One of the best things I have ever done is hire a personal trainer. One of the worst things I have ever done is stop that service after two years. I would be in much better shape now if I continued.
Don't let my experience deter you, though. Making the commitment to a personal trainer is a powerful step towards taking control of your health and fitness journey.
It's not always an option for people, and at the end of this article, I will touch on alternatives that are better than a personal trainer.
Why
In a health and fitness industry rife with deception and misinformation, a personal trainer can be a beacon of clarity. They can help you navigate the confusing landscape, providing reliable guidance and support.
There are only so many outlets, like examine.com, that are willing to be as objective as possible.
It takes years of study to understand the basic science of health and fitness and eventually discern what's real and fantasy. Added to the confusion is the tendency for fads to take off. Right now, it's the carnivore diet, but it was ice baths last year. Next year, something new will come along, and the subsequent year as well.
A trainer, with their years of experience, has developed a keen sense of discernment. They can quickly identify what's beneficial for your fitness journey and what's just a passing fad, guiding you towards the most effective strategies.
I have been involved in this industry in some way since I was 15, working at a gym, and even I have to double-check things regularly.
Aside from wading through the mud, a personal trainer can take a huge mental load off your shoulders. Knowing someone is writing your programming, reviewing your training videos, and guiding you towards your goal is massively motivating.
Factors to consider
Cost
Cost is more than money, and I would love to shift the perspective on cost away from just money.
Many people don't get a personal trainer because of the financial cost. However, it's essential to consider the physical, emotional, and mental cost of being unhealthy. The benefits of being fit are often underestimated until you experience them first-hand.
I spent a lot of time getting strong via powerlifting. The daily application of strength is underrated. Not only do I regularly move large items out of the way with little fear, but it also allows me to pull off surprise party tricks.
Being fit also has other benefits. When the doctor reports that your vital signs are above average, you always feel better—a little jump in the pit of your stomach, reassuring you that you are doing something right.
So, the cost of not having a personal trainer can far outweigh the cost of a personal trainer.
Personal trainers don't have to be in person anymore. They can be from anywhere in the world. There is no doubt that there is a price point for everyone nowadays.
Financial costs are one thing, but most people can overcome them(especially with online personal trainers), but there is more to costs than just money.
Time
How much time are you willing to commit?
This is a tough question that requires brutal honesty and should evoke guilt. Some people say that your health is the most important thing, but adults have responsibilities.
Naturally, you can always sacrifice Netflix or a book, but should you apply that same attitude to your children, family, or even your pets?
It takes a lot of work.
If you have been out of the fitness loop for a long time, you can always start small. Start with just one hour a week.
Get started.
Remember, it's not about how much you do, but about starting. Begin with a small commitment, and as you gain confidence and strength, you can gradually increase your fitness routine.
Diet
Is the personal trainer going to help you with your diet?
Diet is a crucial aspect of fitness, often more important than exercise. However, diets are not one-size-fits-all. If you have special dietary requirements, it's essential to find a personal trainer who understands this and can provide tailored guidance. For instance, a vegan personal trainer can be extremely valuable to a vegan person, especially when it comes to meeting protein and vitamin needs.
Testimonials
Nothing speaks better than results. Personal trainers who get results tend to get testimonials from happy clients.
Look for clients who are either still with the personal trainer or have been with them for a long time. Try to reach out to the client so you can verify that the personal trainer is legitimate. Identify the clients in a similar position to you or at the same stage as you.
Handling feedback
How does a trainer adjust their programme? How do you know if they are steering you in the right direction?
Good trainers have a process for monitoring their clients and getting them to the next stage.
How would you react if a personal trainer didn’t tolerate your poor excuses?
We all experience lulls in our lives, and a good trainer will recognise this and be able to pull you out of it or even help you overcome it.
Long-term
You and your trainer should work together long-term. The best results happen after five years, not 4 weeks. The longer you can work with a trainer, the better.
This is my attempt at distilling down years of experience into a few words. I highly recommend personal trainers to most people, but other alternatives are just as good.
Alternatives
Go it alone
There are dozens of apps that offer programmes for you to follow. There is no shame in following their lead.
Go with a friend
Friends can be a double-edged sword. Some friends would rather go to the pub than the gym. Pick wisely.
Join a club
Joining a sports or activity club can be much cheaper than a personal trainer. Being surrounded by teammates is exceptionally motivating, and if you’re lucky, you may get a free coach who wants to see the team win.