Is Personal Training Worth It?
Let’s be honest: achieving a fitness goal is hard. You may have tried exercising on your own by going on social media, looking up workouts, trying different exercises, or using a fad diet promoted by an influencer only to wonder why it’s working or you’re struggling to exercise consistently.
However, if you’re feeling stuck, it’s okay to ask for help. Working with a personal trainer can be a great way to get you started and stay on the path towards achieving your goals in the long run.
What Does a Personal Trainer Actually Do?
A good trainer acts as a guide, helping you to navigate the ups and downs of your fitness training.
They typically do this by:
· Helping you get clear about your goals
· Figuring out where you are relative to your goals
· Assess your nutrition habits
· Design a custom workout program
· Monitor your progress
· Help you avoid common pitfalls
· Provide accountability
Is Personal Training Worth It for Beginners?
If you’re new to exercise or have never stepped foot in a gym before, the gym can be an intimidating place.
Many beginners end up quitting due to a lack of confidence or second-guessing their workout routine.
Working with a personal trainer can be a valuable investment for beginners to learn proper exercise technique and movement patterns as well as how to use gym equipment safely and effectively. People who work with a trainer are also more likely to train at a higher intensity than on their own.
This can help you gain lifelong skills for improving your exercise routine and make fitness a more integrated part of your lifestyle.
Why Some People Struggle Without Coaching
While there is nothing wrong with self-learning, many people struggle on their own for a variety of reasons.
People often:
· Use too much or too little intensity
· Use poorly designed workouts
· Under-eat (more common than you think!)
· Ignore poor sleep habits
· Make training an afterthought when things get busy
· Train inconsistently
· Avoid progressive loading
· Burn out from unrealistic routines
· Quit when progress stalls
The most common include a lack of knowledge around building effective workout programs and nutrition, unrealistic goals and expectations, and a lack of accountability.
Working with a trainer can help you start to understand how to build an effective workout routine, gain knowledge around the basics of nutrition, and have a mentor who can help you navigate sticking with your exercise routine when life throws obstacles your way.
Accountability is One of the Biggest Benefits
Most people know that exercise is good for their health. The hard part is sticking with a routine when things get hectic.
Having scheduled training sessions on your calendar with pre-designed workouts and someone who is expecting you to show up and is also invested in helping you make progress can make it easier to stick with your workout plan.
A good trainer uses accountability in a positive, growth-oriented manner to help you get clear about your goals and help you set expectations for how you’ll work towards them. Additionally, they can help you navigate when things don’t go according to plan and collaborate with you to adjust the plan to keep moving forward.
Good Coaching Should Be Personalized
One problem in the fitness industry is one-size-fits-all programming or coaching.
People are unique. They have different goals, lifestyles, schedules, responsibilities, past injuries and experiences, and learning styles. Good coaching adapts with you instead of trying to have you do the same thing as someone else with an entirely different set of circumstances.
Is Online Personal Training / Remote Coaching Worth It?
Online coaching typically involves working with a coach through zoom or asynchronously through a coaching app.
This can give you greater flexibility if you have a busy schedule that does not allow you to work with a coach in-person, you don’t have access to a quality coach in your area, or you travel frequently.
However, if you’ve had trouble staying consistent when training on your own in the past, you’d probably make more progress from working with a trainer in-person.
When Personal Training Might Not Be Worth It
Personal Training might not be a fit if you’re already highly motivated to train on your own and you’re able to follow a program diligently.
It might also not be worth hiring a trainer if you already possess a high level of knowledge in exercise science, training program design, and nutrition.
Others may not be ready to make the financial commitment to working with a trainer 1 on 1. In this case, using a templated self-guided program may be a more affordable option.
What Makes a Personal Trainer Worth the Investment?
Not all personal trainers work in the same way.
Working with a personal trainer can be a valuable experience when they help you change your relationship with exercise and make long-term sustainable progress safely and efficiently.
This typically involves:
· Clear communication
· Structured training
· Matching training with your lifestyle
· Realistic goal setting
· Quality exercise instruction
· Accountability
· Adaptability
· Education, not ego
In my opinion, the best trainers help their clients get to the point where they feel comfortable training on their own. For most people, this takes time. The exact amount depends on the person.
Ultimately, I’m a strong believer in the value of education. Knowledge is one of the few things in life that cannot be taken away from you – ever.
Fitness Is About More Than Workouts
Working with a trainer can give back in ways you don’t expect: more energy through the rest of your day, better sleep, and a better mood. Beyond this, a good coach can help you change your relationship with exercise overall.
Final Thoughts
Working with a personal trainer can help you set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy exercise habits and knowledge so you can get results that last.
If you have questions about your current training or you’re thinking about 1:1 coaching, reach out here.