Why, indeed? Can't you just workout on your own, and save money?
Of course you can! But, statistics say you won't! According to most statistics, 4 out of 5 gym memberships go unused! That's right, 80% of you who purchase a gym membership, will stop using it, but keep paying for it! Why? Motivation is high when you sign up, and you start out going often, and really working out. However, unless you have a game plan, you won't see a lot of results, which then lowers motivation, which then reduces how often you go, which then lowers results even more. Eventually, you give up, probably with an excuse like, "I just can't lose weight, no matter what I do!"
Which brings me to reason #1:
Motivation & Accountability:
First, trainers are experts at holding you accountable. Not only for what you do in the gym, but what you put in your body, away from the gym. The trainer's job is to help you develop realistically achievable goals, and a game plan to get you there, as well as, motivating you to get in there and get it done. Your trainer can't do the work for you, but he/she can, and will, show you the way!
Develop a Routine:
Most new gym members go to the gym, and just hop on the Treadmill, or Elliptical, and start doing "Cardio", because that's what they have been told will burn the most fat. But, then what? The treadmill, elliptical, hamster wheel, etc. eventually becomes boring, and really IS NOT the best way to burn fat, anyway! Trainers will work with you to develop a routine that is effective, and, hopefully fun! (or at least not as monotonous as hours on the hamster wheel!) The idea, is to create a plan that fits into your life, and keeps you interested!
Help Develop Good Nutritional Habits:
There is a TON of out there about what you should, or should not eat. It's really difficult to wade through all of it, and avoid the "fad diets", and quick loss "plans", that lead to YoYo weigh loss and gains, and unhealthy habits. A good trainer, will not only help you wade through all of that, but will work with you to develop a healthy lifestyle change, through proper nutrition. Many trainers, including myself, have gone through the struggles of trying to lose weight, and get fit, and the saying is true,
"You get fit in the gym, and lose weight in the kitchen"
Unconditional Support:
I became a trainer, because I struggled through so many years of difficulty. Many trainers have. Generally, we became trainers, to help others to achieve a healthier and happier life, and not have to struggle. Not only that, but to be successful as a trainer, and achieve a rewarding career in this business, both monetarily, and satisfaction wise, we are INVESTED in your success! A trainer's whole life centers around helping you to achieve your goals!
Proper Technique:
This is VERY important, for many reasons! First, and foremost, is avoiding injury! If you do an exercise incorrectly, you could REALLY hurt yourself! I have personally experienced many injuries, from tweaking a knee, to actually breaking a rib, once, when I didn't follow proper form on a leg press machine! Knowing how to properly use equipment, and properly perform an exercise, reduces the risk of injury, while also maximizing the benefit you gain from each exercise. Your trainer studied, and got hands on experience, to become an expert!
Maximize the Benefits of Your Workout with Personalized Routines:
Not everyone has time to spend 2 or 3 hours a day in the gym. In fact, most people struggle to find 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week. That's why it is so important to maximize the benefits of your training, in the time that you have. If you only have 20 minutes a day, 4 days a week, your trainer will help you develop a program that maximizes your gains, in that amount of time. Also, if you can only make it to the gym once or twice a week, your trainer can teach you how to workout on your own, and then motivate you, and hold you accountable for those workouts, as well. Just because you have a trainer, doesn't mean you have to be in the gym 5 days a week for an hour or more, working with them. Your trainer is there to teach, motivate, and hold accountable, no matter how many times a week you workout with them.
Results:
The number one reason to have a trainer, is to achieve RESULTS! Whether you are just starting out, and trying to lose weight, or you are working toward a specific goal, your trainer can help you achieve the results you are looking for, in less time, and that's really what it's all about!
