When it comes to hiring a personal trainer, you probably know some of the reasons why working with a trainer is a great idea. You’ll keep your workouts varied and learn the proper form which will keep you injury-free. But you might also be worried about the cost.
You’re probably wondering if hiring a personal trainer is really worth it and if a trainer will really help you see results faster than just going to the gym on your own and creating your own workouts. We’re here to answer these questions and help you determine whether a certified personal trainer may be just what you need to achieve your fitness goals.
What Will A Personal Trainer Do For Me?
Before you invest in personal training sessions, you want to make sure they’ll be worth it. But to figure that out, you need to ask yourself what you want to get out of them. There are as many different reasons for working with a personal trainer as there are pieces of equipment in the gym, so understanding your own motivation is a huge factor for determining if a personal trainer is worth the money for you and what you should look for in a personal trainer.
Do you need a personal trainer to help motivate you and keep you accountable?
If you’re just getting started with a fitness routine, or if you’ve been working out for a long time but have lost some steam, a personal trainer can help get you back on track. Studies show that working with a personal trainer can motivate you in a way that working out on your own does not.
For most people, being accountable to your trainer not only to show up to your sessions, but also to work harder than you would if you were working out own your own, is a big reason for signing up for personal training.
Are you just starting a fitness routine or do you want to learn the proper form for different exercises?
Even if your ultimate goals is to workout on your own, you should start by learning the basics about how to structure a workout plan, how to reduce your risk of injury, and how to target different muscle groups for the best results. A personal trainer can work with you in all these areas to make sure you are building good habits on your fitness journey.
Some people think that once you start working out with a personal trainer, it’s has to be a long-term relationship. That’s a big misconception. Personal trainers really just want to help you reach your goals, so if your goal is to build a great foundation so you can transition to solo workouts, that’s fine. And, if you want to work with a trainer for the foreseeable future, that’s great too. It’s entirely up to you.
Are you bored with your fitness routine and need a more varied workout plan?
Getting bored with your workout is a surefire way to start slacking. If you’re stuck in a workout rut and are looking for a new, more challenging workout plan, a personal trainer can help you refresh your routine and get you looking forward to your workouts.
Do you have an illness, injury, or condition that requires you to exercise?
If you’ve been diagnosed with an injury, medical condition, or illness by a medical professional, and have been directed to engage in an exercise plan, you should seek out a personal trainer to create a program that specifically addresses your unique situation.
These are all common reasons that people seek out personal trainers. If any (or all!) of them sound familiar, working with a personal trainer is a natural next step for your fitness routine.
Is a Personal Trainer Worth the Money?
Working with a personal trainer is an investment in your health and well-being. The reasons you may find a personal trainer helpful to your workouts could be different from someone else’s, but there are four main reasons that people seek out a certified personal trainer to help them. And, when you find the right personal trainer to work with, you’ll know they are definitely worth the money.
Keep You Motivated And Accountable
Think about it; how many times have you said you were going to go to the gym, but ended up on the couch with a bag of potato chips? It can be easy to skip a workout when you have no one to hold you accountable and we all know how taking a day off can turn into two days, then three, then much longer.
Hiring a certified personal trainer who will keep you motivated, even on the days you’d rather just curl in bed, is a huge part of the value people get out of working with a trainer. Even on the days you might not feel like working out, you’ll want to get your money’s worth from personal training, and that alone can be a big motivator!
The truth is, the motivation that a personal trainer can provide is huge and the time you spend working out will go by much faster if you have someone guiding you, chatting with you, and encouraging you. The relationship you develop with a personal trainer can make all the difference in your sessions, and the motivation your trainer provides can extend beyond the gym when you know that they’re as invested in your progress as you are.
Reduce Your Risk of Injury
When you first start working out, form is key. However, it can be challenging to understand the exact body positioning for all different exercises to ensure you’re doing it properly. Personal trainers have the necessary knowledge and education to teach you proper technique on exercises and correct you when something is off.
You’ll get the most fitness benefits out of your workout when you’re doing the exercises properly. Plus, proper form is crucial for injury prevention. If you’re sidelined due to injury, you’re just that much further back on your road to reaching your goals.
Finally, learning the proper form for the exercises in your fitness plan will help you create a strong foundation for your workout goals. That means, even when you’re not working out with a trainer, you can be sure you have the proper form for the exercises you’re doing on your own. Plus, good physical fitness means you’ll be in better shape for everyday activities like yard work, household chores and walking the dog.
Variety and Creativity
If you get bored of doing the same exercises workout after workout, it can be hard to stay motivated. Failing to frequently change up the exercises in your workout plan can be detrimental to your results for two reasons. First, your body will get used to the exercises you are doing repetitively, and eventually you’ll plateau. Second, if you get bored, you’ll have another reason to skip the gym.
