• Adjust your exercise program in response to your changing fitness level.
  
• Offer sound advice on good nutrition.
  
• Vary your exercise options to keep you motivated, interested and enjoying your workouts.

Average cost:

One-on-one: from around $40 per hour.
Group PT sessions: from around $12 per hour. Can be purchased in packs (ie. 10 or 20-session packs).

Best suited to:

• Anyone who needs additional motivation, advice and support to increase their level of exercise and make positive changes to their lifestyle.
  
• Inexperienced people who need special attention, education and support or those who prefer individual, personalised or small group training as opposed to group exercise or developing their own program.
  
• People who enjoy goal-setting and monitoring their progress — this is more easily achieved with a personal trainer.
  
• People who enjoy a broader range of exercise activities, including outdoor training.

Other things to consider

• Find out what the trainer specialises in and decide on your needs.
  
• Feel comfortable with their training approach.
  
• Ask to see proof of their public liability insurance cover.
  
• Check out the fees and their policy on contracts and cancellations.
  
• If you already belong to a fitness centre, ask whether the centre will allow your personal trainer to train you there.

You can check that the trainer is registered as a personal trainer with Fitness Australia through the relevant state or territory association.
Remember, personal trainers can also be accessed through your local gym.

For even more information visit www.fitness.org.au and to find out if your personal trainer is registered with Fitness Australia, call 1300 211 311.

Your say

Have you had a personal trainer? Did you feel you were getting value-for-money?