How to Use a Personal Trainer Effectively | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

How to Use a Personal Trainer Effectively

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Setting unrealistic fitness goals usually leads to failure.
  • Take notes when training and avoid getting off task or texting during your training sessions.
  • Keep the lines of communication open with your personal trainer.

Enlisting the help of a personal trainer can help you learn how to work out effectively in the shortest amount of time. Our muscles respond to just about any type of training that’s consistent and is properly performed.

As you get stronger during training, you’ll naturally be able to lift more weight and perform exercises that are more challenging.

To make the most out of every training session, below are some dos and don’ts you should be following at the gym.

When you’re ready to enlist the help of a personal trainer, sign up for our PRO plan today for access to certified personal trainers that will help you reach your goals.

Set Realistic Goals

To avoid wasting time during future training sessions, organize an initial consultation with your trainer beforehand. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your fitness goals.

Take this time to tell your trainer exactly what you want to accomplish and what your physical limitations are. He or she can then help you define realistic short-term and long-term goals. Setting unrealistic fitness goals often leads to failure, which can ultimately lead you to give up altogether.

Having a customized exercise routine designed specifically for you will help you follow through on positive lifestyle changes both in and out of the gym.

In addition, establishing concrete fitness goals is vital for achieving results, so if your trainer tells you that your goals are unrealistic, you need to trust them.

Focusing on realistic goals helps you work out more efficiently as opposed to goals that may be out of reach. Develop an action plan and include ways you can hold yourself accountable. Use your reasons for getting in shape as motivation even when you want to skip the gym.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

If you aren’t getting what you bargained for, don’t be afraid to speak up. An effective personal training experience is a two-way street, which relies on mutual respect and open lines of communication. If you feel like your workout routine is too hard or too easy, let your trainer know. In turn, they can customize a different type of workout regimen that will produce the same results.

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Take Notes

An experienced personal trainer will use a clipboard or other type of note-taking device to keep track of how many reps and sets you’re doing during your training sessions. Note-taking allows them to identify your progress and whether you’re ready to increase the intensity of your workout.

You should also jot down notes when you’re with your trainer and when you’re working out alone. Take inventory of which exercises you’re doing, the degree of difficulty, and whether you need to learn the proper form of particular workouts during the next training session. You can even use your phone to record short video clips during a session to use as cues when you are working out alone.

Ask for a Recap

At the end of each session, ask your trainer for a brief recap. Ask about what you’ve accomplished and if they recommend anything specific for your next session. If your trainer made any changes to your workout routine, find out the reasons why so you can stay on the right track and get the most out of your next training session.

Have Mutual Respect

Even though your trainer is getting paid, they don’t want to stand around while you’re texting on your phone. It’s disrespectful and can make it impossible for you to focus on productivity.

At the same time, you need to hold your trainer accountable as well. If he or she is distracted during your session, you need to address the issue immediately. You can’t maximize your workout if you’re constantly looking to see what your trainer is doing.

Try New Moves

You hired a trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals. But if you constantly dismiss any new exercise they suggest, you’re not making the most out of your time together.

Although consistency is key when it comes to reaching your fitness goals, doing the same exercises can hinder your progress.

You need to trust that your personal trainer has your best interest at heart and be open to trying different types of exercises. If you’re dead set against a specific exercise, come to a compromise that both of you are happy with.

Set Boundaries

Is it possible to be friends with your personal trainer and still see results? Yes, but only if you have clear boundaries during your workouts. Training is as psychological as it is physical, so if you’re spending your sessions chatting about life instead of focusing on your form, you’re going to have a hard time reaching your goals.

Hiring a personal trainer can help you stay motivated in the gym, but it’s your responsibility to remain consistent both in and out of your sessions. By working out effectively, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success when your sessions come to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– How many days a week should I exercise?

Three to five workouts a week is recommended for best results.

– How do I create my own workout plan?

You can either sign up for an Exercise.com PRO membership or enlist the help of a personal trainer!

– What should I do if my personal trainer is mean?

This article provides information on how to handle this difficult topic.

Interested in benefiting from an online personal trainer? Check out our PRO plan and get started today!

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