Written by Josh Skrupskas
As summer approaches more people begin to think about the warm weather, beaches and bathing suits. Typically that is enough motivation to start thinking about getting back in the gym or the push you need to bring your workout to the next level. But often people do not know where to begin or they lack the motivation to stick with their plan for a long period of time. Having a personal trainer can be exactly what you need to design a workout program that is right for you, while keeping you motivated and focused on your end goal in the process.
Personal training was once seen as something for celebrities and professional athletes but it has evolved too be much more then that. Now people of all different fitness and economic levels are turning to personal trainers to get them on the path to living a healthy lifestyle. Here are five ways a personal trainer can help you reach your fitness goals.
1. Developing a Personalized Program
We as individuals all have different needs and goals. You may look to a friend that is in great shape to help you workout, but your needs and goals often will be different from theirs. This will not give you the results you would have hoped for or may get you on a program that you will not be able to maintain. A personal trainer will create a program specifically catered to match your needs as an individual. Whether you are looking to gain muscle, tone up, prepare for golf season or just get in better shape, a personal trainer will get you there with a program that was created to meet your specific needs.
2. Proper Technique and Injury Prevention
Using improper techniques while doing an exercise will either cause injury or will not give you the desired results that you are looking for. Each exercise is made to isolate a muscle or muscle group but if done incorrectly that area will not be worked properly. Having a personal trainer by your side to show you proper techniques and ensure that you continue to do the exercise correctly will guarantee you see results and will prevent possible injuries as well. It’s possible to injure yourself in the gym (especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing) so learning preventative measures to protect yourself from injury is very important.
3. Maximize Your Time
Finding time to get in the gym is not always easy, so you need to get all that you can out of a workout. A personal trainer will create a program that will maximize your workout while minimizing the time you spend in the gym. Creating an efficient program to meet your needs is the best way to maximize what you get out of a workout. This helps you avoid doing inefficient exercises that will not directly help you reach your goals and will rather make sure you get out everything you can from your time in the gym.
4. Accountability and Motivation
Accountability can play a large role in your overall fitness success, especially during the early stages. Motivation can be an issue that keeps you from sticking to your plan but being accountable to someone is a great way to keep you focused on your goals. Personal trainers require set appointments that must be cancelled in most cases at least 24 hours before your next session. This helps prevent you from just skipping a class when you are having an off day.
The motivation beyond accountability that your trainer will also provide cannot be overlooked. Trainers are passionate about fitness and want to help transfer that passion to you. Not just by helping you meet your short-term goals but by making you passionate about fitness as a lifestyle choice. Once you accept fitness into your life you will never have an excuse to miss the gym again.
5. Track your Progress and See Results
Personal trainers often do periodical follow-up sessions to help evaluate your results and tweak your program based on your results and future goals. Your trainer can help explain the results you are experiencing and assess if the program has been working well for you and make any changes necessary that will benefit you in the future.
Having a personal trainer and a personalized workout program will ensure that you start to see the results you are looking for, which will come quicker then working out on your own. Studies have found that people who work with a trainer push themselves harder then when they are alone. This extra motivation on top of the wealth of knowledge your trainer can offer is why you will reach your goals if you are willing to follow their plan for you.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will”
-Mahatma Gandhi
