WHY A PERSONAL TRAINER IS GOOD TO USE!!!
Things a Qualified Personal Trainer Should Offer
§ Professionalism. Your trainer should have an attitude of professionalism
at all times. They must be on time, awake, and giving you their 100 percent undivided attention during your scheduled session.
Run, don’t walk, from any trainer who makes or takes phone calls, talks to friends or gives you less than their full
attention during your session. If your trainer works at a gym, determine whether this is their career — or if they are
simply working there for the free gym membership.
§
Motivation. A key role of the trainer is that they motivate you. This is largely what you are paying them for. Face it. If
you could motivate yourself to do this work on your own, you wouldn’t need a trainer. Still, your trainer should not
be a commanding drill sergeant — they should offer an appropriate balance between motivation and compassion.
§ Accountability. Another part of the trainer’s job is to keep
you accountable. The trainer should hold you responsible for being on time, or canceling with advance notice. If you arrive
for your session 15 minutes late or you cancel without 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged. As the client, it is your
job to keep your word and to allow the trainer to get you results. This means you must arrive on time and ready to work out.
§ Energy. Your trainer should be upbeat and energetic. If they don’t
have any energy, how can they possibly get you fired up to work out and sweat?
§ Results. A trainer’s primary job is to help you obtain RESULTS. If you listen to your trainer and follow
their advice, and you still are not happy with your results or the way you feel, fire them and hire another trainer. However,
if you don’t listen to your trainer, you cannot fault them if you do not achieve results.
§ Focus on your health. Your health should be your trainer’s priority even if
getting fit isn’t your first priority. Whether you’re training for a marathon or trying to achieve a
body builder’s physique, your trainer must keep your health at the forefront of their concerns.
§ Success. The trainer must be committed to your success, sometimes even more committed
to it than you are.
§ Training sessions. Your trainer
may offer a variety of packages, including buddy, family, group and corporate sessions. Do not hesitate to ask for what you
want from your trainer.
Things
Quality Fitness Training Should Include
§ Measurements. Before you begin
a fitness program, measurements should be taken of body fat, weight, circumferences, and fitness assessment. Tests should
be done to determine postural analysis and muscle imbalances. Progress must be tracked.
§
A PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) should be administered and a medical history taken, so the trainer is
aware of any physical conditions that could inhibit your training or potentially injure you. The trainer must know beforehand
of any and all medical conditions and medications in order to address your personal health concerns and keep your safety a
number one priority.
§ One-hour sessions, three times a week. For the most
efficient training, sessions should last one hour and include warm-up, weight training (the best bang for your buck for fat
loss and muscle gain), stretching, and cool-down. Your trainer should recommend three sessions a week to achieve your ultimate
fitness goals. If you work out only once a week, you cannot expect quick or quality results. (In the event
that you only are able to work with a trainer one time per week, it will become your responsibility to work out the other
two times a week on your own. But don’t try to fool yourself. If you know you won’t work out on your own, make
the investment to work three times a week with a trainer.)
§ Workout log.
Your trainer must record everything you do with them. Records are extremely important for the trainer, as they will track
your progress and success.
§ Variety. You should never have to do the same
boring workout all the time. If that is the case, get a new trainer. Your trainer should be smart enough to design innovative
programs to keep you motivated. That is a key aspect of their job.
§ Undivided
attention. You, the client, should be the most important person in your trainer’s life for the length of your session.
You deserve their undivided attention and utmost respect.
§ Sweat. Working
out isn’t supposed to be easy, but neither is it supposed to kill someone. Your trainer should push you as close to
the edge as possible — and, yes, you should work up a healthy sweat in every workout. Remember, you can’t get
fit without getting funky. However, some workout days will be lighter than others because no one can achieve peak performance
everyday. It is up to your trainer to get the most out of you every time they work with you.
§
Proper form. During a session, your posture and biomechanics should be more important to the trainer than being a rep-counting
cheerleader. You, the client, should count the reps while your trainer watches carefully to make sure you are performing the
exercises properly and corrects any deviations in your form.
§ Directives
for times outside the training sessions. In addition to one-on-one training, cardio must be performed on a daily basis in
order to lose bodyfat.
Things You Should Bring to Your Training Regimen
§
Specific goals. Ask your trainer to help you clarify and prioritize your fitness goals. Make sure your trainer is willing
to help you achieve them in the most efficient way possible.
§ Be
willing to work. Don’t hire a trainer and then simply go through the motions. Listen carefully and follow your trainer’s
advice. (A note to trainers: If your client doesn’t listen to what you say, FIRE them, because they will only discredit
you and your reputation. You might hesitate to terminate a client relationship because you feel bad or you need the money,
but continuing to work with them will only hinder your long-term success.)
§
Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask your trainer about it. That’s why they’re there. And
above all, make sure you ask for what you want.
§ Most importantly
be honest with yourself and your trainer. If you didn’t do your cardio or eat correctly that week, be honest. The trainer
knows you’re human, and that you will likely have lapses. Remember, if you could do it alone, you wouldn’t have
hired someone to coach you in the first place. It doesn’t help either of you in reaching your goals if you lie or try
to cover up. Your trainer will know you’re lying anyway if you are not getting in better shape, you’re not losing
body fat, or your stamina is not improving. Your trainer is not necessarily responsible for your lack of progress —
this is a two-way street.
§ Note: Lack of results when you are working
diligently and following all of your trainer’s instructions could be an indicator that their methods or eating plans
are misguided or uninformed. Use your discretion — and get a new trainer if the lack of progress continues even after
you’ve shared your concerns with your trainer.
