Research has established that individuals who engage in some
form of physical activity which is either part of their lifestyle or
occupation are most likely going to live longer healthier lives.
According
to research published in 2003 in the "Journal of Sports Science and
Medicine," 57 percent of individuals who began an exercise routine under
the instruction of a personal trainer achieved progress in their
long-term fitness. The study concluded that personal training has a
beneficial effect on individual attitudes towards physical activity,
prompting people to remain engaged in their workouts after the 10-week
personal-training period had come to an end.
Regular
physical activity is also likely to help modify a number of different
risk factors. As an adjunct to weight loss, exercise is likely to help
you stay on a healthy eating plan as well as maintain your weight loss.
In addition regular exercise can be associated with reduction in blood
pressure, improved glucose regulation and bone density.
So
there are all these great benefits of physical activities but in order
to receive any of these benefits we need to have a plan of diet and
exercise. Sometimes coming up with a strategy on our own is difficult
and frustrating at times especially if we are not getting the results we
had set for ourselves.
That
is where a personal trainer can help. A trainer provides certain benefits that you may not
necessarily get when working out on your own. Here are 9 reasons
why working out with a trainer might be right for you.
1. Motivation
A certified personal trainer can provide structure and accountability, and can help you develop a lifestyle that promote health. Knowing you have a standing appointment that you've prepaid for is a powerful motivator!
2. Individualized Program
If
you have any chronic health conditions, injuries or training goals
(running a marathon, gaining muscle mass, or improving flexibility, for
example) a trainer will work with you and your health care provider to
plan a safe, efficient program that considers these needs and enables
you to reach your health goals.
3. Efficiency
Personal Trainers help you focus on results and stop wasting your time doing inefficient workouts. A personal trainer has a plan and will help you get maximum results in minimum time.
4. Improve Technical Skills
If
you play a particular sport, the right personal trainer will help you
improve your skill by showing you new training techniques specific to
your sport. The Trainer will incorporate skills training into your
program so you improve not only your strength and endurance, but your
agility and mental focus as well.
5. New To Exercise?
If
you are an absolute beginner, a personal trainer is the ultimate
fitness coach. A good trainer will introduce you to a very simple,
effective routine and build efficiently so before you know it, you have
the confidence and knowledge to decide what is right for you.
6. Break Through Plateaus
Maybe you are already in pretty decent shape, but you've been there for
years. If you are stuck in the same routine and want to break out of a
rut, a personal trainer is the perfect solution. A trainer will jump
start not only your motivation, but your routine as well.
7. Workout Safely
A personal
trainer watches your form, monitors your vitals and can provide
objective feedback about your limits and strengths. Most of us tend to
ignore some of the subtle signals our body provides. We either push
through pain or give up too soon. Because a personal trainer can watch
what you are doing while you are doing it, they can help push you or
slow you down as necessary.
8. Lose Weight
There
is a good reason that the number one reason people hire personal
trainers is to lose weight and get into shape, it works! If you made a
resolution to lose the fat and build the muscle, a trainer can keep you
on track and help you realize that goal.
9. No Stress!
A final perk to hiring a trainer is that is the
fact that all responsibility is removed from you having to decide a
fitness routine or workout for yourself. My clients love that all they have to do is just show up and work out.
Adapted from Benefits of Hiring a Personal Trainer by Juan Sanchez, CPT.