This is a question that I hear quite a bit: Do I really need a personal trainer or can I do this on my own and save some cash? While there are a lot of benefits to hiring a professional to help you create and follow a customized exercise plan in order to reach your fitness-related goals, admittedly, some people need a personal trainer more than others. These include:
- Beginning exercisers. If you’re not sure which exercises to do to lose weight or gain muscle, or if you’re not clear on proper form since you’ve never done them as a beginning exerciser, then hiring a personal trainer can help you learn which exercises work best and how to do them. Even if you can’t or don’t want to invest in a trainer for a long period of time, you could greatly benefit from at least one initial session to learn proper form and get you on a program customized for you (and your safety).
- Exercisers with specific goals. If you have a precise goal, like increasing your thigh muscles by one inch for instance, then hiring a personal trainer is a great way to learn exactly which exercises can help you achieve those types of results in the shortest amount of time. It’s similar to driving someplace you’ve never been. You may get their on your own eventually, but if someone hands you a map showing you precisely how to get from point A to point B, you’ll likely get there quicker (and be less frustrated with wrong turns and dead ends when you do).
- Exercisers who lack motivation. Sometimes you just need someone to hold you accountable; someone who makes you show up to your workout sessions and build up a good sweat. That is what a personal trainer can do for you, giving you ample bits of motivation when you can’t seem to find them on your own.
If you fall into one of these three categories, then I suggest you get a personal trainer.
What are your thoughts on the subject? I’d love to hear them, so feel free to comment below!