Published: 05/03/2023 - 8:00 AM
If you're setting out on a journey to become stronger and more fit, congratulations! You've already taken the first step toward reaching your personal health and wellness goals. Now, you just need to plan and execute the workouts. If that sounds intimidating, don't worry — a personal trainer can take the guesswork out of your gym time and create an exercise plan that helps you see results and reach your goals.
If you ask yourself if you should get a personal trainer, we are here to give you a variety of reasons why they are worth it. We'll start by answering what may be your next question — what does a personal trainer do?
What a Personal Trainer Does
A personal trainer is your go-to guide for reaching fitness goals and feeling great. They understand the ins and outs of exercise and can create customized workout plans that fit your unique goals, lifestyle and needs. Whether you are aiming to build strength, lose weight or build healthier habits, a personal trainer brings the motivation, accountability and know-how to keep you on track.
From demonstrating proper form to ensuring you stay safe and challenged, personal trainers help you get the most out of each workout. Plus, they keep things fresh and fun, often mixing up exercises to prevent boredom and keep your body guessing. With a personal trainer in your corner, you get a workout experience tailored just for you, with someone genuinely invested in helping you succeed.
7 Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers are a wealth of information about exercise. Below, discover how they can give you precisely what you need to reach your health goals.
1. Individualized Attention
Our bodies are all unique, so it makes sense that one standard exercise regimen won't suit everyone. That's why personal trainers work one-on-one or two-on-one with their clients to offer a customized fitness experience.
The first and most important thing you'll do when you hire a personal trainer is meet with them for an initial consultation. The trainer will use this time to get to know you and assess your current fitness level. They'll ask about your lifestyle, health goals, and preferences. The information you provide will help your trainer create a fitness plan tailored to your body and goals.
Your trainer will be by your side throughout your workouts, providing attentive support as you progress through your plan. They'll be able to evaluate what's working and what isn't so they can adjust the plan as needed.
2. Professional Direction
The fitness world can be overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out or returning from an exercise hiatus. You may not know which machines and equipment to use in the gym, much less how to use them.
A personal trainer will help you learn how the machines work, their purpose, and which ones you should focus on. They'll take you on a gym tour and introduce you to the equipment, demonstrating how to use it properly. Soon enough, you'll feel confident and ready to tackle whatever workout your trainer throws at you.
3. Educated Advice
Your personal trainer will use their health and fitness knowledge to plan effective workouts that help you reach your goals. Certified personal trainers receive their credentials from respected organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine or the American Council on Exercise. These courses give personal trainers a chance to learn about many facets of health and fitness, such as:
- Human physiology
- Body mechanics
- Behavior change
- Exercise science
Many personal trainers are also certified to perform CPR and use an automated defibrillator in case of an emergency. Consider yourself in competent, safe hands!
4. Fresh Workouts
If you're a creature of habit, it can be easy to get stuck in an exercise rut and do the same workouts day after day. But always sticking with the same routine can become dull and demotivating. Exercising should feel like a fun challenge, not a monotonous chore.
Personal trainers are always aware of the latest and greatest ways to get stronger and stay active. They'll keep your routine fresh and varied so that you look forward to your gym time.
As you become stronger and fitter, they'll incorporate new exercises and movements that build on what you've learned to keep your body and brain stimulated. You may even fall in love with an activity or piece of equipment that you wouldn't have tried without the guidance of a personal trainer.
5. A Motivator
Becoming healthier and stronger involves consistently challenging your body and pushing yourself to achieve new goals. There may be days when that feels harder than others, and you may consider giving up on your fitness journey if no one holds you accountable. That's where a personal trainer's encouragement and motivating guidance come in!
You're much more likely to go to the gym when you know someone is expecting you, especially someone who's put in time and effort to create a workout plan just for you. And when the going gets tough, your personal trainer will be by your side. They can offer support and remind you why you embarked on a fitness journey in the first place — to become the best version of yourself.
6. More Camaraderie
Whether you like exercising with a friend or just having someone to talk to while you log miles and complete reps, you'll love the companionship a personal trainer provides. As you get to know one another, you may get comfortable chatting about all kinds of things, from exercise demonstrations to words of encouragement. Working with a good personal trainer can feel like hitting the gym with a knowledgeable, inspiring friend.
7. Nutrition Guidance
While personal trainers typically aren't dietitians or nutritionists and can't prescribe meal plans, they are allowed to give you general nutrition advice. Diet is a significant part of health and fitness and can make or break your gym efforts, so many people find it helpful to receive dietary guidance.
Whatever your goal, eating a healthy diet will complement your fitness routine and help you see the results you want. If you want to learn more about nutrition, your personal trainer can help get you started. At the YMCA, members who want nutritional counseling can connect with registered dietitians through our partnership with Wellness Coaches.
A Personal Trainer Is Worth It
A personal trainer brings more than great workouts to the table. They bring a whole experience that can transform your health journey. Imagine having someone in your corner who is fully dedicated to helping you thrive, guiding you with expertise and always pushing you to discover what you're really capable of. They tune into your strengths and challenges, giving you a personalized approach that can be the difference between guessing your way through exercises and really knowing you are on the right path.
What also makes it worthwhile is the energy they bring. Every session with your personal trainers is a step toward unlocking a version of yourself you didn't realize was there. This commitment and encouragement can fuel your fitness progress and build confidence that spills into all parts of your life.
What to Look for in a Personal Trainer
When you start looking for a personal trainer, there are two very important factors to consider. First, you want to check their qualifications and make sure they are certified by a reputable organization. This confirmation lets you know they have solid knowledge and training in fitness science and safety.
Second, pay attention to their communication style and personality. You want to find someone who genuinely connects with you. A great trainer will listen to your goals, understand your limits and motivate you in a way that fits your style, whether that's with gentle encouragement or high-energy push. Look for someone who is adaptable and interested in your progress, adjusting plans as you reach goals and keeping things fresh and fun.
If you have specific goals, like rehabbing an injury, managing health conditions or training for a race, your personal trainer's experience matters too. Their insight into what you're dealing with is what will ultimately help you achieve the goals you've set for yourself.
Find a Personal Trainer at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Whether you have a health condition that means you need special assistance on your fitness journey, are training for a sport, or just need someone to keep you accountable, a personal trainer is a great idea.
If you're looking for a personal trainer in the greater Philadelphia area, the YMCA is ready to welcome you with open arms. Our staff is highly trained and certified to provide you with the health and fitness services you need to get stronger and stay active.
When you use the personal training services at a Greater Philadelphia YMCA, you'll receive much more than expert coaching and fitness advice. You'll join a family- and mission-oriented gym where you'll feel a sense of connection and belonging. We believe this is the best way to help you become your best self and we can't wait to welcome you.
Schedule a tour of a Greater Philadelphia YMCA location today or fill out our online form to have us match you with one of our certified trainers!