Scott Herman appeared on the Real World: Brooklyn during the series’ 21st season and is experienced in acting and modeling. he currently owns ScottHermanFitness.com, where he offers free advice on fitness and proper nutrition.

Scott, also an experienced personal trainer, gave five qualities of a great personal trainer for those seeking one.

Must Be In Shape

This is a very obvious trait for every personal trainer. People who want to lose weight won’t get very far if their personal trainer is heavy (or heavier) than them. It’s like a first grader teaching a class of graduate students. Be wary of personal trainers with poor physiques. Advice from such trainers on how to get a six-pack isn’t credible if they have a keg.

Actually Be Certified

Personal trainers must be certified by a reputable personal trainer organization. Yes, such organizations exist. they should have certification in CPR and/or first aid. Remember that a college degree isn’t necessary, although helpful. Trainers must also be experienced in all areas of fitness such as weight lifting, fat loss and proper nutrition. It’s another credibility issue in regards to fitness advice.

No Cell Phones Allowed!

A great personal trainer will not have a cell phone on them while training. Cell phones nowadays are a societal and professional norm, but when dealing with clients all their focus goes to them. plus, cell phones have ear-piercing (and sometimes even interesting) ringtones. these ringtones can prove to be very distracting to not only the personal trainer, but the client. Clients hire personal trainers to simply help them get into shape. Trainers work with their clients but also for them.

An Order of Eyes On you, But Hold the Chit-Chat

The concept of a personal trainer is to help you and not check out other people. the trainer should have eyes on you the whole time and not on an attractive patron, who may also be a client. Sessions cost money, so the client (who’s paying it) should get every ounce of attention from the trainer. This point is an extension of "no Cell Phone".

Another thing personal trainers must not do is make chit-chat during sessions. Sessions are meant for trainers to help you reach fitness goals, not be friends. after a session is fine, but during one? Forget it. Talking about goals and asking fitness-related questions are legit. a client’s marital woes have nothing to do with a fitness session and are, frankly, none of the trainer’s business.

An Upside down Frown

The last quality is by far one of the most important. Personal training is basically a customer service job, and in such a field providing service with a smile is extremely important. Clients can’t communicate effectively or reach their fitness goals with personal trainers who wear a frown as often as gym shorts. When searching for (or researching) a personal trainer, being able to show off their pearly-whites shows that not only are they physically fit but mentally fit. being nice is also an overall preference to many clients, too.

For more information about Scott Herman, please visit his official website.