Why Do I Need A Personal Trainer?

by Leah Johnson

When it comes to working out, there are quite a few excuses we tell ourselves to kind of soften the blow of why we're avoiding the gym, whether that be a conscious decision or an unconscious one. "I'm too tired", or "I don't have time," or "I'll start my workouts first thing Monday morning!" are probably things you've told yourself or others about why you've not done your workouts. Many of these arguments are completely valid or said with honest intentions; but the truth is, it's HARD to actually get to the gym. Many of us absolutely love working out and fondly reminisce on the days when we did go. So what's the real reason we smoothly sidestep actually making the effort? Going to the gym is a MENTAL battle, one that gyms profit tremendously on. You pay that monthly membership with every intention of one day entering into that sweat-soaked, brightly-lit, and weight-littered arena but life always has a way of keeping further and further away from your fitness goals. In this article, we'll talk about how a personal trainer can help you not only make it to the gym, but stay there and consistently return for future sessions. Let's begin!

The System of "The Gym" Is Broken 

Did you know that the average gym is reported to generate anywhere from $300,000-$500,000 per year? These numbers vary based on location, size of the gym, and number of active memberships, but you get the idea. Half a million dollars is nothing to sneeze at, but most gyms you go to don't look that packed. In fact, depending on what time you go, the gym might actually be empty! This is because gyms don't care how often you go; there's no daily charge or hourly rate. Gyms bet (and profit immensely) on your earnest desire to "one day" actually become consistent and achieve your fitness goals. Having a membership keeps that dream alive but does nothing to encourage you to go. You stare at the gym tag on your keys and think about how all your problems would be solved if you simply had more time. Gyms gleefully accept that monthly payment and stay silent as the days slowly fade into months and months shift into years. Before you know it, you've burned through the years and your bank account dutifully spits out "gym charge" on your monthly statements. Yet we cling to that dream of "one day I'll go back" and gyms turn a blind eye with an extended palm that says "Pay up! You might one day have time to go do a quick pump or walk a few miles on the treadmill!" 

Having A Personal Trainer Breaks The Cycle

Okay, so now we know that the gym doesn't care one bit about you, but rather, your coins. As long as the payments keep flowing every month, they could care less if you set foot inside their facility once a year or four times a day. But let's move on to the good stuff: the personal trainer. The use of the word "personal" isn't a coincidence...it's rooted in truly caring about you and your fitness needs. Better yet, a personal trainer caters to you specifically and only you! 

Remember in Disney's Aladdin where the Cave of Wonders rumbles, "Only one may enter here, one who's worth lies deep within...the diamond in the rough!" That diamond in the rough? Yep, that's you! You're special; not every generic fitness routine printed off Google or downloaded from an social media video will work for you. This is where your trainer comes in, and it's crucial that you be 100% honest. What are your goals? Previous injuries? Concerns? You've come all this way and to hide behind shyness or embarassment will only set you back further. No judgment, promise. We want what's best for you and are honored you've chosen to Elevation Nation 360 to help make those hopes and dreams a reality.

Benefits of Using A Personal Trainer

Once you've accepted that harsh fact that you can't accomplish your fitness goals alone, give yourself a pat on the back. There are several reasons why having a personal trainer can help you look forward to setting foot in the gym. Let's discuss some of those and why they ultimately benefit you in the overall goal of achieving your fitness goals. 

You Finally Have Time! 

First and foremost, you get to choose the times and dates when you go. Think of it like making an appointment to get your haircut, your oil changed, or any number of things that require a specific time slot. There's a part of your brain that lights up and says, "Okay, I have to be somewhere. Let's do this!" That positive mindset changes EVERYTHING. Someone is waiting for you, mentally planning what to do in the short hour you've set aside to work out.  The responsibility of that alone can be intimidating, but think of it as meeting up with a long-lost friend. They're excited to see you, have a whole bunch of activities planned, and are looking forward to greeting you with a smile and a warm handshake. Unless a serious reason comes up, it's less likely you'll call to cancel just because "you don't feel like it." 

It's also a great motivator to actually get up on time in the morning, helps you plan your day better, and something to think positively about regardless of whether your session is early in the morning or late at night. The important thing is to figure out an exact time that works for your schedule and stick to it! You might do better with a morning session if you're an early riser/your day is hectic, an afternoon session if you have a lull in your routine, or a night session if you're a late riser/night owl. Speak with your trainer about your desired time slot and work with him to find a time that works for you both. If you can do three sessions per week at that same time, go for it! You'll often find that the time is there, just cluttered between your work, your favorite TV show, or social activities. 

