What makes a personal trainer certified

If you're looking for a personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals in 2013, there's one piece of advice you're going to hear over and over.

"Make sure you hire a personal trainer who is certified."

What does that really mean?

There are dozens of organizations that claim to certify fitness professionals. "A lot of them are bogus," says fitness author Liz Neporent of Manhattan. "You just go online, fill out something and get a certification."

Only about six are widely recognized, including the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Council on Exercise, as well as some university-based personal training programs, such as the one at Hofstra. A trainer with one of these certifications has had to pass an exam demonstrating basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and proper training techniques. "This ensures that they have the minimum knowledge they need in order to help you work out safely and effectively," says Neporent, whose latest book is "The Thin in 10 Weight-Loss Plan" (Riverside Press).

But knowing the names of the four muscles of the rotator cuff or proper form on a dead-lift is not the only prerequisite for a successful trainer. Garrett Jones, general manager of the Eastern Athletic Clubs in Melville and Brooklyn, recalls a trainer at the gym who "had a list of certifications as long as his arm. He was very knowledgeable." But few members wanted to train with him. "He just couldn't communicate," said Jones.

A successful personal trainer needs to be able to motivate you. And people get motivated in different ways. "Maybe you'd like a cheerleader?" Neporent says. "Or someone who can be tough one minute, encouraging the next? All of those personalities can work in a trainer, but you really have to match it up with yours."

Sessions are usually done in the home or at a gym; typically for 30 or 60 minutes. They are generally one on one, although trainers will make arrangements to train two or more people to defray costs. (On Long Island, expect to pay between $50-$75 per 60-minute gym session. In-home sessions are more expensive).

Wherever you meet your trainer, choose one who is punctual. "I've known trainers that were really fit, knew their stuff, motivated their clients and they'd be chronically late," says Bob Phillips, a veteran trainer from Melville. "People know that I show up when I'm supposed to show up."

One criterion that should matter less than reliability is appearance. While you might not want an overweight smoker supervising your workout, six-pack abdominals mean little in terms of personal training prowess.

To find the trainer that's right for you, talk to the manager at your gym. Observe trainers on the floor as they work with other clients. If you want to train at home, ask your home fitness equipment supplier for a recommendation. Also consider the Fitness Connect website from IDEA Health and Fitness Association (ideafit.com/fitness

connect), a database of personal trainers, searchable by ZIP code. This will tell you, among other things, who in your area is certified. And now you know that's just a starting point.