Like most things in life, in order to get the desired results exercise requires considerable thought and planning. It shouldn’t just be another punch list item as that’ll only leave you falling short of your fitness goals. Personal trainers can help streamline the process by developing an effective workout and nutrition strategy to take your health to the next level.
Accountability. One of the most challenging parts of maintaining a workout routine can be just that. Doing the workouts and doing them consistently. Working with a personal trainer can give you the nudge you need to get your session in, if you have committed to a session at a certain time and place you’re far less likely to skip it. The more accountability you have, the more likely you are to stick to a programme.
Better results. When left to their own devices it’s easy for individuals to end up doing hours on the cardio machines or listlessly going from one piece of equipment to another without a real plan. A personal trainer can ensure you’re performing the right exercises specific to your individual needs and goals, in addition to providing the right equipment at a local gym or private studio helping to maximise results.
Structure. It’s easy to fall into boring routines and plateau. A personal trainer can help add variety and structure to your exercise routine by providing new challenges, individualised training programmes and encouraging you to reach new personal records. Be prepared to run faster times, address muscular imbalances and/or lift heavier weights.
Development. A personal trainer isn’t just there to make you sweat – you’ll likely learn something from your time together too. To become a personal trainer one has to go through accredited organisations such as NASM or CIMSPA, and in order to stay current they must continue to earn additional education hours and qualifications each year. Your personal trainer will likely know quite a bit about body mechanics, behaviour change, nutrition, and exercise science. Beyond that they can teach you about greater health and fitness topics that are suited to your needs and could help you maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long run.
Nutritional advice. Personal trainers are not qualified nutritionists but they are able to provide general nutritional guidance which many clients may find valuable as they navigate their way through their fitness journeys. Knowing how much protein to eat, how to incorporate more vegetables and fruit into your meals or even what your water intake should be can affect your results. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or both, your diet plays a crucial role.
Avoid injuries. One of the biggest benefits of having a personal trainer is addressing incorrect form and technique. Good form means the individual is performing a movement using the right muscles in a safe and controlled manner, this not only increases the effectiveness of the exercise but also substantially reduces the risk of injuries.
Realistic goals. Failing to achieve your fitness goals can be disheartening, this makes it easier to lose sight or even entirely give up on your health objectives. It’s not uncommon for individuals to set unachievable goals in a an unrealistic timeframe. A personal trainer can help you establish attainable goals that can be tracked every step of the way making it easier to achieve them.
Habits. Exercise can often be viewed as a ‘quick fix’ where individuals plan on getting huge results in a matter of weeks. This can often lead to burnout and before you know it you’re right back where you started attempting to repeat the cycle all over again. Personal trainers can help you reevaluate your relationship with exercise, and the way you view your own health and fitness. Whether this involves realising that exercise should be more of a long term priority and not just something to tick off your to do list, or even addressing physical limitations by establishing short and long term goals to set you up for consistency and success.
The bottom line is that a personal trainer can give you the tools and support needed to achieve your goals. They can provide accountability, structure, and a personalised plan of action, so you may find working with one well worth the investment.