Certified Personal Trainers are experts at creating varied workout plans that cover a variety of exercises for each muscle group. The plan they create for you and the exercises they have you do are designed specifically for fitness level and capabilities. With a personalized plan, you can get exactly what you want out of your workout and you’ll be more likely to reach your goals.
Whether your personal training sessions are one-on-one or in small groups, your trainer will keep your fitness routine fun, challenging and interesting with different types of exercises that work all different parts of your body.
Make Your Training Personal
There’s a reason why we call it “personal training.” Your body is unique and will respond differently to certain exercises and foods than someone else’s body. That’s why fitness routines need to be customized for each individual. What works for one person may not work for another, especially if you have an illness, injury, or medical condition.
While the person you see at the gym doing 100 crunches ends up with perfectly sculpted abs, you could end up with a sore neck, or worse. A personal trainer will work with you to understand your goals and put a plan into action with a clear timeline. Experienced trainers may have specialties that align with your specific needs.
For example, if you have an old or chronic injury, a personal trainer can create a program that works on the areas you need without risking new or re-injury. Or if you have a chronic health condition like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, a trainer can guide you in your fitness journey. And if you are concerned about preventing falls, a trainer can work with you to increase your balance, core strength, and stability.
If your focus is on improving your ability at a specific sport rather than health concerns, a personal trainer can be a big help. For student athletes who need to up their skills and strength for their sport, a personal trainer can design a plan that addresses the specific needs for their sport or help them fill in any gaps in strength training or endurance. For adults who compete or just want to improve their performance, a personal trainer will work with you to create a routine that helps you reach your goals.
How To Choose The Right Personal Trainer
Now that you know how a personal trainer can help elevate your workouts, it’s time find the best one for you. As you’re looking into your options, there are a few things you can do to make sure you choose a personal trainer that best meets your needs.
- Make sure you find a certified personal trainer – There are more than ninety fitness certification agencies that certify personal trainers, so you might see a lot of different acronyms while you’re researching. While all those letters can be confusing, you can check with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies to make sure the certification your personal trainer has is current and accredited. You can also ask the personal trainer you’re considering working with to see a copy of their certification to make sure it is current. Most recertification periods run between two and four years. All of the personal trainers at Inspire Fitness Training Studio hold a current personal trainer certification.
- Look for a trainer with a specialization if you have a specific need – Personal trainers will often have areas of specialization that may align with your goals. For example, if you’re a golfer who wants to improve your game, you should look for a trainer who has a golf training specialization, like a Titleist Performance Institute Certification.
- Talk to the trainer during a consultation before you sign up – Before you get started with a personal trainer, you should set up a consultation to make sure they are the right person to help you meet your goals. During this conversation, you’ll want to make sure the trainer has worked with people whose goals, needs, and limitations (particularly if you have a medical condition or past injury) are similar to yours. When you’re getting to know the trainer, ask yourself if they are someone you will get along with who will also motivate you toward your goals. You may find that you need to talk to multiple personal trainers to find one who is the right fit for you.
- Consider your compatibility – If you’re an early bird and like to workout before the sun comes up, your trainer should be an early bird too. Same goes if you’re a night owl. Makes sure your trainer can accommodate your schedule. Also, if you have a preference that your trainer is male or female, consider that when making your choice.
- Find out how much the trainer charges – Personal training rates can vary widely so you’ll definitely want to be clear on how much your personal trainer charges per session. Ask whether they offer packages of sessions for a less expensive per session rate. Also inquire how frequently they would expect to work together so you can understand how much your total investment with them would be. Some trainers will do shorter sessions which can work well for people who have a limited budget. If one-on-one personal training is out of reach for your budget, consider pairing up with a friend or doing small group training. You’ll split the cost so it’s more affordable for you, and you’ll get way more attention from the trainer than you would in a large fitness class at a gym.
- Seek out reviews and testimonials – There are plenty of resources you can use to find reviews or references for a prospective personal trainer. You can check the trainer’s website, any reviews they have on sites like Google or Yelp, or you can ask the trainer to provide you with clients to call. If you do reach out to clients, you’ll want to ask them about the things that are important to you. Did they feel like their individual needs were addressed? Was the trainer professional, prepared and punctual?
Get A Personal Trainer Near You In Arlington, Ma.
Now that you understand just how big of an impact hiring a certified personal trainer can have on your fitness, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do it. If you’re serious about seeing results and meeting your goals, it’s time to make the investment in yourself. Contact Inspire Fitness Studio today to learn more about our private in-person and small group personal training program in Arlington MA!
Joe Rindone, NCPT is a certified personal trainer and the Founder of Inspire Fitness Studio in Arlington, MA. He has many fitness and nutrition certifications including a Titleist Performance Institute Level 2 certification and a Nutrition and Body Composition certification. Joe’s passion for fitness has motivated him to become one Greater Boston’s best personal trainers. An athlete throughout high school and college, Joe has always enjoyed being active. Currently he enjoys road races, working with his boxing coach, kettlebell training and getting out for a round of golf in his spare time.