How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Have you followed yours thus far? If not, now is the time to climb back aboard and book that Personal Training appointment you were thinking about setting this time last year. Don’t be a part of the majority! Read on for a sneak preview of what you can expect at your first training session and how you can break the growing trend.
Personal Trainers are responsible for guiding you through a safe and effective workout plan while also providing encouragement and support along the way. Come to your first session with pre-set, specific goals in-mind. If you are unsure of exactly what you want out of personal training, let them know! They are there to help you figure it all out and quantify your goals, so that you can track, measure and achieve them at the highest level. A few key things to know to get you mentally prepared:
It’s More Than Just Fitness: In addition to recording your age, gender, height and weight, your trainer will most likely take body composition measurements to see where you began, and where you finish (just to see how far you’ve come!). Each trainer differs on how they collect body measurements, but often times, they’ll take measurements of your waist, hips, arms and legs. Also, expect to talk about what you eat, typical timing and certain habits that you unknowingly do.
Injury History: As it could play a role in what exercises you can or cannot do, you should be prepared to discuss any injuries, surgeries or health concerns you’ve had in the past and if you have/need medical clearance to start a training program.
Check Out Your Form: Our trainers may ask you to do a movement assessment to check out your form on squats, lunges, planks, etc. The reason for this being, so that they can assess and potentially adjust your form before starting your program.
Seems simple, right? Truth is, it’s as easy as that to get the train rolling! After your first session, you will want to get ready to hit the grindstone next session — that’s where the fun really kicks up!
Here are some tips to ensure you get the most from your personal training experience:
- Set Clear, Defined Goals
After that first session, you will have a few goals floating around. This is the time to set clear, concrete aspirations. Are you looking to shed a few pounds? Identify how much. Looking to increase your bench? Identify the weight you’re looking to press. Establishing why you’re pursuing personal training is crucial to your success, so make sure to be as specific as you can.
If you’re still unsure of what you want or can accomplish, let your trainer know. Discussing your potential goals will help the two of you commit to a plan. It will be integral for you to discuss how much time you’re willing to put into your training and how your trainer will be able to help you in attaining them. Mix up your list with both long and short-term goals, as you will be able to focus on the big picture, while getting boosts of confidence along the way.
- Get There Early
You’ll want to warm up, so that when the fun begins, you’ll be limber and the juices will be flowing! Your trainer will establish a normal warm up routine, so after a session or two, you can do it on your own.
- Build a Relationship & Be Honest
Keep the lines of communication open! Yes, your trainer is a fitness professional, but feel free to speak up if a specific exercise made you uncomfortably sore after the last session. Don’t feel like you sweat enough? Let them know, so they can tweak the program further. You’ll both benefit from it!
- Respect the Watch!
There’s a reason your trainer provides :30 or :60-second breaks between sets and asking you to hold the intensity of cardio intervals for specific durations. Adhere to that timing, and you’ll see far better results.
Clean Eats
No amount of working out can hide the evidence of a lackluster diet. Follow your trainer’s nutritional advice, make the switch to more whole, natural foods, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
- Zzzzzz
Your fitness recovery and overall progress hinges on how much and how well you sleep. Adequate sleep increases your energy levels and recovery. Showing up exhausted will drastically limit the efficacy of your sessions.
- “Leave It All on the Field”
If you’re serious about hitting your individual goals and getting that much healthier, put your heart into each and every session. Enthusiasm breeds success.
The decision to hire a personal trainer is an empowering one. Putting a dedicated fitness expert in your corner can net you invaluable expertise and support for devising a smart workout strategy, overcoming emotional and physical roadblocks, and getting the real results you’re after!
Looking for a place to start? No better place than this!
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