how to select a personal trainer?

[Corwin]

As some of you know, I was in a biking accident a couple months ago and broke my elbow in two places. The arm has been immobilized for about a month, then in a motion limiting brace. Yesterday, my doctor gave me full flexation and extension, but the arm is very tight (as expected) and only extends to to 55 or 60 degrees. Physical therapy should give me back most of the extension (or they'll operate to loosen things up).

Anyway, not working out for a few months, besides driving me crazier, has left me a bit out-of-shape. When I get back into the gym I'll need to deal with the injury and probably make adjustments to my workout. I will want to hire a personal trainer. Given my injury, I'm wondering whether there are special requirements that I should look for in a trainer -- questions I should ask, certifications they should have, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mdlftr]

Corwin,

I totally understand and appreciate where you are coming from.

A few years ago, I had to find a PT post-op. I'd had knee surgery --and only got physical therapy approved by the surgeon post-op because I insisted on it. His attitude was, "Oh, you'll be fine. Just get out and walk." Wrongo! physical therapy with the exercises was the best thing I could have done.

Re: A personal trainer. My experience was to go to my local Gold's, where I'm a long-time member, and talk to the manager. I told him that I needed a PT with experience in rehab, and certifications.

While I don't remember all the certifications she had, she based her fee structure ($65/hr.) on her multiple qualifications and experience. She turned out to be totally worth every penny. Her focus was not on bodybuilding, per se, but on the rebuilding the foundation I needed to get back to lifting seriously.

She focused on FORM, FORM, FORM, and executing each exercise at the proper speed and cadence to get the most out of each exercise.

I also learned many exercises for the supporting muscles that make up the larger muscle groups: e.g., uneven push ups for the shoulders, front-=side lateral db raises, for the rotator cuffs, all supporting the upper torso for bench presses.
For the legs, stretches, single leg extensions, lunges, rubber band leg stretches, step ups onto platforms, leg presses, squats (done very carefully, with light weights after a thorough warm up)

Bottom line: Be frank with the management. You want/need a trainer with certifications and experience in training people post-op, with special attention to arm/upper body work. I'd also ask your current physical therapist. My experience was that it was more the person, rather than a specific certification they had. IF you really need the info., I can look up her certifications.

Good luck! I've been there, and you can come back from an injury and surgery stronger than ever!

Mdlftr

[Corwin]

anyone interested in my recovery can now read it on my blog http://www.musclegrowth.net/page/Scott/Weblog

and I can type with two hands again WOO HOO