Whether you’ve been working out for years or just one day in your life, hiring a certified Personal Trainer (CPT) could be just what you need to achieve your goals and take your fitness to the next level .

To help you better understand the benefits of hiring a Trainer, what to expect from a personal trainer, and how to choose the right one for you, we’ve answered these questions as well as some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to hiring a personal trainer means personal trainer.

Why should I hire a personal trainer?

Hiring a personal trainer may seem like something reserved only for the rich and famous, but that’s not the case! There are many good reasons to hire a personal trainer. Here are just a few reasons to hire a personal trainer:

• Get a customized training plan: For most gym-goers, deciding what exercises to do and where to start can be the most intimidating part of going to the gym. Working with a trainer can take the guesswork out of you as they will work with you to create a plan tailored to your needs.

• Form check: Personal trainers know how to perform exercises correctly and can help ensure you exercise safely and with good form to reduce the risk of injury. It’s also a great way to learn proper training so you can feel more comfortable training on your own.

• Accountability: Knowing that someone is waiting for you at the gym and that you are paying for your time with them can be a great motivator to go to the gym for your workout. Your personal trainer can also help you make sure you stay on track during your workouts so you can make the most of your time in the gym.

• Try new exercises: Are you tired of doing the same exercises over and over again? A CPT can introduce you to new exercises and equipment to stay on track toward your goals.

• Overcome plateaus: Fit professionals know how to appropriately adjust the intensity of your workout in a safe and structured way to keep you moving forward. Plus, you’ll probably push yourself a little harder with a trainer than you would on your own!

What do personal trainers do?

The goal of a personal trainer is to use their knowledge and expertise to help a client achieve their health and fitness goals as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible. Personal trainers have scientific knowledge and practical know-how about exercise and human movement such as strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness training, core training, balance training and plyometric training concepts.

When you first meet with a personal trainer, their job is to assess where you are starting, gather information about your overall health and lifestyle, and learn more about your current goals. You’ll use all of this information to create a personal fitness plan that meets you where you start and gradually helps you reach your goals.

How many times a week do I need a personal trainer?

Current physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week to train all major muscle groups (CDC 2022). How many times per week you work with a trainer depends on your goals, budget, and schedule.

If you have general health and fitness goals, exercising 2-3 days per week for at least 30 minutes per session will help you meet current physical activity guidelines for muscle strengthening. For muscle building, weight loss, or performance goals, more training days may be required to reach your goals. If your budget doesn’t allow for more than 1-2 sessions per week with a trainer, you may be able to have your trainer write you a workout for the days you go to the gym alone.

Can a personal trainer help me achieve my goals?

A personal trainer can work with you to create a training plan to help you achieve your goals. They can ensure you’re working at the right intensity, doing the right exercises with good form, and providing you with accountability and encouragement to help you stay consistent in the process. They can also help you troubleshoot when you seem to be hitting a plateau or not seeing the results you expected.

A note about meal plans: While personal trainers can give you basic nutritional advice in accordance with current dietary guidelines, they cannot legally give you a meal plan to follow as this is outside their scope of practice. Some personal trainers obtain additional nutrition certifications to be able to advise you on nutrition, but only a registered dietitian can prescribe a nutrition plan.

How do I choose a personal trainer?/What should I pay attention to?

When you’re looking for a personal trainer, you’ll certainly want someone with a qualification to help you, but you’ll also want to look for someone who’s a good fit for you in terms of location, personality, training style/philosophy, and niche. Here’s what you need to know when searching:

• Credentials: A qualified personal trainer will hold a current NCCA accredited personal training certification. You can also ask the trainer what type of continuing education they have completed or other certifications they hold to learn more about their educational experience.

• Location: Trainers can work at home (at your place or theirs), virtually (live or by writing a program that you take to the gym), in a large gym, in a small studio or boutique, or even in a park! Have an idea of ​​which part of town is best for you (especially if you’re going before or after work, when traffic is heaviest) and what type of environment you prefer. Larger institutions may offer more “perks” to their members, such as: B. Classes included with membership, while smaller facilities offer more privacy for personal training.

• Personality: You can’t always judge a book by its cover, as they say, but choosing your personal trainer is all about finding the right personality. It’s helpful to find someone you enjoy spending time with as it will make the experience much more rewarding and enjoyable. Do you need a cheerleader? A drill instructor? Is someone talkative or quiet? As you get to know the trainer you will get a feel for their personality, but it may be useful to consider your needs before beginning the consultation.

• Niche: Some trainers accept any client, but many personal trainers serve a niche group, for example adults over 65, women between the ages of 30 and 60, adults with the goal of improving their movement and feeling better, athletes, runners, etc. The advantage of hiring a personal trainer to serve clients with goals similar to your own is that they have experience helping others achieve those goals and are willing to help you too.

Ultimately, every personal trainer is different depending on their experience, location, personality and training niche. So don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the right one for you.

Summary

Personal trainers help you achieve your health and fitness goals by creating a plan to help you achieve your goals as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible. With online and in-person options available, personal training is now more accessible than ever. Whether you need a plan, guidance in choosing form and exercise, accountability, or just an extra boost, hiring a certified personal trainer can take your fitness to the next level!

Are you thinking about becoming a personal trainer? NASM Certified Personal Trainer The course offers everything you need to start your fitness career. Get a head start in the industry by becoming NASM certified.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 6). Physical Activity: Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm