Do you have trouble showing up three to four times a week to exercise?
Are you unsure how to use all the equipment at your facility--or which
equipment is best for your needs?
Do you sometimes feel you are just "going through the motions" and not
achieving the results you want?
Have you reached a plateau in your progress?
Is it difficult to motivate yourself to try harder each time?
Do you feel you need more guidance to get the most from your exercise program?
If you answered yes to a few of these questions, you may need a personal
trainer! You can get the individual attention you need for the motivation,
guidance and custom results you want. Personal training is not just for
movie stars and CEO's. Rather, it is an innovative, affordable route to a
results-oriented exercise program for you.
What Is a Personal Trainer?
A certified personal trainer is someone who has the expertise, educational
background and diagnostic know-how to design an individualized exercise
program. Once your trainer has found out what your goals are, he or she can tailor a program to help you achieve them. With a trainer's guidance, you can maximize your results in a minimal amount of time.
What's a Training Session Like?
At the beginning of your first private exercise session and consultation,
your trainer will discuss your fitness goals, such as:
body fat reduction and weight loss
cardiovascular conditioning
body shaping and toning
general muscular conditioning
cross training (strength and endurance)
low-back strengthening and pain prevention
sport-specific training
rehabilitation from injury
flexibility
pre/postnatal training
Your goals will be as individual as you are. By taking into account what
you most want to achieve, your trainer can design a program that is just
right for you. Together you will set long- and short-term goals.
Your first session will probably also include questions and assessment
tests to give your trainer an idea of your "starting point" in the areas of
cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, joint flexibility
and body fat composition. Once you know where you're starting from and
where you want to go, you can chart your route and measure your progress
along the way.
What Are the Benefits?
Why do you need a trainer? Can't you get results just by going into the
fitness center and working out on your own?
Motivation. It takes more than state-of-the-art equipment to reach your
fitness goals. You have to exercise regularly and make each exercise
session count. A trainer will help you develop the incentive to stick to
your exercise plan.
Guidance. A trainer's expertise enables him/her to customize an exercise
program, making it specific to your goals. One size does not fit all! Plus, your trainer will teach you correct form, which will maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and minimize the chance of injury. Finally, as your fitness improves, your trainer will fine-tune your program to meet your
changing needs and make sure you continue to get results.
Convenience. Don't have time to exercise? You and your trainer can figure
out a schedule that will work for you. Together, you can also brainstorm
ways to overcome the other obstacles that stand between you and your goals.
Who Needs It?
If you feel you are not reaching your specific fitness goals, not putting
the maximum effort into your training sessions--or getting the maximum
results from them--personal training is probably for you. Contact a
certified personal trainer to schedule your first session today. It may be
just what you need to achieve your next level of fitness!
This information is provided as a service of IDEA (http://www.ideafit.com),
the world's leading membership organization for health and fitness
professionals.