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Ryckman: The perfect fit

There's a personal trainer to meet every need

Published February 27, 2007 at midnight

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The people who need a trainer the most are the ones who think they need one the least.

Everybody needs a trainer. Even trainers need trainers.

The average rate is about $50 an hour, which can add up fast. But it's important to realize that even one or two sessions with a good trainer can make a profound difference in your approach to health and fitness. You might be toodling along, doing what you think might work (even though it never has), and suddenly you realize just how much you don't know.

When people ask me what makes a good trainer, I tell them that good trainers educate and motivate. They're optimistic but realistic. They push you when you need it and praise you when you deserve it. They listen as much as they talk - and when they talk, they know what they're talking about.

Good trainers are people you like - but not too much. If you love them, they're not working you hard enough.

Good trainers give you tools you can use every day of your life, not just when you're in a session. Good trainers focus on good health, not pounds lost. Good trainers have patience. Good trainers get results that last.

Good trainers empower people. Good trainers believe in their clients and know how to make clients believe in themselves - maybe for the first time in their lives.

There are lots of trainers out there, and not all of them know what they're doing. So how do you pick the right one?

I put that question to a group of trainers, all of whom embody what I consider the right stuff. They weighed in about what you should look for in a trainer and what to ask one. They also had some thoughts on how clients can make the most of their training sessions.

There's a trainer out there for everybody. Here's how to find one:

Jason Spurlock/Lauren Condell

Body Shop Fitness, DTC Greenwood Village

• Experience: 10 years

• Specialty: all ages and fitness levels

• Philosophy: Make fitness a way of life.

• Look for: A trainer you feel chemistry with. One who makes proper form a priority from the first session. Someone who makes your workout fun and also teaches you what he's doing and why he's doing it.

• THE question to ask: Are you nationally certified?

• Client's best bet: Eat a snack beforehand. Show up early enough for a brief cardio warm-up. Be open-minded. Ask questions.

• Reach Condell/Spurlock: 303-653-4255, bodyshopfit.com

Rudy McClinon Jr.

R-U-A Pro Fitness, Greenwood Village

• Experience: 35 years

• Specialty: Cancer survivors; clients with hip replacements, arthritis or hypertension

• Look for: Education level, fitness background, area of expertise, positive outlook, realistic goals and an appearance that indicates they take care of their mind, body and spirit.

• THE question to ask: What makes you different from other trainers?

• Client's best bet: Be honest, focused and willing to work hard while having fun.

• Reach McClinon: 720-323-2239, ruapro-fitness.com

Neil and Eileen Cestra

Healthy Woman Fitness, Cherry Creek North

• Experience: 15 years

• Specialty: Working with women.

• Philosophy: Everyone should enjoy her fitness program; it's about longevity.

• Look for: Organization. They should create a plan to reach realistic yet challenging goals. Synergy. Do you feel comfortable around your trainer? Good coaches. Are they inspiring? Are they motivating? Do they listen and solicit feedback?

• THE question to ask: What is your training style?

• Client's best bet: Be on time, well-rested and fed.

• Reach the Cestras: 303-394-9000, HealthyWomanFitness.com

Brian Barkley

Functional Conditioning, Westminster

• Experience: Five+ years

• Specialty: All ages and fitness levels; families.

• Philosophy: A good personal trainer will encourage you to make fitness a lifestyle you can live with.

• Look for: A trainer who lets you be yourself, someone who can help you achieve your goals.

• Ask about: References from other clients with similar goals.

• THE question to ask: What kinds of education and certification do you have?

• Client's best bet: Show up to all appointments. Arrive on time. Give your best effort. Follow your trainer's nutrition and workout recommendations every day, not just during sessions.

• Reach Barkley: 303-467-7954, functionalconditioning.com

Skip Gagnon

Lakeshore Athletic Club, Broomfield

• Experience: 14 years

• Specialty: Nutrition and exercise physiology.

• Philosophy: Every client should come away from each session with new and useful information.

• Look for: A four-year degree in an exercise-related field. A nationally recognized certification. Experience.

• THE question to ask: Which certifications do you have?

• Client's best bet: Listen, and if you don't know why you're doing something, ask!

• Reach Gagnon: 303-475-5831, lsac-flatiron.com

Chad Brenzikofer

Muscle Management Therapies, South Pearl Street, Denver

• Experience: Seven years.

• Specialty: Injury management.

• Philosophy: Consistency and the application of appropriate principles will give you what you want.

• Look for: A thorough understanding of physiological and biomechanical principles. Reasonable cost. Convenience.

• THE question to ask: How are you going to motivate me?

• Client's best bet: Stay consistent, work hard, set realistic goals and choose a good trainer.

• Reach Brenzikofer: 303-778-7246, mmtherapies.com

Denise Tryner

Denise Tryner Fitness Consulting, Westminster

• Experience: Two years.

• Specialty: Ages 14 to 65, all fitness levels.

• Philosophy: I Believe in challenging a person's body to reach new levels while building balance and strength within his body and mind.

• Look for: Communication, so you can speak openly and honestly. Passion - someone who wants the best for you and always pushes you toward your goals. Experience. National certification.

• THE question to ask: What inspired you to become part of the fitness industry?

• Client's best bet: Ask your trainer what you should be doing on your own. Build strength on your own so your trainer can continue to push you each session. Save all the workout plans given to you or ask for them at the end.

• Reach Tryner: 720-319-3055, denisetryner.com

David Diaz

Fitness Together, Denver

• Experience: Two years

• Specialty: All fitness levels/ages

• Philosophy: Feed your mind, body and soul; we're here if you need accountability/education.

• Look for: Knowledge. A trainer who's degreed or certified. Someone motivational, inspirational and positive. Chemistry. You'll work harder for someone you like and respect.

• THE question to ask: What fitness goals have you helped your current/previous clients attain?

• Client's best bet: Focus on why you're there. Show up, take notes, push yourself to your limit and then reach beyond those limits.

• Reach Diaz: 720-855-6600, ftofdenver.com

Simone Verhulst

Body Mecca Concepts, Denver

• Experience: Three years.

• Specialty: Athletes and people training for special events.

• Philosophy: I train how I would want to be trained.

• Look for: Attention to detail, someone who explains what you're doing and why. Willingness to do extra such as write a diet plan or go on a run with you. Someone whose style works for you.

• THE question to ask: Why should I hire you?

• Client's best bet: Listen closely to instruction. Give us as much effort as we give you. Smile! A good attitude means a more productive session.

• Reach Verhulst: 303-778-6322, bodymecca.com

James Garcia

Lakeshore Athletic Club, Broomfield

• Experience: Six years

• Specialty: Weight management, older adults, sports training.

• Philosophy: Help clients reach their personal goals as safely and quickly as possible.

• Look for: College degree in exercise science, kinesiology, integrative physiology or related field. Certification from NSCA, ACE, ACSM or NASM. At least five years experience.

• THE question to ask: How will you help me reach my goals?

• Client's best bet: Be consistent. Ask questions about why you're doing what you're doing. Follow your trainer's plan. Stay focused on strength training, cardiovascular exercise and good nutrition.

• Reach Garcia: 303-775-5511, lsac-flatiron.com

Here is a list of respected certifying organizations for personal trainers

•National Academy of Sports Medicine

•American College of Sports Medicine

•American Council on Exercise

•National Strength and Conditioning Association

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