Is personal training right for me?
While I do believe that everyone can benefit from working with a personal trainer (PT), I’d encourage you to ask a different question: What is the best fitness solution for me? And my answer to this question is: it depends.
If you’ve been active all your life, are reasonably healthy and enjoy the camaraderie and sense of community that comes from working out with other like-minded people, group fitness classes at your local gym could work well for you. If, on the other hand, your doctor has said that you need to lose weight and get some exercise to improve your health but, you haven’t a clue where to start and the thought of going to a gym terrifies you, personal training may be a better choice.
With so many fitness options available now—both online and in-person—how do you choose which is best for you? You need to consider a host of factors, including your current health status, personal preferences and goals, whether you’re new to exercise or getting back to it, what facilities and programs are near your home or work, what these facilities offer and who they cater to and, at what cost, time and frequency, etc.
The other big consideration: what I call 'stick-to-it-iveness'. Can you count on yourself to show up to your fitness classes or hit the gym regularly on your own? A buddy can most certainly help. Or, do you need a personal appointment and customized workout from a PT to motivate you to show up—even on the days when you don't feel like it? My clients tell me that their appointments with me, along with their personal workout goals and plans, are huge motivators for maintaining regular exercise after the 'honeymoon period'—those first few weeks of doing something new when motivation is easier to come by.
Like so many things in life, the answer comes down to personal circumstances, preferences and budget. That’s not to say that personal training will break the bank.
Personally, I’m a Peleton fan. I use the app almost every day to meet my own fitness goals. I can do a variety of different workouts of varying intensity and length on demand when my schedule allows. I’m familiar with proper form, I have the necessary equipment, it’s convenient and cost-effective, and I'm motivated. It works for me. But, for others, it may not be the best solution.
If you are:
new to fitness and/or unfamiliar with proper technique
unfamiliar with and/or uncomfortable in a gym setting
recovering from surgery or an injury
coming to terms with a new diagnosis or living with a chronic condition
trying to achieve very specific fitness or weight goals, or
wanting a more personalized experience,
working one-on-one with a personal trainer can be a wise investment in your long-term health and wellbeing.
Certified personal trainers have a lot to offer. Here are a few things to consider if you’re contemplating working with one.
PTs are typically trained in human physiology, body mechanics, injury prevention, nutrition, behaviour change, recovery, hydration, proper exercise technique, and how to use a variety of exercise equipment. Many have additional specialty certifications and advanced knowledge in certain areas (for instance, working with people who have osteoarthritis, diabetes or cancer, etc.) or in specific exercise modalities such as yoga or Pilates. Trainers are often a good source of information about health, fitness and nutrition and they’re happy to share their knowledge with clients. Having said that, PTs are not health care professionals. Good trainers work within their scope of knowledge and practice, and consult with, or refer clients to qualified medical practitioners when required.
The key is to find a trainer with whom you can develop a good working relationship. Most trainers I know became PTs because they really want to help people. They are truly passionate about it. Over time, they develop meaningful relationships with their clients, often becoming trusted confidantes. They celebrate their clients’ successes and are there to offer support when things go off the rails. But again, trainers are not trained therapists: while research has shown the many positive effects of exercise for people with mental health issues, personal training is not a replacement for professional help and counselling.
As mentioned above, some people benefit from the accountability that working with a personal trainer provides. Clients tend to work harder with their trainers than they would on their own. PT’s provide encouragement and support in the moment, making it harder for clients to doubt themselves or give up, and more likely for them to succeed.
The PT process should begin with a comprehensive assessment to establish baseline measures of a client’s fitness status, including cardiovascular capacity, muscle imbalances, flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. These objective measures serve as a baseline against which to track a client’s progress over time. Regular check-ins with clients serve to remind clients just how far they’ve come and helps boost their enthusiasm to keep striving to reach their goals.
Trainers also use assessment results to develop bespoke fitness programs. Clients should expect to get their own personalized fitness program from a PT rather than a cookie-cutter workout. Your fitness program should reflect your unique needs, abilities, preferences and circumstances; it should also build on your strengths and address any imbalances, weaknesses or limitations. This is what makes personal training, ‘personal’. Clients should also expect their programs to change as their fitness levels improve; clients need new challenges periodically to keep progressing toward their goals, and to avoid getting bored in the process.
Speaking of goals, PTs are good at helping clients set realistic (S.M.A.R.T.) goals. They can also help break down big-hairy long-term goals into shorter-term more manageable and attainable ones, enabling clients to experience success early on and build confidence in their own abilities.
If your personal trainer is also a certified nutrition coach, he or she can provide you with information and advice about healthy eating. Nutrition plays a major role in our overall health, especially as we get older when our bodies start to change and metabolize what we eat differently.
Another practical benefit of working with a personal trainer is convenience. Clients may be able to work out in the comfort of their own home, on days and at times that are best for them. Just one caveat: it’s up to clients to do the heavy lifting (pun intended): PTs are there to guide and support their clients through the process.
So, is personal training right for you? Only you can decide. If you want to explore this option, drop me a note at info.spryfandn@gmail.com and we'll set up a time to discuss it by phone. No matter what you decide, I'll be cheering for you as you pursue the goal of incorporating regular exercise and healthy nutrition into your life.