February 28, 2007 12:22 PM

Chad Brenzikofer on choosing a personal trainer

Mark_Wolf(Q) Tell us about your background. Where'd you grow up?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I was born in south central kansas, and moved to Carbondale colorado (near Aspen) when I was in the first grade. I call myself a native now, as I don't think I could ever leave.

Mark_Wolf(Q) You have a degree in Exercise Science from Fort Lewis College. Have you always wanted to work in fitness?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I have always been athletic. Sports got me through school. My senior year in high school I took a level 2 Biology course, I found it easy and happened to do well. From there I just always have been intrigued with the human body and its abilities.

melanie(Q) I would like to know the best way to find a trainer who will come to my home and help me use all the equiptment I have purchased!
chad_brenzikofer(A) You just did! There are some facilities that do this, and this only. My best recommendation would be the yellow pages. I would look for the small private gyms as they have more flexibility. I have done this on several occasions, I don't go to homes on a weekly basis, but certainly would to get you started and then follow up with you on a periodic basis.

Mark_Wolf(Q) What's the most important question someone can ask their prospective physical trainer?
chad_brenzikofer(A) How are you going to motivate me?
melanie(C) That is exactly what I am looking for!

Mark_Wolf(Q) Who's a typical client you see? Someone just starting an exercise program? Needs to get out of a rut? Wants to take their fitness to a higher level?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I have had all of the above. I have a client that wanted to lose weight prior to her wedding, I have had one that wanted to get back to serious bike riding (she finished the triple by-pass: 120 miles and major hills, and I have clients that just need the motivation and stress break from work

Mark_Wolf(Q) What's the correct answer to that "How are you going to motivate me?" question?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I'm not sure there is just one. Motivation to exercise the right way is difficult for a lot of people. I think that the general population thinks that exercise has to be this nasty, unbearably difficult hour several days a week. I think exercise is fun, and I think that I can make you see that. I think that I can motivate people by educating them. once they see that they can make change themselves, motivation becomes easier.

melanie(Q) What should I look for in a trainer as far as certifications and experience?
chad_brenzikofer(A) The ACSM (american college of sports medicine) and the NSCA (national strength & conditioning association) are two very well rounded, well known organizations. Stick to nationally recognized and look into what it takes to become certified with them. Some don't require college educations. Not that this makes you "incompetent" but a college degree in a related field really teaches physiological principles that are essential to program design.

dhgatsby(Q) hi chad, i work out at lunch 4 days per week. i was wondering what to eat before and after a workout of say, 30 minutes on treadmill and 20 mins of lighter weights. i am training for a half marathon. thanks, dave
chad_brenzikofer(A) Keep major meals about 2 hours prior, light snack (banana, power bar,etc) about 10-20 minutes prior to starting your workout. Afterwards, about 50 grams of carbs (good ones) within 30 min. and match that amount within the next 90 min. Depending on when your race is, up that running time.

Mark_Wolf(Q) How much should a client expect to pay? charge? Do most trainers require a contract/commitment for a specific number of sessions?
chad_brenzikofer(A) From most of my own personal market research, about $55 to $60 is average per hour. Some do require commitments. my philosophy: "the more you commit to me, the less it costs."

melanie(Q) How do you feel about training small groups versus individual training?
chad_brenzikofer(A) Small groups are great. What an easy way to bump up the motivation and maybe a dab of competition. I have a lot of couples and threesomes, as well as a bigger group class.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Do most trainers have CPR certification?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I would certainly hope so!

Mark_Wolf(Q) How much of a problem is unreasonable expectations?
chad_brenzikofer(A) Huge! "I need to lose 10 pounds before spring break, which is next week." This is not realistic and trying to make it real is dangerous. A good first goal... "I am going to get a trainer, and workout 3 days a week for 6 straight weeks." That's a great first goal, and if you do it, the change will occur. Consistency rules!!!!

melanie(Q) What questions do you ask a prospective new client?
chad_brenzikofer(A) Why are you here? What are your goals? What is your activity level now and what has it been in the past? Any significant medical history I should be aware of? Does your doctor know that you are here? Just to name a few.

Mark_Wolf(Q) When people sign up for a membership at a fitness center they generally get a good selling job on why they need a personal trainer. How do you feel about using the staff at your gym as opposed to seeking an outside trainer?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I think that it is fine, I would be sure to ask all of the questions that we have discussed up to this point. Many of my clients have sought outside trainer help because they are not a fan of the gym environment. I have had an overwhelming response to this at my gym. My clients have made it quite clear that they love the privacy they get at my (and other) small/private gyms.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Do you give a fitness test to determine a baseline level of strength/coordination/cardiovascular fitness?
chad_brenzikofer(A) Absolutely! This is must! If you don't know where you are, how do you get to where you want to go?

Mark_Wolf(Q) Do some trainers sell dietary supplements? Is that a red flag?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I think a lot of trainers do. There is certainly a time and place for them. Be cautious of the "well, we would get more results if you took ...."

Mark_Wolf(Q) Do trainers carry liability insurance?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I sure hope so. There are so many possiblities, liability insurance is a way for people to protect themselves as well as clients.

melanie(Q) What does the fitness test consist of?
chad_brenzikofer(A) I start with the dreaded scale. Through an electrical impedence scale (painless, fast, and accurate), I can determine your weight, body fat % etc. This is a time we talk goals and the first small diet steps. Then we do a graduated exercise test monitored by a heart rate monitor to see how your heart responds to work, as well as rest. We also do a few maximal rep tests (how many push-ups etc.) And we cap it all off with a cardiovascular stress test that ends with complete exhaustion (medical history allowing).

melanie(Q) What diet recommendations do you like clients to follow?
chad_brenzikofer(A) It depends on the individual and their goals. Make small steps at first. In the beginning I want people to make good food choices, then follow the rules of 3... 1. eat something every 3 hours. 2. limit alcohol to 3 drinks per week, its a metabolism killer 3. no major meals 3 hours prior to bed time. 4. breakfast should occur upon waking, and consist of 300 cal.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Should prospective clients ask for references?
chad_brenzikofer(A) Its not a bad idea, however with the privacy laws the way they are, if a trainer were to give them, they would be violating privacy issues.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Nobody wants their trainer to walk in with a Twinkie in one hand and a Big Mac in the other, but I have seen some trainers who seem fit but don't look like you could bounce a quarter off their abs. Guess the question is this: Are some people intimidated working with someone who doesn't have enough body fat to butter a piece of toast?
chad_brenzikofer(A) That is likely. People that come to trainers often think that we are invincible workout freaks. We struggle with a lot of the same problems our clients do. There are plenty of days that I don't workout. there are days that my motivation is down. Truthfully, my clients are my trainers, I gotta try to keep up with them!

dhgatsby(Q) thank you for all the great advice
chad_brenzikofer(A) My pleasure!

melanie(Q) Thanks for taking time to do this great q&a session! Have a great day everyone!
chad_brenzikofer(A) No problem, feel free to email me at mmtherapies@aol.com for any questions that come up!
Mark_Wolf(P) Thanks to Chad Brenzikofer of Muscle Management Therapies for his time and expertise. You can contact Chad at 303-778-7246.