Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer
#1: Proper Technique & Form
When I started lifting weights and working out I thought: who actually
needs a personal trainer? I mean, can’t I just learn the exercises by watching videos on YouTube and reading fitness magazines or books? This logic seemed to make sense, until I pulled a couple different muscles and got an over use injury which damaged a nerve in my arm and ultimately took 9 months to heal! Since then, I have become a certified personal trainer to help others achieve their goals in a more safe and effective manner.
A certified personal trainer will provide valuable advice on how to perform various exercises in your workout plan. They will actively watch as you perform each exercise and advise you on ways to improve your posture, tempo, and breathing to maximize the effects of each exercise, while minimizing your risk of injury. Although YouTube videos, books, and magazines are valuable resources, there is no substitute for an expert standing by your side and providing immediate feedback while you work out.
#2: Accountability/Motivation/Inspiration
Woody Allen put it well when he said that “80% of success is
showing up.” A common problem that people face when working out alone is a lack of commitment to stick to a regular exercise program. Most of us have probably signed up for a gym membership that we never used or purchased a treadmill which is now a place to hang clothes to dry.
A personal trainer will keep you accountable and on track to achieve your fitness goals by meeting with you regularly and providing individualized attention, support, and motivation.
#3: Customized Workout Program & Variety
Personal training is just that, PERSONAL! A personal trainer will be able to develop a program that is tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to lose 20 pounds or train for a triathlon, a personal trainer will be able to structure a workout plan that takes into account your current physical condition, medical history, specific goals, and the time frame you have in mind to achieve those goals. Adhering to a personalized plan renders better results than a general cookie-cutter plan.
Personal trainers will also teach you a variety of exercises to keep exercise exciting and fun. This variety will also help to confuse your muscles and prevent performance plateaus. In addition, if a particular exercise does not work for you, the trainer will be able to modify it to better fit your needs.
#4: Goal Tracking and Achievement
A good personal trainer will examine your medical history, along with your current fitness level to help you come up with reasonable goals and to a create a plan of attack for achieving those goals. Through periodic fitness assessments, personal trainers will be able to help you assess your progress with your goals. Another important element of personal training is their ability to help you to not only set goals, but to set a vision. I personally encourage clients to envision their lives after they have fulfilled their fitness goals. Having a visual picture in your head and living in that moment can be very effective in ultimately accomplishing one’s goals.
#5: Efficiency
People are busy and don’t have time for long tedious workouts. A personal trainer will be able to make the most of your workout time and will create workouts that use your strengths to improve on your weaknesses. For example, instead of the traditional hour-long slow paced jog on the treadmill, a trainer could have you do high intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit workouts. These types of workouts, can burn the same amount of calories and deliver the same physical benefits in half the time!
