10 Benefits of Working with a Personal Trainer

Robby Heimann, Personal Trainer

1. Education – One of the primary reasons someone should have a personal trainer is that they are trained in teaching others how to exercise. When it comes to exercising, education is important because if you don’t know which exercises are most effective for the goals you have, you are less likely to achieve them. For example, if your goal is to build core strength but you spend all of your time doing cardio, then you are less likely to hit your goal. Education also is important because it can help reduce the risk of injury.
2. Goals – Everyone wants to achieve their goals as quickly as possible. Sometimes these goals may not be realistic, and if you don’t hit them you may be discouraged. A personal trainer not only will be able to help you set realistic goals, but also will keep you on track to achieve them. Personal trainers are able to help with specific goals, such as training for an event. Whether it’s a weight loss goal for a specific event or training to run a race, working with a personal trainer can keep you on track.
3. Consistency/Accountability – If it’s tough to stick with a program or find time to exercise, scheduling regular appointments with a personal trainer can help eliminate any reason for not wanting to exercise. If you’ve made an appointment to meet with a trainer, then you are far more likely to still go than if you are just telling yourself you should go to the gym.
4. Motivation – A trainer will be able to challenge you harder than you would challenge yourself while preventing you from rushing ahead too quickly. A good trainer knows how to push you beyond your comfort zone while also knowing when to stop before pain or injury can occur.
5. Personalized Workout – Everybody has different abilities and requirements when it comes to exercising. This could be anything from having an old injury that requires special exercises to having a fear of an exercise that may impact how you work out. For example, if you have an old knee injury that required surgery, and haven’t exercised since, you are going to need different exercises than an athlete training for a race.
6. Variety – An experienced trainer teaches you a variety of exercise methods, which can keep you from getting bored. If a specific exercise does not work for you, the trainer can change it to one that suits you better and gives the same benefits. Trainers help you to make adjustments as your fitness level improves to ensure continued progress.
7. Efficiency – There are two types of people you may see at the gym. Those who walk in, spend a couple of minutes on one machine and the slowly move to another, before half-heartedly trying bicep curls for a few reps and then walking out. Then there are those who have a plan in mind, and workout with a purpose. They know exactly what they are going to do the moment they walk into the gym. It’s pretty obvious that the first group will not meet their goals, and this is where a personal trainer can make a huge difference.
8. Social Support – When you work with a personal trainer you are getting a lot more than just someone to spot you and count your sets and reps. It is common for people to feel overwhelmed when trying to make a lifestyle change, but a trainer can give you the extra support you need to make a change and continue improving.
9. Results – Working with a personal trainer will help you to see results. With the combination of being accountable and setting realistic goals, results will be sure to follow. Personal trainers assist in ensuring goals are met, along with being able to refer you to a dietician since nutrition plays an important role.
10. Fun – Believe it or not, exercise can be enjoyable. A personal trainer can make exercise both effective and fun. Whether you’re training one-on-one or in a group, training can be a great way to increase enjoyment. Working with a trainer who you like can be enough to provide you with more enjoyment from your workouts.