So you are going to use a trainer eh?

So, you have decided that you are going to use a personal trainer? Maybe you are just going to use the couple free sessions that came with your new gym membership. Or, perhaps you need someone to push you out of your plateaus. Maybe you see the "gym rats" have something you dont have, but want. Whatever your reasoning behind getting a trainer, they are paid for thier services, but like a waiter, or anyone else. They are paid in your results, you are a walking advertisement for them! They are also paid in your returning to suffer thier company (continue to allow them to train you.) Much like buying a car though, you do want to make sure that you have the trainer who is best suited for you. Here, I just wanted to list a couple things you need to know about trainers: what do they do? What they should not do? And what they should be doing! Most of this is common sense, but still nice to remember!

The trainers job is definitely to acquaint you to the gym. It is thier office, and it could be yours. Approach the gym like you would a job. Or in gym terms, "go hard!" The trainer should show you where the equipment is, but also how it works! This step will prevent yourself from getting hurt! They should show you the proper form which will prevent most injuries. Working out is just 20% of what it takes to lose weight and  tone your body. Your trainer should have some sort of background in nutrition. Just like working out, your nutrition needs should be individual to your weight loss goal. For example, my trainer taught me how to eat when I lost weight, and now that I am trying to bulk up. Your trainer should be mapping out your workout and nutrition. And that map should be individual to our own goals. Your trainer has evaluated where you are, and you let them know where you want to be. Together you create a plan. Deviating from that plan will make your end goals that much harder to accomplish.

I didnt want this section to be a "fire the trainer that does this" section, but its just words of caution if you catch your trainer doing this. Your trainer , like we said earlier, is a hired hand- a professional. You are not paying them to be your friend. They should not be absent during your session! They should be watching you, making sure you are being safe and will be able to use the equipment to perfection even in thier absense. They cannot train you if they are not observing you. They should not treat every client the same. Every client is not the same. They have different needs and different goals. That being said, they should also incorporate different types of fitness into your workout plan! I knew my trainer was a winner when she incorporated free weights, body weight, machines, and cardio into every workout!

I have had a couple different trainers. Some good. Some bad. Here are some of the things that the better ones had in common with one another. They realized I was a walking ad for them. They made sure my form was to the peak of perfection. They knew my progress was like a resume for them. They took pride in my progress. We established short and long term goals. There was not a time where goals were not close to being met and more goals being established. They used the proper form of motivation at the proper time. As for myself, I am a complicated individual, sometimes  I need positive cheeers when I do good. But, for the most part negative reinforcement helps me to improve! As you gain confidence and do more reps, form may be sacrificed. Your trianer should make sure that progress and form stay together, not sacrificing one for the other. Your trainer should also be very good about keeping things fresh! Mine recommended a couple classes including a spin class I fell in love with, and TRX training which wooped me big time! But most of all, the best trainers are based on your needs and thier stregnths. I am so thankful for all of mine!

In short, your trainer should compliment your life. Because, after all, fitness is not jsut one part of your life, its incorporated into every area of life! Your trainer could also be called your Life Coach! Respect them and take in what they have to teach you!