What does a personal trainer actually do? This is a question that many people ask, but few seem to really know the answer to. In today’s article, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of who personal trainers are, what they do, and some of the things to consider if you’re thinking about hiring a personal trainer to guide you on your fitness journey.
Let’s get started!
Personal Trainers 101
Personal trainers are fitness professionals who design and deliver exercise programs for their clients. They may work in a gym, health club, or other fitness facilities, or they may provide mobile services and come to their client’s homes or offices. Some personal trainers also work as independent contractors, providing their services to multiple clients. These personal training services, along with in-home personal training services, tend to be a bit more expensive
In order to design an effective exercise program, the personal trainer will first assess the client’s current level of fitness and health. They will take into account things like the client’s age, weight, medical history, and any injuries or other physical limitations. With this information, they can then create a program that is specifically tailored to the client’s needs and goals.
Personal trainers typically work one-on-one with their clients, though they may also work with small groups. During sessions, they will provide instruction on proper form and technique for each exercise, as well as offer motivation and support. They may also use other fitness tools, such as heart rate monitors or exercise equipment, to help their clients reach their goals.
While personal trainers can help people of all fitness levels, they are often most effective with those who are just starting an exercise program or are looking to make significant changes to their current routine. If you are considering working with a personal trainer, be sure to ask about their qualifications and experience to ensure that they are the perfect personal trainer for you.
What Qualifications or Education Do Personal Trainers Need?
Being a personal trainer means being a knowledgeable and reliable resource. Many trainers are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-just to list a few. Others might have degrees in kinesiology, athletic training, physical therapy, or nutrition. There really is no one set educational background for personal trainers since there are many avenues that can lead to becoming certified.
Not all fitness coaches are created equal, so it is crucial to pick a personal trainer worth your time and commitment, as well as one that has the credentials and experience you need. With that in mind, don’t be shy about requesting referrals or reading online reviews before hiring a personal trainer. Also, once you’ve found a personal trainer you’re happy with, make sure to inquire more about their experience by asking what type of certifications they have and if they have any success stories.
How Do Fitness Professionals Create Custom Diet and Exercise Plans?
To help their clients stay on track, a good personal trainer will first assess where they are starting from. This includes evaluating diet, lifestyle, and fitness goals. After that, personal training sessions with both workout plans and meal suggestions can be put into place.
Nutritional Guidance
Personal trainers typically recommend particular foods or diets to their clients in order to help them achieve their fitness goals. For example, if someone’s objective is weight loss, they might be encouraged to eat more lean protein and vegetables while consuming fewer sugary snacks and drinks. Someone whose goal is muscle gain would likely be advised to consume more calories with a focus on protein-rich foods.
Training
Personal trainers typically design workouts that help their clients achieve their fitness goals. For example, someone who is trying to improve heart health might be advised to do more aerobic activities such as running, swimming, or cycling. Someone trying to build strength and power might be advised to resistance train with activities like weightlifting.
By incorporating other forms of exercise, such as stretching and balance training, into their client’s personal training sessions, personal trainers can help improve not only their fitness level but also reduce the risk of injury.
What Kind of Results Are You Looking For?
Having a certified personal trainer possesses immense benefits that correspond to your fitness goals. They can help you shed weight, enhance sports performance, and achieve several other objectives you may have. Meeting with different trainers allows you to get an idea of their work ethic and if they possess the qualities required to help improve your physical and mental well-being.
Are You Truly Willing To Commit to Working Out?
Personal trainers are only worth as much time and energy as you’re willing to give them. How much time do you have available to commit to a fitness routine? A personal trainer can help create an efficient workout routine and workout program that meets your needs. It is common for people to see their trainers several times a week. But it’s a waste of everyone’s time if you don’t hold up your end of the deal.
Working with an exercise professional might not be the best solution for you if your schedule is sporadic, or if appointments are frequently forgotten or missed. They are human beings with lives and families outside of work; canceling last minute or “flaking out” constantly isn’t an option.
What’s Your “Why”?
Before you rush out to hire a personal trainer, take a step back and assess your real motivation behind it. It’s important to have clear objectives or an end goal in mind before making such as significant investment. If not, you’ll likely find it harder to stay on track and question the value of the coach.
Can You Afford It?
Keep in mind that the average personal trainer cost is typically pretty high. If you’re working with limited funds, cheaper options such as group fitness or at-home workout routines may be more realistic for you. That being said, some gyms offer budget-friendly personal training memberships — take Fitness Evolution in Bellingham, WA for example. You can learn more about the personal training benefits they have to offer by visiting their website, and then give them a call to schedule your first training session.
Find a Personal Trainer Near You
The best way to find a great personal trainer is by word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they’ve used someone in the past that they enjoyed working with. If you don’t know anyone who has used a trainer before, looking online for customer reviews is a great second step. Curating a supportive and effective relationship with your fitness coach is key to achieving optimum results.
After you locate a trainer you’re comfortable with, agree to stay committed to working with them and following their program. Although it might take some time before noticing results, don’t become discouraged if changes aren’t immediate. Keep up the good work and maintain your motivation; you’ll achieve desired fitness levels eventually if you stick with it.
Ready for the First Day of the Rest of Your Life?
A personal trainer can be a fantastic asset on your fitness journey, but only if you’re willing to commit to the process. Before making such a significant investment, be honest with yourself about what you hope to gain from the experience and whether or not you’re truly ready to make lasting changes.
If you decide that working with an exercise professional is right for you, take some time to find someone whose personality and qualifications fit well with your own. Once you’ve found a good match, get ready to sweat — it’ll be worth it in the end!
Choose Fitness Evolution for your Bellingham personal trainer needs and you won’t regret it! They are equipped with high-quality equipment and instructors who provide top-notch service. No matter what fitness goals you have in mind, the trainers at Fitness Evolution will be more than happy to help you achieve them. Looking to lose weight? Improve your sports performance? Get stronger? Preparing for a competition? Whatever it is, they can assist you. For more information on their services, don’t hesitate to contact them today to get your free personal training day pass!
