Getting enough physical exercise is becoming something of a problem in our modern, fast-paced and often desk-bound world, centred around laptops, tablets and mobile phones, physical and online meetings. Leisure time is often negatively impacted by the demands of our working life and out-of-hours meetings with colleagues or clients in other global time zones. With our lives becoming more sedentary because of modern technology, we are facing challenges in keeping ourselves physically active and healthy. Trying to schedule a regular exercise regime can be difficult if you are trying to do this alone, as continuous interruptions play havoc with our time and plans. If you are unable – or unwilling – to join a local gym and do not have the motivation or confidence to exercise alone, the best option would be for you to hire a personal trainer to work with you.
The benefits of working with a personal trainer are undeniable. Whether you’re aiming to keep yourself fit and toned, shed a few extra pounds, improve your strength, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, a personal trainer can be an invaluable resource on your fitness journey.
A personal trainer plans an exercise regime tailored to suit your particular needs
As indicated by their title, Personal trainers offer a personalised approach to each client, as no individual has the same expectations, physique, health and fitness levels and motivations as someone else. An experienced and knowledgeable personal trainer will take the time to understand your fitness goals, assess your current fitness level, and then design a tailored workout plan to help you achieve your objectives. This is normally done through a fitness assessment at the start of your journey, in which the personal trainer will assess factors such as posture, flexibility, range of movement, muscular endurance and strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness, together with general body shape and condition. This includes clients who have injuries, long-term health conditions or disabilities that could affect their performance.
The major advantage of employing the services of a personal trainer is that you will not waste time on exercises which are not beneficial to you and that you are training at a level which accommodates your abilities and proceeds according to a pace which is comfortable to you.
Close monitoring and encouragement are all part of the service
Since they normally work with their clients on a one-to-one basis, usually for a period of about 40 – 60 minutes, these specialists can closely monitor your progress and endurance levels, and whether you are achieving the goals you want to achieve. Personal trainers take on the mantles of motivators and supporters, being by your side and encouraging you when needed, taking accountability for the regime you are following, ensuring consistency and allowing for any health challenges which might arise during your training period, or pushing through any mental or physical obstacles safely with you. They also demonstrate the exercises clearly and ensure understanding before you begin working on them, they keep track of reps and sets and constantly ensure that you are performing the exercises correctly and safely.
Since personal trainers are knowledgeable in exercise techniques, they can adapt routines to prevent injuries and maximise the effectiveness of your workouts. They also have the skills to vary your exercise routines, thereby keeping your motivation and interest high and preventing boredom. They will advise on the benefits of any exercises within your regime, imparting further knowledge, independence and self-confidence which will continue even when you are no longer working with the trainer.
They can provide nutritional advice, but personal trainers are NOT dietitians!
Whilst personal trainers can provide advice on nutritional supplements and some minor dietary modifications, they cannot prescribe, diagnose, attempt to treat or cure nutritional deficiencies and problems. You should rather opt to consult a registered dietitian rather than expect a personal trainer to provide this information for you. However, an experienced personal trainer can track factors such as weight, BMI, body fat percentage and mental/emotional progress, all of which are important considerations on your journey. By sharing this information with you, they involve you in your progress and encourage you to keep going as you see the positive changes happening.
A personal training regime extends far beyond the initial training period
Whatever your reasons for engaging a personal trainer, especially one who is upbeat, motivational and understanding of your personal goals and self-esteem in undertaking a fitness regime, you can be assured that you are in the best hands with a professional at your back. Let’s be clear here, though. A personal fitness regime is not primarily about weight issues but about health and energy through exercise and a positive attitude towards keeping your body in the best condition possible.
