For many people, starting a new fitness routine is intimidating. A personal trainer can be a terrific resource. Trainers create custom workout plans for people at all stages of their fitness journey. A personal trainer can also help you maintain your motivation and improve your technique.
When meeting with a personal trainer for the first time, your initial session will be focused on goal setting and communication. Your trainer needs to determine how best to support your needs. You can also use this first interaction to decide if the trainer is a good fit.
Entering your initial session with the following information in mind can make the most of your introduction to a personal trainer.
1. Your Fitness and Training Goals
Personal trainers can be credentials in a wide range of specialties, including sports coaching, running physiotherapy, cardiovascular programs, mobility drills, core and strength training routines, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. For best results, your goals should align with the trainer’s background and specialty.
Without understanding your objectives, your personal trainer cannot create a customized exercise program. Trainers don’t assume their clients’ goals. Some people may want to focus on cardiovascular endurance, others may want to build muscle mass, improve their flexibility, or simply feel better. Once your trainer understands your goals, they can develop targeted workouts and a useful training schedule.
2. Your Physical Limitations
Even old injuries can still have an impact on the activities you should or are able to perform right now. Trainers also assess injuries to determine whether certain muscles need to be strengthened. For example, lower back pain can signal that you have tight or weak muscles that require retraining. Chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease can also impact your workout plan.
Exercise is an important part of recovery and maintaining your overall health. However, any personal training program must consider your limitations. Trainers take your health history into consideration in order to produce an exercise plan that is challenging, but safe. You should also be honest about your mobility and financial limitations. If a trainer recommends a routine that requires lengthy travel, pricey memberships, or sophisticated equipment, then you may not only take full advantage of your program.
3. Your Current Fitness Level
Trainers also need know that you have medical clearance to exercise. Trainers have a responsibility to make sure that their recommendations do not risk your health or safety. For liability reasons, trainers will mention this during the first session. Answer this question truthfully. If you haven’t visited the doctor in a while, you should schedule a checkup prior to meeting with a trainer.
Trainers also need to know about your previous experience with exercise and fitness. This enables the trainer to understand your expectations and identify has previously worked for you. Prior exercise experience is one of the most important indicators of how well a new workout regimen will be. However, past difficulties do not necessarily mean that you cannot achieve success in the future. To help you address those obstacles and you achieve your present goals, your trainer will want to know what previously prevented you from succeeding.
4. Your Favorite Routines or Exercises
Some people hate going to the gym. Trainers know this, and they can craft exercise routines that can be performed at home, outdoors, or in other suitable spaces. For instance, trainers can create routines based on the equipment you have in your home. As a result, you can maintain your routine even when you’re unable to make it to the gym or just don’t want to go.
Understanding your preferences will also enable your trainer to create workout plans that will produce results quickly, incorporate progressions, and make sure your training experience is as pleasurable as possible. As the sessions go on, the trainer can adapt your program as necessary.
5. Commitment Level
Studies on fitness goals have shown that participants only changed their behavior if they were prepared to do so. Researchers identified six stages of transformation people generally go through when making a big life change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Trainers know that people require different types of support depending on their current stage of transformation. If you are in the early stages, then you may think you are ready to make a behavior change. However, without ongoing effort, you may plateau before reaching more advanced stages.
As part of the first session, your trainer will likely help develop a diet and exercise regimen. This will serve as a road map that meets you where you are and shows you step-by-step how to achieve your fitness objectives. If you are in the action and maintenance stages, you need a fitness program that suits your abilities and can take you to the next level. Trainers can help you incorporate new and more advanced exercise into your routines.
Final Thoughts
A personal trainer can help you work out more efficiently and improve your eating habits so you can reach your fitness goals. If you are interested in maintaining your fitness level, try collaborating with your trainer to track your development and keep your motivation up.