You Get A Hand-Crafted Routine

We mentioned earlier that not every workout routine is right for you. Sure, in theory, anyone can do 20 push-ups, insert a pin into a rack of weights, or walk on the StairMaster for 15 minutes. But is it what your body really needs and will you see results? Probably not. Factor in any previous accidents you've experienced, the fact that many of us sit in an office or vehicle for work, or have a tendency to gravitate towards (or away from) certain body parts, and you quickly feel frustrated when your generic workout routine isn't showing results. Having a personal trainer helps you work out efficiently so you're not just wasting your time or potentially injuring yourself with too many reps or too light/heavy of a weight. Trusting in your personal trainer's experience and dedication to getting you the results you want will give you something to look foward to. 

Additionally, you'll know that this routine is tailored specifically to you. Corrective exercises can help if you feel like you slept on your shoulder wrong, or feeling occasional twinges in your lower back. Boxing can help your reaction time and ensures a full-body workout. Leg day (cue groans from almost everyone) might be more manageable with encouragement and praise. Cardio and stretching can help improve your durability and flexibility. Before you know it, the hour will be up and your mind will be flooded with seratonin and endorphins. We'll talk more about what happens in your body as you workout, but just know that the happiness felt after a job well-done is worth more than the monthly membership your gym used to charge!  

You're Coached On Proper Form, Reps, & Weight

Unless you've got eyes in the back of your head or can focus on a mirror the entirety of the time you're working out, there are probably several exercises where your form is off. Take weight-lifting for example. Those muscular bodybuilders make it look so easy, so obviously it can't be that hard. Just slide a few plates on and pump a few times, right? Oh boy...that's an excellent way to injure yourself and swear off the gym forever! A personal trainer will be carefully watching you to make sure your elbows stay tucked, your chest stays proud, your back is properly arched (or flat), that your breathing is helping rather than hindering you, and many other things. Not sure if this particular part of your body should be hurting? Ask to be sure! Curious on which part of your body is being exercised? You can bet your personal trainer knows! Your personal trainer can also tailor the weight if it looks like it's too heavy or too light. He may ask you if you're comfortable with that specific weight and will adjust the amount of reps depending on your form. 

Remember that if it feels wrong, it probably is. Speak up and ask questions if you're unsure or even curious. Your trainer will not be judging you if you say you the weight feels to heavy or be impressed if you state it's too light. Remember the use of the word personal in "personal trainer"? Only you can determine what's too much or too little in your initial sessions. As you progress in your routines, he may challenge you with more reps and higher weights, and will be more familiar with your capabilities as well as limitations. Yes, the last few reps will feel impossible. Yes, you may feel lightheaded and dizzy after doing a particularly challenging exercise. Yes, you may need to pause occasionally to chug some water. But the longer you procrastinate, the further away your fitness goals will float. Work hard throughout that hour and don't let that nagging voice of doubt cripple you as you push yourself. You can do this! 

You're Paying For Sessions, Not Just A Monthly Fee. 

You're no doubt familiar with the phrase "You Get What You Pay For." This is especially true when it comes to working out. Your gym charges you a monthly fee and waves buh-bye, off you go, and good luck. Sure, they might have a tanning salon or a juice bar to make you feel like they're worth it, but those are called "perks" not "results." Here at Elevation Nation 360, we offer sessions in packages to help you start the ball rolling. Sure, it might seem like a lot up front, but there's a reason why we do this: consistency.  If you had to pay per session, do you think you'd be consistent in the frequency of your sessions?  Probably not. A brave few might say yes, but the majority of us lack the dedication to do something unless it costs something. In this case, it costs you both money AND time. Money comes and goes, but time can never be regained once its lost. Paying for the sessions in bulk encourages you to come back; you've already paid for the time...might as well use it! It also allows you to use the sessions as frequently (or infrequently) as you like.  Three sessions a week will earn you results much faster, but it's completely up to you to find that time that you've paid for and make the most of it! Respect your time and your personal trainer's time; showing up late or making last-minute/lame excuses why you can't go is just as bad as carrying around that gym membership key tag. Kick all those excuses to the curb and train your mind just as your trainer works to train your muscles. Having a personal trainer can be an effective way to regain some control of both your physical and mental health while developing a strong sense of consistency. You've got this!

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should feel much more confident about pursuing your fitness goals with a personal trainer. Not only does it help encourage you to find time, but it helps you know you're getting the most out of your workouts. Proper form, correct weight and reps, encouragement, one-on-one time, and consistency are all benefits from using a personal trainer. Best of all, you have someone in your corner coaching you through all the rough patches and doubts you may battle in your workout sessions. There's a reason it's called WORKing out...it isn't easy, but with the right tools, you're well on your way to success! 

Check back with us soon for other commonly asked questions regarding workouts, such as "What Is Lactic Acid?", "Should I Eat Before or After My Workout?", "Supplement Alternatives For Those With Low-Tolerance To Caffeine", "Can I Workout When I'm Sore?", "What Does Corrective Exercise Mean?"and many others. If you have any particular questions regarding exercises that you'd like us to answer, feel free to reach out to us via phone or email. We're serious about fitness and look forward to the opportunity to share our knowledge with you, whether that be through our workouts or our articles. We look forward to hearing from you; until next time!