By Robin McMacken, Staff Writer 2:07 PM Saturday, January 22, 2011

Personal training worked for Jennifer Hudson.

The Oscar-winning actress and Grammy-winning singer is sporting a lean, fit look after reportedly dropping six dress sizes. Although diet (she followed Weight Watchers and is now its spokeswoman) was an important part of her weight loss, it was also the enduring tough love from Los Angeles personal trainer Harley Pasternak that added the fitness component to one of the most amazing makeovers of 2010.

No longer reserved as a luxury for the Hollywood elite, the world of personal training is accessible to everyday folks who need to jump-start their workouts, get back in the game after an injury or illness, or emerge from a self-inflicted post-holiday stupor. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) forecasts an increase in personal training during 2011. In general, ACE notes, consumers are preparing for an economic upswing that is motivating them to resume their personal training and fitness regimens. 

“more people are seeing the need for health and wellness in their lives, and they will put this into their budget when they realize it is what they need to be a better person for their families,” said Julie Early of Julie’s Xtreme Fitness in the Heights Racquetball and Fitness Club in Huber Heights. “it is more common for people to hire a trainer these days due to the fact that they don’t have time in their busy schedules for classes and yet still need the commitment of showing up for a certain day and time in order to achieve their goals.”

And the popularity of such shows as NBC’s “The biggest Loser” has also contributed to a general awareness of how personal trainers can help people make positive lifestyle changes.

For Kirsten Leedy, 44 of Washington Twp., her desire to hire personal trainer Raquel Rivera-Hill of Boricua Fitness LLC was simple: “I just wanted to get fit and active. When I had kids, I just got lazy. I needed the structure of classes and one-on-one training and the positive motivation.”

The trim, tall blonde said weight loss wasn’t as much a goal as feeling fabulous was. “My hips feel better; my posture is better,” she noted. “I’ve lost some weight, but cardiovascular fitness and strength were my goals. … I just needed to be strong and healthy for my kids.”

Although she currently trains with Rivera-Hill once a week and takes her group-exercise classes twice a week, Leedy implements the training into her daily life. “I am thinking about my core muscles and posture all the time, when I am driving or even vacuuming.”

Choosing a personal trainer

If you’re ready to invest in a personal trainer, then do your homework to find a fitness coach who will best suit your needs, schedule and budget. Although prices vary depending on the facility, you can reasonably expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 for an hour session. Oftentimes, gyms or studios will offer special packages on personal training or discounts for training small groups of people.

David Hannan, owner of ProActive Fitness LLC in Beavercreek, says the first thing to do is find a trainer who holds a current certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. while an NCCA-accredited certification is essential, according to ACE, a college degree in exercise science or a related field is a plus. This lets you know that your personal trainer has a solid educational foundation in exercise program design.

Word-of-mouth is an excellent way to find a trainer. Talk to your friends, family members and fellow gym members. “Request names and phone numbers of previous and current clients, then call them to see if they were or are satisfied with their exercise programs, results and experiences,” Hannan said. Rivera-Hill adds one of the best ways to see how a trainer behaves is to watch him or her interacting with clients in a gym setting.

David Bond, owner of The Personal Trainers in Dayton, said that personality is also a crucial factor in choosing the right trainer. “Are you comfortable with this trainer?” he said. “Shop your trainers, and see if they can meet your fitness needs. It’s like shopping for a car.”

Question yourself, too, on what appeals to you. Does the tough-as-nails, in-your-face approach of someone like Jillian Michaels of “The biggest Loser” inspire you to do more power squats or plainly intimidate you? would you feel better with a male trainer or a female trainer? Does age matter? and are you an early riser who prefers morning workouts or a night owl who is more efficient later in the day?

Leedy, who has worked with other trainers before, said she instantly clicked with Rivera-Hill, a petite dynamo who pushes clients to reach their personal best in an engaging way.

“I’ve never worked with anyone so easygoing and enthusiastic,” said Leedy.

What to expect

Once you’ve hired a trainer and completed the necessary paperwork, which should include a detailed health history, your personal trainer most likely will conduct a fitness assessment to see where you are at in terms of body fat, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness. Bond says he initially weighs clients and takes body circumference measurements. a trainer will regularly assess your progress and make modifications, if necessary.