WATERLOO -- When Jeff Krieg joined Waterloo's Snap Fitness he had trouble making time to work out at the exercise center.

"During the winter it's hard to get motivated and get in and do what you need to do," said Krieg. "And if I did come in, I'm the type of person who will go just far enough … I needed someone to push me."

So the Waterloo man enlisted the help of Snap personal trainer Brittney Kurth in his quest to better health. He purchased 10 one-hour sessions with the fitness expert, meeting with Kurth twice a week to learn a new workout.

"On his own he was basically setting himself up for failure," Kurth said. "But a lot of times when people make the investment (of hiring a personal trainer), they are going to follow through."

It's a trend that's catching on in gyms in the Cedar Valley and across the nation. In 2006, 6.3 million Americans purchased personal training services, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportclub Association, a trade group for the fitness industry. That's up almost 40 percent from 1999. And more and more trainers join the business every day. U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that 235,000 Americans worked as exercise coaches in 2006. By 2016 the government expects 298,000 trainers to work in gyms across the country.

"Compared to three or four years ago there are more personal trainers and more people wanting to use those services," said Kirk Alexander, executive director of the YMCA. "I think more individuals are trying to get that one-on-one specialty attention."

Personal trainers are no longer just for celebrities and elite athletes, he said. Today gym-goers of varying fitness levels take advantage of specialized exercise routines prepared by trainers. Teens and college students come in to develop sound fitness habits, empty nesters learn the ins and outs of weight training, and dieters develop routines to keep off the pounds.

"Probably one of the biggest benefits of having a trainer is making sure that what you're doing is correct and that you're working toward your goal," said Merriam Lake, health promotion facilitator and a personal trainer at Covenant Wellness Center. "A lot of people come in and they want to get in shape, but they just don't know how."

Personal training sessions at Cedar Valley gyms cost between $21 and $60 per hour. Buying a package of one-on-one workouts can lower the cost at many fitness centers. Customers determine how often they want to meet with their trainer, with most exercisers scheduling twice weekly appointments with an expert until they reach their goals.

Before beginning a regimen, the client will discuss his or her wellness goals with the trainer, and often participate in a fitness test. Wellness coaches typically demonstrate the workings of the gym's cardio and strength training equipment, and then develop an exercise plan catered to their client's needs.

"A lot of people who come to us say that they have been trying on their own and they're getting frustrated," said Mallory Schipper, a health coach at Gold's Gym in Waterloo. "Trainers can look at trouble areas or weak areas in their body and really personalize the workout for their body type to help them progress. And we make sure that people are using the correct form and are doing the correct exercises for their body."

Hiring a trainer may cost extra money, but the benefits of developing healthy habits can improve clients' quality-of-life, said Debbie Roth, health promotions service director at the YWCA.

"More and more people are using personal trainers and I think that's a great thing," she said. "We see it as preventative health care. It's much easier to invest in your health before something serious happens."

And making a permanent lifestyle change is much easier when you feel like you've got someone else on your side, said Snap member Krieg.

His trainer "kicks his butt" with intense workouts, but Krieg says he'll keep coming back for more.

"I look forward to it," he said. "I feel like I'm getting something done."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.

{M3Before you commit

Choosing a personal trainer is a big decision. Make sure you get the right person for the job.

"Sit down and talk one-on-one about what you want out of the experience. A good personal trainer will help you set realistic and attainable goals." -- Debbie Roth, health promotions service director, YWCA

"It's important to know what kind of training they have and who they are certified through. There are several personal training certifications out there that you can pick up online, but some of those concern me because there's no practical exam involved." -- Kirk Alexander, executive director, YMCA

"Personal trainers should talk to their clients about any past health problems or issues. Some people have knee or hip problems and some people have arthritis and their workouts need to be adjusted." -- Merriam Lake, health promotion facilitator, Covenant Wellness Center