An Experience with Personal Trainer?

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

I sprained my ankle a couple of months ago (grade 3, ligament gone). It's messed up my gait, and I can't run like I used to. Some days I have trouble walking evenly. I was OK for a while but instead of building up muscle, I think keeping up with running just broke things down more.

I have no idea how to do other exercises, let alone something like strength training, and am considering signing up for personal training for about a month so I can get familiar with other exercises that will keep me healthy, and maybe build my ankle back up so I can run again.

Does anyone have experience with personal trainers? Success or horror stories? Tips on making the most of a session? Alternate ideas? Thank you.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I've never used a personal trainer, but it sounds like you might want to look into physical therapy first (which might also be covered by health insurance). If you do decide to go with a personal trainer, see if you can get references and make sure they have experience with working with clients with injuries.

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

I've had it already. It kept my ankle from getting stiff, but I was advised against running. I ignored that. Turns out, they were right.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I see...

I wonder if they might be able to give you some names of good trainers..?

[bhskittykatt]

As a Student Physical Therapist Assistant, I have to say bad at you for not listening to your PT. *slaps hand*

I still wouldn't rule out a physical therapist, even if it's just for one visit so they can get you on an appropriate exercise program. Physical therapists work toward rehabing injury whereas personal trainers tend to specialize in improving general fitness. The physical therapist should be able to devise an exercise plan and give instructions to the personal trainer on how to appropriately progress it.

I would seek a personal trainer who is certified through an accredited organization, either ACE, NASM, or NSCA. This means they passed an exam showing their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, which in your case (recovering from injury) is important. As you found out, if you do too much too fast you can exacerbate things. You want to find someone who knows how to work with your injury to get you to your goals. A lot of states don't have a licensure for personal trainers, so ask for their credentials.

As for finding one, your physical therapist likely has some good referrals and that would be your best place to start. Local gyms are also a good place to start looking, too.

[Seshat]

One of the key differences between physiotherapy and personal training is that a physiotherapist is a medical specialist; a personal trainer is not. Oh, sure, there are PTs who've studied recovery from injury. But physios - well, its the physio's job.


Anyway: yes, go ahead and use a PT to assist you in your recovery. But have a physio design the program for you and the PT to follow.