The key to getting fit,
keeping fit or improving your fitness is finding what works for you personally,
and that is exactly what a good personal trainer will do with you! Whilst
personal trainers used to be associated with celebrities and the affluent, they
are now used by people of all ages and fitness levels the world over. This is
due to them being perhaps the most effective method to improve health and
fitness quickly. Many reputable personal trainers are now fully qualified to
give advice on dietary matters and are conversant with the latest techniques to
improve mindset and motivation, alongside the traditional exercise and work-out
knowledge they bring to the table.
The below points
illustrate why hiring a personal trainer could be good for you:-
They actually reduce the time you need to spend working
out! By using a personal
trainer you are working smarter, not longer. A competent PT will set you a
program which will give results quickly and efficiently whilst taking into
account all aspects of your lifestyle.
Provide an accurate fitness evaluation. It is easy for individuals to under, or over, estimate
their physical capabilities. However, a PT has no such problem and will asses
and evaluate their clients based on tried and tested techniques. By doing this
the PT can create a fitness program ideal for the client which will reduce the
risk of injuries and maximise the impact of workouts. Contrary to what you may
have previously read in certain fitness magazines, there is no such thing as an
exercise program that fits all. What works for one individual may not work for
another. The job of the PT is to find what works for you and build on that.
They will keep you motivated. Working out with someone can be really motivational,
particularly if you don’t already have a regular training buddy or fitness
friend. Fitness professionals can be the
perfect training companions. A good PT
will know exactly when to push you and when to ease off; when a stern approach
is required, or when gentle encouragement and support are needed. They will
also add accountability to your training, which if applied correctly alongside
set fitness goals can have amazing results.
Variety is the spice of life. Boredom is the arch enemy of motivation, and a good PT
will be on hand to eradicate this unwelcome blighter. An experienced PT will
spot the early signs of boredom and react by changing your workout routine.
They may also use other motivational techniques such as changing the times you
train, add a competitive element in the form of fitness challenges or contests
and even integrate you into a group of exercisers who are working out at a
similar level to you.
Safety is paramount. Whilst improving fitness and progression will be firmly
in the PT’s plans, doing so in a safe and injury-free way is most
important. Performing exercises with
correct form and technique will be demanded. Lifting the heaviest weight or
doing the most reps might look good, but it won’t win you any points with your
PT if you’re not doing it in a safe and controlled manner. This is particularly important if you’re new
to exercising, or starting to get fit after a long lay off. Too many people charge into a new fitness
regime, or think they can pick up where they left off 10 years ago, get injured
and lose interest and motivation.
They can teach you new skills. Do you want to participate in a new sport or fitness
challenge? If you make your PT aware of your intentions they can tailor an
individualised program specifically around getting you into the best physical
and mental condition for the sport or event. A good PT will have knowledge of, or the
experience to know how and where to research, any sport, fitness or mind-body
activity.
Many
people are initially put-off by the cost and commitment involved in using a
Personal Trainer. However, these are massively offset by the benefits described
above. Using a Personal Trainer is a tried and tested method to improve fitness
quickly and efficiently whilst minimizing the risk of injury or over-training.
