What is personal training?
Given the messaging around what being fit or healthy looks like in the fitness industry these days, it’s unsurprising that so many (women) are nervous about entering a gym. In many aspects of life, we often would much rather do nothing over the potential to face criticism - particularly if it’s related to how we look. And even when we do enter those spaces, there’s an entirely different challenge to face - what the heck do I do while I’m here?
Personal training is a great way to get started, whether you are working out from home or in a gym. It is equally beneficial for those who are well versed in fitness, but maybe want to switch things up. It is a way to learn technique and form, as well as focused attention on an area you would like to strengthen or to work towards a longer-term goal, such as running a marathon or triathlon, levelling up your (insert sport) game, etc. But the bottomline is - personal training is pretty much for everyone, regardless of level of experience or fitness.
How does it work?
Normally, when you first engage with your personal trainer, it will be all about building the relationship and getting to know you better. They will likely ask you questions about your goals (don’t worry if you don’t know what your goals are at the beginning - wanting to start moving is a great one!), history with exercise, what you like/don’t like, and likely even a few exercises to see where you’re at.
While some of these things may seem a little too much for a first meet up, all the information collected goes towards building you a customized plan that you will work on together. It’s for this reason that it is crucial that you be honest. For example, if you’ve injured your shoulder or you have knee pain, it doesn’t mean you can’t move forward. Instead, they will look for movements that will help you strengthen those areas, without causing more pain or reinjury. (Side note: the same goes for group classes - the more the instructor knows, the better the workout will be for you!).
Depending on how you go about personal training (is it a one-off session, or a package of 10 or more), the trainer will work with you over your agreed duration to complete the plan you’ve created together. And if you’re afraid to stick to something at any great length - don’t worry, like anything, plans can change. If it’s not working for you, talk to your personal trainer to make changes where needed!
What are the benefits?
There are ample benefits to hiring a personal trainer. I’ll share 3.
First, you get a customized plan. That means - designed specifically for your needs, to meet your schedule, working towards your goals, all while incorporating things you enjoy. For example, if you hate burpees and you share this information with your trainer, they’re likely not going to give you a 10-week plan consisting of burpee variations. This is beneficial because it won’t be a cookiecutter program like many of the options out there (not that they are wholly bad!), so it will work for the time you are able to dedicate per week, and with your preferences in mind. This plan will also avoid prescribing movements that you shouldn’t be doing!
Second, you learn proper technique and form. This may seem obvious, but so many of us (myself included), think we are doing a specific exercise correctly only to be met with pain during and/or afterwards. During your sessions, you get access to your personal trainer’s knowledge base and expertise. ASK THEM QUESTIONS! If things aren’t feeling right, or you are unsure, or you want to understand the movement better - there is no better time than in the moment to ask your trainer about what’s happening or why it doesn’t feel right for you. In doing so, they can provide variations to help reduce pain, make the movement feel more comfortable, etc., without compromising the intent or benefit of the exercise.
And finally, you get a built-in accountability buddy. In fact, you are literally paying this person to be your accountability buddy! In your intake meeting, talk about what that looks like for you, and what will best support your efforts. The beauty of personal training is that it is designed for you! Everyone’s accountability needs will be different, so it is important that they know what you need in that area. Then follow through (and make sure they follow through)! Accountability plays a huge role in your level of success, so this is one major benefit to hiring a trainer.
How do I choose a personal trainer?
Okay, so I’ve convinced you to hire a personal trainer. Now what?
When it comes to choosing a personal trainer, my best advice is to shop around. Even though you may see someone on social media that has loads of followers and positive references, it doesn't mean they are the one for you. Asking for references is a good place to start, but so is finding out what their style is! If you are not a hardcore bootcamp, high-intensity motivated person, a trainer who specializes in that type of fitness is probably not going to be the best choice for you. It is for this same reason that choosing a weight loss specialist is not likely to be a good fit for someone who’s goal isn’t to lose weight! This is why knowing what you like or what you’re hoping to get out of the experience is so important!
Another consideration for selecting a personal trainer is how comfortable you are with them. You will be spending quite a bit of time with this individual (obviously depending on what options you decide on), so being able to speak openly with them and not be nervous to do the work around them is going to be an important part of your training. Now, we all get jitters when doing something for the first time. We’re human - that’s a natural thing! But if every session you are afraid to go because they make you feel uncomfortable, you aren’t likely to continue.
At the end of the day, you have to find someone that fits your lifestyle and comfort level. Don’t get me wrong, if they’re doing their job right, they will push the boundaries of your comfort zone, but it should be incremental. Personal training can be a wonderful way to launch your fitness journey, to build confidence, and set you up with a foundation to continue pushing yourself further.
