Whether you're in your twenties or in your eighties, when talking with co-workers, friends, or family, often the topic of conversation that comes up is health. Be it trying to lose weight, get stronger, get out of the car more easily, or even just staying at the fitness level you're at, health is a constant subject.
Unfortunately, many people don't have the knowledge of how to get to their goals or the knowledge they do have is incorrect. Some have injuries or lack motivation. Others have tried but not succeeded and quit. Sometimes they don’t know where to start or how to progress once they have. This is where hiring a personal trainer can be extremely beneficial, below are 6 of the most pertinent reasons why.
Personal trainers see many different clients who often have very different goals, expectations on how to get to those goals, and how long it will take to achieve them. Sometimes the expectations are realistic and other times they are not. Unfortunately, when a person has unrealistic expectations on achieving their goals, they often get discouraged and quickly quit, feeling defeated. Seeing personal trainers have the knowledge of how the body works and what’s realistic, they can guide you and put you on the correct path, so you succeed. They will help you identify appropriate long-term and short-term goals that are realistic for you and your lifestyle.
As stated previously, people often have different goals. Also, people have different lifestyles, economic status and body types. These are all factors that need to be addressed when identifying one's goals. For example, an experienced trainer should not tell a full-time working parent of 4 young kids that they expect them to spend 2 hours a day in the gym, if it doesn't fit into their lifestyle. Same as they wouldn’t tell a young college student who is barely making ends meet that they should sign up for an expensive meal prep service. A responsible trainer would also not tell a client; you can lose 25 pounds in one week. Their job is to identify your goals and make them achievable with your specific lifestyle in mind.
Once your goals are established, often the next question is “How do I achieve them?” This is where personal training really pays off. Your trainer will develop a program that is customized for you. They conduct an assessment to evaluate current fitness levels, strengths, weaknesses, and any limitations or injuries. They discuss your goals, lifestyle, and your expectations. With this information they will develop a realistic and manageable program, tailored for you.
If you are new to exercise, they will make sure you focus on the basics, and they will continue to help you progress as you get stronger. This way you don't get injured, and your body does not hit a plateau. If you're advanced, they will push and challenge you according to your objective. Suppose you have limitations; they will create a program to address those limitations so you can still progress and succeed. Whatever your fitness level is, a trainer can design an individual program that is safe and effective for you.
Along with loss of motivation, due to not seeing results, one of the biggest reasons people stop working out is because of injury. Often people get so excited to lift weights, but they have no idea how to do it correctly. Watching others in the gym or seeing a video online can lead to disastrous results.
When you work with a trainer, they will demonstrate how to do exercises correctly. Then they watch you and use verbal cues to make sure you are executing the exercises with good form. Often, even with a trainer, sometimes due to strength, balance or mobility issues a client is not able to perform the exercises correctly. This is also why a trainer is important, so they can identify the issue and modify the exercise to the client's ability. This way they don’t get injured yet still will see results. Doing exercises incorrectly can not only lead to injury, but they also are not as effective, which can slow your progress in reaching your goals.
Exercise and fitness are essential in our daily lives, but nutrition also plays a huge role in how we feel and in achieving our goals. Can you get stronger, sleep better, move more efficiently with exercise alone? Often yes, but unfortunately unless you have a good handle on your nutrition you won’t see the weight loss and other health benefits that come along with proper nutrition. Also, even if your goal is not weight loss, goals can take longer to achieve if you have unhealthy eating habits. Eating healthy should not be about extreme diets or depriving yourself.
Personal trainers can assess your dietary habits, preferences, and goals to create personalized nutrition plans that align with your fitness objectives. Whether you aim to lose weight, build muscle or improve overall health, a personal trainer can offer guidance on portion control, meal timing, and food choices to optimize performance and results. By monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments trainers can help clients stay accountable and motivated to adhere to their nutritional plan, ultimately leading to long-term changes.
In addition, personal trainers can debunk myths, clarify misconceptions, and provide information to empower you to make informed decisions on your dietary intake. By having a supportive and non-judgmental environment, trainers can address any concerns or challenges you might be having regarding nutrition, enabling you to develop sustainable habits that lead to your fitness success. The guidance and expertise of personal trainers extends beyond the gym floor, helping you make healthier choices that positively impact your lives beyond your training sessions.
Life is constantly throwing curveballs and regardless of how motivated you start out, often that motivation can quickly dwindle. Be it the stress of work, kids or family, you will rarely always be motivated. Once that motivation is gone it's not always easy getting it back. Personal trainers can serve as an invaluable source of motivation on your fitness journey. Their expertise goes beyond physical training, and they can help with the emotional support often needed when trying to stay motivated. Their support and guidance can create a positive environment that helps you stay committed to your goals even when you're faced with challenges. Ultimately trainers push you beyond your perceived limits, to instill confidence in yourself. This way on days you're not motivated, you still will be determined.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of having a personal trainer is accountability. You can have your goals, workout program, knowledge and nutrition dialed in, but if you don't have the motivation to utilize it, then it's going to go to waste. Or you might be doing your workouts but hit a plateau because you're not pushing yourself to your full potential.
This is where personal trainers shine. Many people do not love working out or have a hard time finding the time to do so. Same with nutrition, it is not always easy to prep meals or say no to the treats. Having a trainer that you report to and that will hold you accountable for your goals can make all the difference. Many personal trainers have trainers themselves for this exact reason. They can motivate you to push harder or go longer than you would do on your own. In addition, they can talk with you through any obstacles you’re having and help you find realistic solutions. Personal trainers are there to guide you through each step of your fitness journey, for you to become the best version of yourself.
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Amazing content!