Is it time?

Time to quit making excuses for not exercising regularly?

Or - if you have been working out regularly - is it time to start seeing more results from all your hard work?

If your answer to either of those questions is "yes," then it just might be time to hire a personal trainer.

A personal trainer can be a great way to jump-start or improve a regular exercise routine. Hiring the right trainer can be motivating. It can make you accountable. Plus, a good personal trainer can teach you the proper way to exercise your way to a healthy, fit body.

But hiring the right personal trainer can be a bit tricky. Here are five things to look for when choosing a trainer who is right for you:

1. Experience- Get referrals from satisfied clients. Someone you already know who has had successful results working with this trainer. Find a personal trainer who knows how to teach strength training, cardio, and stretching, because you will need them all. All the certifications and degrees mean nothing if the trainer doesn't have a history of training many different levels of clients.

The trainer also needs maturity. You should also know that the level of instructional training can vary. Some personal trainers have exercise physiology degrees while others may have any number of personal training certificates. Choose someone who has a great deal of instructional training.

Interview the trainer; ask for a complimentary training session. The trainer should do a thorough assessment of your health and give you a demonstration of his/her training style.

2. Personal Appearance - You want someone whose personal appearance motivates you. Don't choose a trainer who is overweight or noticeably underweight. Choose someone who, for his/her age and sex, is obviously aware of the training, nutrition, and lifestyle that go into being in good physical shape.

Does a woman in excellent physical shape inspire or intimidate you? If you are a woman, female trainers will be especially sensitive to female concerns - things like hormones, menopause, motherhood, and other age-related body changes.

In choosing a male trainer, if you are a male, choose someone with the physical strength to take you to a level of lifting heavier weights. And, if you are a female, realize that a male will always be stronger and bigger than you, but he isn't going to turn you into a mini version of him.

3. Compatible Personality - Know what kind of training style will work best for you. Do you need a drill sergeant with little room for small talk? Do you prefer a firm, kind approach? Find someone you can build a relationship with.

Also, recognize this is your time. You may need to talk as you work out, to unwind and focus. Choose a trainer who always leaves you feeling better physically, and emotionally, when you leave your session.

4. Dependability - You're paying for a service that has little room for fluctuating changes, re-arranged times, and tardiness. Look for a trainer who identifies the days and time that will work best for you. A good trainer will hold you accountable for those times.

You should expect a signed agreement from the trainer that gives you a reasonable amount of time for a cancellation or rescheduling of your session without a charge. Trainers know that unexpected changes come up. They also know it is easy to bail because you're just not "in the mood." The trainer loses income if you depart from your schedule. Most importantly, you lose if you choose a trainer who doesn't hold you accountable.

5. Correct Focus - Whether it's 30 minutes twice a week or 60 minutes three times a week, this is your time! The trainer should be focused on YOU from start to finish.

Don't settle for a trainer who walks away and leaves you on a machine. No trainer should be grabbing a meal as he/she trains you. The same goes for taking phone calls. Unacceptable. The right trainer will give you his undivided attention to meet your needs.

It's your time to take direction and work hard. You should feel comfortable talking to your trainer without compromising your workout.

Watch out for the trainer who is checking himself out in the mirror more than making sure your form is correct. Speaking of mirrors, embrace them. You will quickly identify posture, correct form, and translate this over to working out on your own.

Working out can be a blast! Just be sure you choose the right personal trainer for YOU. If you do, you'll be more likely to stick to those workouts that will produce amazing results.

Nancy Brainard is a personal fitness trainer and a freelance writer studying with The Lieurance Group. You can get in touch with Nancy at http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com or email her at nancymueller3@hotmail.com.