It’s that time of year and everyone is looking for an edge to make his or her fitness resolutions stick. For some, that choice may narrow down to plunking up some bucks to hire a personal trainer. A personal trainer can be a great source of education, support and encouragement, but that doesn’t come cheap.
So what is a personal trainer?
A personal trainer is someone whose entire job purpose provides comprehensive one-on-one fitness training. Through a series of skill and fitness level tests, they will determine your level of fitness and strength. Through support and accountability, they will provide their clients with an education in the proper use of the machines and exercise techniques. They will work with their clients to build purposeful and achievable goals. They will also provide moral and emotional support acting as both a coach and cheering section.
How Can A Personal Trainer Accomplish This?
Once you hire a personal trainer, you will usually meet them for hourly sessions 1, 2 or 3 times a week. It is possible to work with a trainer on a daily basis, but it can be cost prohibitive. The trainer then works with them on their designed program whether it is cardio, free weights, weight machine, resistance or flexibility training.
The trainer spends the hour with the client, recording their progress. The type of information recorded will be specific to client goals and the personal trainer’s style.
For example, a client who is building endurance may need their heart rate monitored during peak portions of exercise whereas a client working on fat burning will be recording heart rate, calories burned as well as numbers of repetitions, miles or time spent.
The trainer will also instruct the client during the course of the hour whether it’s in the use of a new machine or the proper execution of an exercise. They will monitor the client’s form as well as spot during the use of weights. It’s important that the trainer supports the client’s emotional state with encouragement or challenge, but also makes sure they do not injure themselves by doing an exercise incorrectly. The majority of gym related injuries comes from incorrect use of the equipment.
Con:
· Personal Trainers Cost Money
· You may require a gym membership to work with the PT
· You will have to meet some expectations
· You will have to honor commitments
· You’re going to be responsible for paying for the hour whether you show up or not
Pros:
· Studies suggest that people who work out with a partner are more likely to achieve long-term success than those who try to go it alone.
· Good companionship is a singular motivator and can help nurture the kind of healthy competition that tends to produce excellent fitness dividends.
· You will be working with a partner who will have enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
· You will benefit from their understanding of your goals.
· You will have their constructive criticism
· You will have personally tailored workout schedules.
· You will be making a commitment to show up
· You will have a sense of fun.