Getting and staying active requires a commitment to making exercise a priority. And while the benefits of regular workouts are widely known, less than 25% of Americans get enough physical activity to meet health recommendations. A personal trainer can boost your motivation to stick with an exercise routine and act as a supportive accountability partner. They can design varied workouts based on your interests and help you enjoy the experience of working out.
They can also help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and provide meaningful feedback. And while it’s true that there are a wide variety of options for personal training, it’s best to find a program accredited by a national body. This indicates that the program is reputable, and some certifications include perks like a free professional website or workout video library upon completion of your course.
A general personal trainer demonstrates and teaches fitness exercises to clients, assesses their physical strengths and weaknesses, creates fitness plans to meet their needs, and leads both individual and group exercise classes. They may also educate individuals about exercise safety and offer nutritional advice. General personal trainers often work in gyms and fitness studios or travel to a client’s home.
Personal trainers who focus on strength and conditioning train clients who want to build muscle mass or improve their overall athletic performance. They may create fitness plans that incorporate a variety of activities, such as swimming, jogging, biking, walking, and climbing, to engage different muscles. They often use strength-training equipment like dumbbells and barbells, but they can also incorporate bodyweight exercises or plyometrics.
These trainers teach clients how to exercise safely and effectively while improving their flexibility, cardiovascular health, balance, core strength, and muscular endurance. They may also recommend other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as proper nutrition and sleep hygiene.
In a study, men and women who completed personal training sessions with a trained instructor were more likely to report a positive benefit-to-concern ratio for exercise and a higher confidence level about scheduling exercise. In addition, they were more likely to make an effort to exercise in the face of other time demands and to push themselves when exercising.
A common goal is to lose weight, but it’s important to focus on the big picture, not just short-term results. Less sedentary lifestyles are key to achieving long-term weight loss and other health benefits, including improved posture and lowered risk of chronic conditions. Consider incorporating movement throughout your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther from your office, or walking to lunch. These mini-goals can add up to significant progress over the course of a few months, and they’re a lot more motivating than trying to run a marathon in two weeks!