When you walk into a gym, there are often large signs that list the prices for personal trainers. You might think to yourself, “I can work out on my own, I don’t need someone to tell me what to do.” Or, maybe you’re on the other side of the fence wanting the guidance but being caught up by the cost. Either way, the different verbiage used in the fitness industry can be very confusing to the new gym goer.
While both fitness and personal trainers obviously sound like they would help you get in shape, there are some key distinctions between the two services that may help you decide which one is right for you. Let’s dive in.
The Fitness Trainer
A fitness trainer is defined as someone who provides guidance and instruction on physical exercise. These fitness trainers, commonly known as fitness coaches or fitness instructors, lead training sessions that cultivate a fun group experience.
By offering exercise programs in a group, attendees are able to experience a low-pressure way for people to come together and exercise. These training sessions are typically pre-planned to maximize group time by minimizing individual time with your fitness instructor.
While some might say that a virtual fitness coach could do the same, clients who participate in group fitness coaching can learn proper form and technique. Some fitness coaches may even adapt their plans to meet their fitness objectives in an efficient manner! Either way, a fitness coach is paid to serve you and your cohorts.
The Personal Trainer
In comparison to a fitness coach, that can hold a variety of roles, a personal trainer works one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their specific fitness goals. Most personal training programs ensure their trainers have past experience and exercise science education through certifying agencies.
Working with a certified personal trainer can give you the advantage of having your own personalized plan and the expertise of an experienced professional. Unlike traditional group classes, personal training gives clients one-on-one guidance in their workouts. Your certified personal trainer will assess your individual needs and goals to develop an exercise program tailored to you.
A personal training professional will also offer tips and feedback to make sure you’re doing each exercise correctly to maximize your results and stay motivated. With personalized attention, certified advice, and motivation, investing in a personal trainer may be exactly what you need to help achieve your health and wellness goals.
The Primary Difference Between Fitness and Personal Trainers
While fitness coaching and personal training may share some similarities in their roles, there is one major difference—the level of customization and personal attention that a personal trainer can provide to help you achieve your health, fitness, and wellness goals.
While both fitness coaches and personal trainers should be experts in exercise science, the latter offers tailored advice and guidance for every individual client depending on their needs. This can include higher levels of personal trainer certification, wellness coach education, sports medicine, and more. This additional education ensures that no two plans from a personal trainer will be exactly the same, since every person has different goals.
A personal trainer not only helps get you started but can also act as an ongoing support system on your journey to losing weight, increasing physical fitness, or recovering from a past injury.
Characteristics to Look For in a Fitness Coach or Personal Trainer
There are certain characteristics to look for in order to ensure you get the most out of your investment in a healthy lifestyle. The first and most important would be looking for a good local gym that prides itself on having fitness coaches and personal trainers who maintain proper certification and continually accrue the fitness knowledge required of someone who is personally responsible for helping individuals reach their health and wellness goals.
In addition to this, it’s important to find someone who has a background in exercise science, as well as motivation and nutrition knowledge – both of which are helpful for creating efficient and successful wellness plans.
Other qualities to consider include an outgoing personality with inspirational communication skills, as well as dependability – both during and between workout sessions. Working out with someone can feel very vulnerable, so while the right personality is unlikely a part of a gym’s hiring process – you need to consider what type of fitness professional you would be most comfortable with.
Fitness Evolution – Your Fitness Coach From Today On.
In conclusion, trainers and personal trainers are both certified professionals who can help people reach their fitness goals. While there are similarities between them, the major difference between a fitness coach vs personal trainer is the customization and attention that a personal trainer offers.
If you’re ready to explore what kind of workout plan might work best for you, stop by Fitness Evolution Bellingham Gyms for a free first-time visitor pass and meet the fitness professionals that make our gym the greatest.
