How to know when it is time for a personal trainer?
We got goals, sis! We know you do too because you are here, looking for ideas to help with your fitness journey. Personal training is an investment. It’s a monetary commitment and an investment in your health. It is also an investment of your time. So you don’t want to enter into the decision lightly. But how do you know when it is time to move from your current routine into a more serious commitment?
Like any professional service, all trainers are different. “One of my first trainers was a competitive bodybuilder,” said CaCera. “Our workouts were challenging, but he only knew how to train in one way. I saw results, but I wanted more variety in the program. I began to dread out workouts and eventually realized I needed to explore other options.” On the opposite side, some of Shawnie’s favorite trainers challenged her body in creative ways. Most importantly, she was incredibly knowledgeable about her body. “ I suffered from chronic knee and shoulder issues for years,” said Shawnie. “ But, once I had a trainer who understood those injuries and gave me the right stretches and modifications, it did not hurt to do certain exercises anymore.” Every trainer has their own unique style and skillset. It’s important to seek out the best one for you and know it’s ok to move on if you need to.
Have you thought of signing up for personal training to help you along the way? If so, keep reading. We’ve pulled together some thoughts and questions to help you make the best decision for you.
How do I know it’s time to sign up for a personal trainer?
You’ve hit a plateau. You’ve been working out consistently and focusing on your nutrition, but you are no longer making progress towards your goal. A trainer can help give you the training boost you need to move forward.
You want to ensure you are working and moving safely. More than just moving, it is important for you to ensure you are maintaining proper form. A knowledgeable trainer will be able to equip you with the best knowledge of how to perform exercises and help you increase the intensity, whether that means performing faster, becoming more fluid, or lifting heavier weights.
Are they a certified professional? There are people out there who have had success with their own fitness journey, but that does not mean they are equipped to train. We all have different body types, goals, barriers and needs. A trainer should be able to assess what is right for a range of bodies and build a program tailored to you. Whether it is a group training certification, personal training certification, or a specific niche, a certified professional lets you know they’ve taken the time to study the body and the way it moves. We also know there are some great trainers out there who are not certified. Maybe they grew up as an athlete or studied subjects like kinesiology, or even teach a very specific, niche class. Keep a pulse on if you are progressing, but if they keep you inspired to move and workout, go for it.
You are training for or preparing for something specific. Maybe you have been on your fitness journey for a while, but you have your sights set on a fitness competition, entering an obstacle course race, or getting ready for a major life event (like your wedding). You want to be in the best shape possible. A trainer can train you through a program that will prepare you for that moment.
You are conscious about working out in public. Working out in a big box gym or group fitness classes gives you anxiety? A personal trainer may be a good option to work on your fitness goals without thinking about who is around and watching.
You need accountability to get you started on your fitness journey. We’ve all experienced the start/stops of working out. Day one goes amazing, but by day three, we’ve put those workout goals back on the shelf until next month. Getting a personal trainer for the first month of your fitness journey can be a great way to stay on track because you have someone to keep you accountable. You can also learn some great ways to work out on your own.
Okay. Your mind is made up, now what?
There are a lot of fitness professionals out there. Add that to the layer of fitness influencers on Instagram and it becomes easy to buy into the hype around a person. What are some questions you should ask before you commit to a trainer or program?
Are they knowledgeable about the body? This goes hand in hand with being certified. It’s important that your trainer understands anatomy, recognizes injury prevention, and how to adjust your workouts if you experience pain, have old or new injuries, or simply can’t perform a workout at a certain level yet. It’s normal to be a little sore during a workout, but if you are experience pain that doesn’t feel normal, speak up!
Do you have a connection? Are you just another number or do you have a rapport and trust the person you are considering? Training can be a vulnerable process. You need someone you can vibe with, have fun with, and trust to help get you to your goals.
Are they professional? Having a trainer should be no different from any other service you seek. Do they have a reputation of being timely and reliable? Your time is valuable and you want someone you can count on to keep you consistent.
Is training in your budget? In the same vein of professionalism, training is a service that requires a lot of planning, time and commitment on behalf of the expert. If you are working with a trainer outside of a big box gym, they are on the line for their own equipment and potentially rent for their space. Support them by paying their full rate.
Do they have options that fit you? We are still very much son in a pandemic. How comfortable do you feel with training in a physical space? Is the trainer taking safety precautions seriously? Are they sanitizing their space and equipment regularly? Or providing virtual options? Another important question is do they know how to train in more than one way and a variety of equipment for you to work with?