If you are serious about losing weight or improving your physical fitness, your first instinct might be to buy a set of workout DVDs or sign up for a gym membership. Both of these options are great, but if you are new to exercise (especially weight training), you might need a little help to get started. If you haven’t worked out before, hiring a personal trainer is a great way to get started on the right foot.
What Is a Personal Trainer?
A personal trainer is simply someone who helps you assess and meet your fitness goals. This person is educated in various forms of exercise and can help teach you how to work out safely and effectively. If you hire a personal trainer, he or she will typically start by assessing your current level of physical fitness and asking you about your fitness goals. Then, the two of you will work together to create a customized workout plan that will help you reach those goals. The trainer will be there to guide you through your workouts and to motivate you, pushing you harder than you might push yourself, helping you make real progress.
Benefits of Personal Trainers
One of the biggest reservations people have about hiring personal trainers is the expense. A 1-hour session with a personal trainer generally costs between $50 and $125, but for that price, you receive one-on-one instruction and a customized workout plan. The benefit of working out with a physical trainer is that you will have someone to show you proper form and to motivate you to push beyond your comfort zone. Working with a personal trainer can be difficult, but you are likely to see better results than you might by working out alone – especially if you haven’t exercised much before.
If you are serious about getting in shape, hiring a personal trainer is definitely a great option to consider. To find a personal trainer, contact your local gym or check the yellow pages for independent trainers. Don’t be afraid to contact a few and ask them some questions to determine which one you feel is the right fit for you.