The benefits of having a personal trainer

Overheard in the gym:

Member a “You should get yourself a personal Trainer.”

Member b “Nah I know how to count.”

I would like to explore the hidden benefits of having a personal trainer, revealing the invaluable role they play in maximizing your fitness potential, and perhaps even more importantly helping those that really need it make lasting health and fitness changes.

Armed with a workout routine found online and a new membership at your local gym, you embark on your life changing fitness journey. While all this is great, I am writing this to tell you that if you are new to resistance training and/or have tried and failed in the past, that the one important ingredient you’re missing is a good personal trainer/coach. Good trainers and coaches are not just there to count reps and provide generic exercise guidance.

Let’s start with the obvious – or what should be obvious. One of the primary advantages of hiring a personal trainer is the customization of your workout routines. Unlike generic online plans,  trainers assess your fitness level, goals, and any specific needs or limitations you may have. They then craft personalized workouts that not only challenge you but also consider your unique requirements, ensuring a more effective and safer fitness experience. A good personal trainer/coach knows how to create those special programs using the latest scientific studies and drawing from countless hours of studying, to give you the greatest bang for your buck. If you are busting your ass in the gym then you definitely don’t want to be wasting your time. You want to achieve the greatest results with the least amount of effort. Fact. 

Staying consistent with a workout routine can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. Personal trainers act as your personal cheerleader, providing the motivation and accountability needed to stay on track. Knowing that someone is invested in your progress can significantly boost your commitment to your fitness goals.

While it's easy to find exercise instructions online, the importance of proper form and technique cannot be overstated. Doing a proper hip hinge or knowing how to connect to the hips is foreign to most gym members I see almost daily. Perhaps the scariest are shoulders being “trained” with a total “lack of respect” for what that joint can AND cannot do - specific to the individual. Pushing the limits with no clear thought or plan and ultimately getting injured and ultimately giving up, never to return. Personal trainers are trained to educate you on the correct form for each exercise, helping prevent injuries and maximize the effectiveness of your workouts. They provide real-time feedback, ensuring you perform each movement correctly and within your own limitations and capacity. 

Setting realistic and achievable fitness goals is crucial for long-term success. Personal trainers assist you in establishing measurable objectives and create a roadmap to reach them. Regular progress assessments help track your achievements, celebrate milestones, and adjust your plan as needed, providing a clear path toward your desired outcomes.

A personal trainer's role extends beyond physical fitness. They understand the mental and emotional challenges that come with adopting a healthier lifestyle. They often become mentors, offering support, encouragement, and a positive perspective during moments of self-doubt. This holistic approach contributes to a more well-rounded and sustainable fitness journey.

While it's tempting to rely on self-guided fitness routines, the hidden benefits of having a personal trainer make the investment worthwhile. Beyond counting reps, these professionals offer personalized guidance, motivation, education, and emotional support, elevating your fitness experience to new heights. So, if you're looking to achieve your fitness goals more efficiently and with a personalized touch, consider enlisting the expertise of a good personal trainer – you wont regret it.

George Georgiades | Coach & Trainer