Shopping for a personal trainer: following these six steps can mean the difference between failure and a great-looking body

Men's Fitness, Oct, 2001 by Derrick Nowlin, Dave Ferguson

For more information: www.nspainc.com

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

* Offers a host of certification programs: fitness therapy, conditioning, performance nutrition, aerobics, youth and senior fitness, and martial arts conditioning * Educates personal trainers on how to work with disabled clients.

For more information: www.fitnesseducation.com

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE ASSOCIATION

* Offers a wide range of general-fitness and aerobic certifications, including kickboxing, aqua and martial arts.

For more information: www.aaai-ismafitness.com

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PERSONAL TRAINERS

* Founded in 1988 * Offers general health and fitness certifications.

For more information: www.nfpt.com

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS MEDICINE

* Formed in 1987 * NASM instructors are required to have an M.S. in exercise physiology or biomechanics, in addition to C.S.C.S. certification.

For more information: www.nasm.org

INTERNATIONAL FITNESS PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

* General fitness certifications with an emphasis on functional fitness * Offers personal trainers an educational-training track and a support system for ongoing training needs.

For more information: www.ifpa-fitness.com

--Derrick Nowlin