Whether you want to lose weight, tone your muscles or simply feel fitter, personal training is an excellent investment in your health. Personal trainers can help you reach your fitness goals faster and more efficiently than doing it alone, plus they have the knowledge and expertise to ensure safety and effectiveness of your exercise routines. They also know how to tailor workouts to fit your needs and make them fun, challenging and effective.
Choosing the right personal trainer for you is a decision that should not be taken lightly. A good trainer will be certified through a recognized personal training organization and have liability insurance. They should also have a comprehensive understanding of exercise science, anatomy and physiology. Additionally, they should be able to answer any questions you may have about exercise techniques and nutrition.
Many people assume that all personal trainers are high energy, in your face types who work you to the point of exhaustion with heavy lifting. While some trainers do fit this mold, most are professional and knowledgeable. It is important to find a trainer who you are comfortable working with for 1-4 hours a week and will listen to your concerns, goals and limitations. Your trainer should ask for feedback from you during and after each session, as well as provide regular updates on your progress toward your goal.
The first step in finding a qualified personal trainer is to research potential candidates in your area. Look for a trainer who has a NCCA-accredited certification through an organization such as ACSM, ACE, NSCA or IDEA and is CPR and first aid certified. Additionally, consider looking for a personal trainer who has additional qualifications and certifications in areas like pre and post-natal exercise and circuit training.
Personal trainers should be able to offer a variety of exercises, using both machines and free weights. They should also be able to create a workout that is unique for each client, using a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility training. In addition to helping their clients stay on track with short- and long-term goals, a good personal trainer will also monitor their client’s diet and nutrition, which can be just as important in achieving desired results.
If you’re bored with your gym workouts or aren’t seeing the results you want, a personal trainer can add excitement and motivation to your routine. They’ll keep you accountable and push you beyond what you could do on your own, so you can see more rapid results.
It’s easy to fall into a rut with exercise and become bored with the same workouts day after day. A personal trainer can introduce new exercises and provide a fresh perspective, making the workouts more interesting and challenging. They can also teach you how to use equipment properly, which can prevent injuries and improve your performance. Too often, people move incorrectly on exercise equipment or lift too much weight and this can cause both temporary issues and long-term damage to the joints.
