You have decided to reclaim your health and get on track. You’ve joined a private gym near you and know how to use the machines. You think you are all set to get started. But have you considered hiring a private fitness trainer? No? Then read on to know why a private fitness trainer can be your biggest ally.
A private fitness trainer customizes workout routines for you, guides you on proper form and technique, motivates you, and holds you accountable. They will change your approach to fitness to make it more holistic. They will provide guidance on nutrition, given your lifestyle and goals.
They set realistic goals for you and celebrate your small wins. With a private fitness trainer, you will be more consistent, and that is usually the key to faster results.
When you're scouting for a trainer, it is equally important to understand how they work as much as who you choose. This blog covers some basic elements you need to clarify before you commit to a private fitness trainer.
What to Ask Your Private Fitness Trainer
Questions to Ask During the First Meeting
Firstly, you need to know the credentials and specialities. Ask about their certification and experience. Understanding their qualifications is key to determining if they can help you achieve your goals. If you are someone with specific goals, then you need to ask if they have experience in that field. You might be training to run a marathon, so you need a trainer who specialises in that area. You might be recovering from an injury, and your fitness trainer needs to understand what that entails.
Secondly, you ask about their training philosophy. Trainers have different approaches. Some focus on strength and conditioning, while others focus on functional movement and mobility. You assess if their philosophy aligns with how you like to train.
Thirdly, ask them how they track fitness levels and progress. They will use a reliable tracking system to assess your progress. Ask them about how they plan to track your progress.
Next, ask them about their experience and track record. See for yourself how they have helped their clients in the past.
Diet plays a crucial role in your fitness journey. Ask them if they offer nutritional guidance. Ask them if they help with calorie tracking, meal timings, or a general balanced diet.
Ongoing Questions to Keep Progressing
Fitness is not only about the hours you spend in the gym with your private fitness trainers. What you do outside of the gym matters too. Ask them what you can do to keep the momentum going outside of the gym. Ask them for tips about how to stay active and when to rest.
Get regular feedback about your form and techniques. Ask them if they see an improvement and how you can refine your movements to do better.
Setbacks are to be expected. You will hit plateaus and feel demotivated. Ask them how they manoeuvre that. Asking them these questions in advance gives you a feel for their flexibility and problem-solving approach.
Sometimes, long-term goals may seem daunting. Ask them if they can break them into smaller milestones that you can easily hit so that you feel motivated and stay on the path.
Why it Matters
Asking these questions in advance is a smart way to have clarity and build trust with your private fitness trainer. The trainer will also be aware of your goals and approach, so that your goals become a shared responsibility.
What to Watch for in a Great Private Fitness Trainer
When you engage a private fitness trainer, consider the following traits to evaluate the quality of their work.
Green Flags
A positive sign is their complete focus on you during sessions. They have to be involved in every aspect of your workout. They should guide you on the reps, sets, weights, and form. They should be able to explain the exercises clearly and demonstrate them for you. If you have special conditions or injuries, they must be flexible to accommodate that. Regular tracking of your progress and updating the plan is a good sign that they are also invested in your progress. They should motivate and encourage without the weight of toxic positivity. They should make the gym a safe space for you.
Red Flags
It is not encouraging if they are distracted or on their phone during the session. If they have the same approach for all clients and have a standard workout plan for everyone, then that is a red flag. When they explain the exercises, they must be able to explain the science or reasoning behind it, so you know how to hit it. If you have the same workout plan for months without progress, then you might have to find a new trainer. Routines have to be modified based on your progress and feedback. If your trainer does not encourage you to listen to your body and ignores pain or fatigue, it can be detrimental to your progress.
Why It Matters
People continue with a private fitness trainer out of familiarity and loyalty. But it is better to stick to a trainer who helps you achieve your goals efficiently and holistically. Some underperforming trainers will just run you through the grind without any progress. So be smart and have your radar on about your progress. Understand your trainer's contribution to that progress.
What to learn From Your Trainer
Do not be a passive learner in the gym. Be active and try to learn from your trainer.
Learn the “Why” Behind Your Training
Whenever you are introduced to an exercise, ask about the science behind it. Understand the impact the exercise has on the body. Understand the structure of your workout plan. What is the plan focused on? How is it distributed between strength and conditioning? You will commit well when you know the “why” behind your sessions.
Learn about periodization and progression. This will give you an idea about the long-term journey.
Learn Proper Form and Technique
Ask your trainer about proper form and master the basics. Proper form for basic exercises, like squats and deadlifts, is a good place to start. Practice in front of a mirror and assess your form for yourself. Alternatively, record videos of yourself and ask for feedback.
Learn How to Modify and Self-Coach
Your energy levels or moods may vary from day to day. Learn how to adjust your workouts based on your levels on that day. Create a repertoire of warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery tools.
Learn to Train Independently
On days when you travel or cannot make it to the gym, learn how to make a workout that works for you. Ask your private fitness trainer how to design a workout split or weekly schedule.
Why It Matters
It is always better to learn to be self-sufficient. Your trainer is a resource and not a crutch. Being independent will also make you more consistent. It’s a win-win situation.
Conclusion
Your private fitness trainer should be your partner in your fitness journey. You can find the best in the industry at Paragon Body in Saratoga, California. Be proactive when you engage a trainer and understand how they work. Ensure that their philosophy aligns with yours. Be honest and realistic about your goals and expectations.
Try to understand the reason behind the exercises, and learn how to be independent. A good fitness trainer will encourage your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Claim the reins of your fitness and own it.
Invest in a long-term working relationship with your private fitness trainer. Trust us, they can be your best allies!