Why do I need a personal trainer?
I can just go to the gym and workout or take classes.
Personal trainers are a waste of money.
What do they really do besides count your reps?
These are just a few of the questions and statements those of us in the fitness industry face everyday. The answer is one I don’t really think needs to be verbal; just look around. According to the Center for Disease Control 67% of adults over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. 15% of adolescents are over weight and 11% of children. (Health, United States, 2008, table 70) If just a gym membership were enough then those statistics would be a lot lower.
Think about it; you make a new year’s resolution to FINALLY get into shape. You get the membership; you maybe buy some workout clothes. You tell yourself you will go every day before/after work. You’re excited and make it very day the first few weeks and then… nothing.
People give up because they don’t get the instant gratification. They don’t lose 20 pounds in a week. They can’t slip into a bikini after 3 spin classes. Their biceps look nothing like Arnold’s. On the other side of the coin they become intimidated by all of the equipment and class offerings. Most large gym patrons don’t know how to use the facility. So instead of asking for help they wander around the isles- try a few machines and then give up.
This is WHY people need professional fitness trainers. Like most professions those in the fitness industry go through extensive training and education* to receive their certifications or licenses. They are required by governing agencies and their employers to stay up to date on the latest research and fitness trends. They are there to create a program specifically for a clients needs and wants. Yes, I said NEEDS and wants; you may want a more toned backside, but you need to strengthen your postural muscles.
A professional trainers job is to give a client the tools and the knowledge to use them. This means we learn about you, your lifestyle, your work, and your goals. We test and evaluate where you are physically and we monitor it to track the client’s progress. We help our clients set realistic goals that are challenging, but obtainable. We are the encouragement to the client’s determination. We help keep clients safe from injury, in correct form, and out of their comfort zone.
As more and more people realize that preventative measures like a healthy- active lifestyle can lower their medical costs while improving their quality of life; they are discovering that like anything health related; you need a knowledgeable person by your side.
* When it comes to hiring a professional trainer you need to be diligent in checking their credentials. Most rebuttable fitness instructor are certified thorough national agencies that require long hours of education, observation, and testing. Always ask to see the trainers certifications since sadly, there are a lot of low quality programs available.