So you’ve finally decided to hit the gym. You have all the motivation in the world, all the best intentions, so hang in there and give this workout your all! iPod, look! Gym membership, check! Water bottle, check it out!
A few weeks go by and you feel strong, you may even have lost a few pounds! Fast forward about 2 months later, things seemed to have come to an abrupt stop… The weight isn’t coming off as fast, and suddenly you’re bored with the same routine you’ve been following for the past 2 (or more) months. What to do, you may ask? Why hire a trainer?
It seems simple, but for some it is a scary decision. In fact, as someone who has been in the industry for over 12 years, I find it surprising that so many athletes are hesitant to take the step of incorporating a fitness professional into their daily routine. Many people decide to hire a trainer later rather than right away. However, it’s better to start off on the right foot, when the motivation is strong, than to wait while you figure it out on your own (and possibly lose the momentum of wanting to continue with your routine).
Sometimes users (new ones and those who have been doing it for years) don’t always realize the benefits of working with a trained professional. So, let’s go over those benefits, shall we?
- Hiring a trainer at the BEGINNING of your exercise routine is the best time! I’ve had conversations with several gym goers who think they can start on their own and be fine. But what most people don’t realize is that their perception of HOW TO EXERCISE is a bit wrong. They think that doing cardio for hours will help them lose the most weight, or that killing themselves on a treadmill is the most effective way to magically melt away body fat. Worse yet, many people (especially women) don’t realize the importance of weight training in a weight loss program. Some people neglect this part or don’t train properly to see the most dramatic changes. Working with a personal trainer at the beginning of your fitness program can help clear up any confusion about what is the most (and least) effective way to train for real results.
- Hiring a trainer can help you learn how to weight train effectively to get the results you expect! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, EXERCISE IS A SCIENCE. And that’s why there are so many who study this science day after day and year after year, earning degrees and certifications to help the general public discover how to apply this science to everyday life. When most people train with weights, they end up doing the traditional type of exercises that focus primarily on hypertrophy (or building mass). Many gym goers get their information from fitness magazines or other members, which may be good sources, however they are NOT the best sources. In order to promote major changes in body composition (building muscle while losing as much body fat as possible), a multi-joint or compound exercise program should be considered. Anything that makes your body move as a unit while fighting the forces of gravity is absolutely the best. Therefore, exercises like the Squat Row or Lunge to Overhead Press will produce a higher calorie burn AND a huge metabolic boost. Combining several exercises, such as those mentioned, to make a complete circuit is even better. This type of training will keep your heart rate up and calories burned. You will see the most significant changes in the shortest amount of time.
- Hiring a trainer can keep you motivated! It goes without saying that having someone to guide and encourage you while you exercise is a great booster and energizer for the ego. A great trainer is someone who can keep you going even on those days when you feel like you can’t muster the energy to start your workout. A great trainer knows your body and always keeps your goals in mind, so you can be sure that when you step foot in the gym, you’ll be on your way to physical success.
- Hiring a trainer gives you a sense of responsibility! You’ve made an appointment, you’ve made a commitment to yourself, you’ve included another person in the equation… Plus, you’ve PAID for the service. Therefore, you have to show up and give it your all. For many, a set appointment time is the only thing that keeps them using the gym or working out. If you have to do it 2 or 3 times a week, on a schedule, the changes will show up!
- Hiring a trainer can ensure real results! Again, it’s about knowing exactly what you need to do to see the results you want. Putting this responsibility in the hands of someone who has the answers on how to get you there is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It takes 4-6 weeks to see any real changes in the body, you can do it the right way and see these changes sooner, or your way and risk not seeing them at all.
There are many other reasons why a coach is the best option, short term or long term. Even if you only considered one for a month to jump-start (or restart) your fitness plan, your coach can be the key that opens the path to your dream body. In our next discussion, we’ll look at how to choose the right trainer for YOU.
