Stepping into a gym for the first time can be a daunting experience. Equipment is complicated, and first timers will often find themselves wandering from machine to machine without any idea of how to put it to good use.
Keep in mind, it’s not just the first timers who find themselves with a lack of direction or action plan. Loss of motivation, ideas and accountability affect everyone at some point in their health and wellness journey. This is when hiring a personal trainer can be incredibly beneficial and well worth the investment.
Some of the immediate benefits you see when working with a trainer are improved efficiency and time management. There are a variety of workouts that require different pace, tempo and recovery time. A trainer will know how to maximise effort for the time allotted.
A lot of us get discouraged when we feel we have plateaued or aren’t seeing the desired changes in our bodies. A trainer is able to investigate why this might be happening and change the way you train to reach your goals.
If you are new to the gym and the equipment, you will want a trainer to demonstrate how to use the equipment properly. This not only applies to the equipment, but also basic movements like squats or push ups. Proper technique and form reduce the risk of injury or pain.
The communication between you and your trainer also needs to be open and honest for the relationship to work. Adam Bracken, co-founder of the Fitness Lab, emphasizes that trainers are a walking billboard for their personal business, and says they need to practice what they preach.
“I tell my trainers all the time that you need to put yourself through what you’re putting your clients through to fully understand what they’re feeling and how to adapt in that situation.” Adam also stresses how important that initial meeting needs to be when consulting with a trainer.
Exercise is meant to make you feel healthier and stronger, not just physically, but mentally as well. The endorphin release from exercise is what keeps many people coming back for more. Accountability is a critical component, so whether you have an appointment with your trainer, a gym date with your friends or are looking to try a new class, be open-minded. More importantly, invest in your own health; the return on your investment gives back every day.
Lianne Laing
