PEERtrainer

The 6 Reasons To Hire A Personal Trainer

Personal Training isn't just for the rich and famous anymore

By Janet Smith, PEERtrainer Health and Fitness Writer
Personal trainers aren’t just for the ‘rich and famous’ anymore. Today, most commercial health clubs offer sessions with certified professional trainers for a very reasonable cost. But this cost is in addition to paying for a health club membership- so, is it worth it? Although hiring a personal trainer is not for everyone, most people can greatly benefit from a training session. Here are six reasons to consider investing in a personal training session.

1)    The motivation factor. Most of us are more likely to do something right…if someone is watching. We are even more likely to do something when that same someone is providing positive feedback and otherwise motivating us.

2)    Injury prevention.  If you learned how to use weight machines from watching other people at the gym, odds are you have picked up some bad habits. Bad form can lead to serious injuries. A personal trainer will show you the proper way to execute exercises, which will not only help to prevent injuries, but maximize the effectiveness of your workout.

3)    A more efficient workout.   Many people make the mistake of just hopping on random equipment at the gym and hoping that they will magically see the results they are after. In contrast, a personal trainer can help you to develop an exercise routine that addresses your needs, which will give you a more effective workout and faster results in less time.

4)    More variety in your workouts. 
Personal trainers can introduce you to a variety of activities that you may not have considered before, and teach new exercises to incorporate into your fitness regimen.

5)    Increased awareness of health issues.  Personal trainers have extensive education in many aspects of health and can answer questions regarding diet and other lifestyle factors.

6)    Enhanced sports performance.   If you participate in a sport, a personal trainer can help design a workout that is targeted towards improving performance.
 
If you decide to hire a personal trainer, you will want to look for a qualified fitness professional. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) stresses the importance of seeking a certified trainer and states that, “there is currently no national standard or minimum requirement for carrying this job title.” This means that you will need to do your homework, ask for credentials (preferably certification from the ACSM or the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and check references if necessary. Any professional personal trainer will welcome your questions and appreciate your commitment to improving your personal health.
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