Benefits to Working Out with a Trainer
As a Trainer, I see a people come through my programs who tell me about their current training program and what they have done in the past. The vast majority tell me the following:
I do a TV-based or Streaming Media workout
I go to the gym and use the cardio/cable equipment
I like to find workouts on social media boards at home
While any type of movement when one has not engaged in a fitness program is good and it’s the right step in a healthier direction, these answers tend to get me nervous. Why? Because the next question is usually always answered with a “no;” “Have you ever worked out with a Personal Trainer?”
I know what you may be thinking; ‘trainers are expensive, I do the same thing at the gym so I don’t need one, the person on the video is guiding me through.’ Those answers aren’t inherently incorrect but I’d like to give you some education as to why having a Trainer in any fitness routine is a good idea.
They are the experts in programming and form. If you want to become a runner you simply strap on shoes and run right? Not necessarily. If you don’t know your strike pattern you may have the wrong shoe, if your gait isn’t evaluated you may need corrections on your form to ensure you alleviate injury. Are you counterbalancing the work you do in the frontal plane of your body with strength training in the supporting muscle groups so you don’t get injured? How’s your core stability? Have you looked in to your mobility? I think you can see my point. The TV Trainer can’t tell you if your weight is properly balanced in your squat a one-on-one Trainer can; and they can correct your form so you don’t incur future injury or unnecessary stress to your joints.
Trainers are expensive. In some cases, yes, a quality one-on-one Trainer typically will charge in a range of $100-$120 per session for their fees based on experience, credentials, and specialty; you get what you pay for in this case. Paying a Trainer to ensure your form is correct and that you are safely navigating your routine is far less expensive than the cost to repair an injury later. It all comes down to value. If you value something enough, it’s worth the investment.
You work out on your own and see your form in the mirrors. Great! But what are you doing to challenge yourself? Many individuals often use the same routine - 30 minutes of cardio followed by 30 minutes of cable machines or free weights hitting the mirror muscles. But how are you actually programming your workouts? Having a trainer Trainer who knows your goals and knows what to program, AND who is able to program progressions and regressions that are best for you will help you navigate your next race or competition in better shape. Plus they know what your goals are to help you reach them rather than programing for a group or video series.
Challenging the body takes you out of your comfort zone and helps you reach new levels of fitness. That’s what Trainers are designed to do with programming right or you. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting the better results? That’s the definition of insanity :). So step out of that comfort zone and in to new ways of thinking about Personal Training, I think you’ll be pleased with your results.
