By Natalie Carter
Personal trainers (PTs) have been the latest must have accessory for years now. You will find them overflowing in the local park or maybe you’ve been feasting your eyes on the newest (cute) one at the gym. Many trainers out there provide a fantastic service for those who need a push or education about how to best achieve their personal fitness goals. Unfortunately not all PT’s are created equal, very much like that fake Birkin bag you purchased on your latest Bali jaunt that will never stand up to the original that is still waiting for you on Hermes’ store shelf. Many have different training methods, personalities and education levels. The first port of call should be asking yourself why you want/need a personal trainer.
Why hire a PT?
- To achieve your desired health or fitness related goal
- Motivation
- Speed up your results
- Discipline
- You want a workout partner or you enjoy training with someone
- Utilise their knowledge and expertise
- To have fun when working out
- Decrease the chance of injury or perhaps work on getting over a current injury
- To look incredibly hot in a bikini (or speedo..whatever you’re into)
Reasons NOT to hire a PT
- You want a boyfriend or girlfriend
- You believe hiring a trainer will help you solve your problems your husband/wife/partner/children/family/co-workers
Now you have selected the appropriate reasons to hire a trainer, you may need some help finding your ultimate PT. If you are a member of a gym, simply go to your gym’s Personal Training Co-coordinator (or even the front desk) and ask for someone to contact you regarding PT sessions. If you tend to value other peoples advice, ask your friends or family members or even a co-worker (someone who has had fantastic results helps!) if they know of a great trainer in your area that they can recommend. Another really useful tool is the internet. Ahhh! The internet what would we do without you. You can get really specific here and if definitely saves you time.
The final stage is selecting the right person for YOU! Try out a few different PT’s if you are unsure. A great trainer will always offer you a free consultation/session first. When selecting a personal trainer it is important to follow these simple guidelines or ask the following questions:
1. Check that your trainer is qualified and insured to protect you against any injuries/accidents that may occur.
2. Check that your trainer has experience with injuries, fat loss, pregnancy, older clients, and in any aliment that you have. After all you need them to help YOU.
3. Did your trainer assess you first and find out your goals and also identify any problem areas?
4. Do you trust your trainer? Are they friendly, well-spoken, motivating, and engaging?
5. Does your trainer have an understanding of achieving the best result possible for you through a range of exercises/equipment, not just machine based exercises/equipment? Do you perform different exercises, not just the same ones over and over?
6. Are they on time to your sessions? Do they offer easy payment plans and different options? A PT session can cost anywhere from $60-220/hour (depending on the trainers experience and knowledge). Most trainer’s offers group discounts and group training sessions as a cheaper alternative.
7. Does your trainer devote your whole session to just you? Staring into space and answering phone calls whilst training you is not acceptable.
8. Does your trainer listen to any worries you may have regarding your training program and modify your workout if needed?
9. Do you have fun in your sessions and are you seeing results? You don’t have to love training but you still want to feel like you’ll actually turn up to each session. You should start to see results within 2-4 weeks of commencing your training program.
10. Would you recommend your trainer to your friends/family?
Your trainer should be ticking all the boxes and more. Don’t forget you are paying them to help you get to your goals. For most people, having a trainer is a costly but definitely worthwhile exercise. Feel free to ask lots of questions. It is essential that your needs and wants are addressed. Conversely, whilst you are paying them, remember if you don’t stop with the Big Mac’s and the “couch potatoe-ing” no amount of money will get you to your goals. It takes hard work, dedication, the correct diet and exercise, education and persistence.
Stay Awesome till next time,
Nat x
www.newoutlookfitness.com.au
New Outlook Fitness is offering a lucky Rescu. reader the chance to win a consultation with Fitness Expert Natalie Carter. The lucky reader will WIN 3 x 30min PT sessions and a Full Consultation.
Competition entry details:
1. Like the New Outlook Fitness Facebook page
2. Write on the wall “I’m working on a New Outlook with New Outlook Fitness (tag us) and rescu.com.au (tag rescu)
3. Invite your friends to join in on the fun
4. Then lucky winner will be announced on 31st May 2011
