Whether your fitness goal is to lose weight or train for an athletic event, personal trainers at your gym can help customize a workout program for your fitness level and goals. While pricey, personal training offers additional benefits that hitting the gym by yourself does not.
Benefits
While anyone can walk into a gym and exercise, a personal trainer can help you make sense of the countless weight and cardio machines while customizing a workout fit for your unique goals. A trainer will show you how to properly use equipment to prevent injury and maximize your gains and can check for proper technique throughout your workout. In addition to the physical benefits of personal training, you'll have a regular source of external motivation. When you exercise alone, you may not push yourself as hard as when someone else is encouraging and challenging you.
Average Cost
Personal training sessions can cost anywhere from $25 an hour to more than $100 an hour, depending on location and experience. Many gyms offer discounts on personal training if you sign up for several sessions at once or for small group training sessions. Online personal training programs cost a fraction of what a personal trainer charges and offer customizable nutrition and workout plans without the benefit of supervision and motivation.
What to Expect
During your first personal training session, your trainer should ask you about your fitness goals, exercise experience, trouble areas and activities you enjoy. She may take initial measurements of your scale weight, body fat percentage, strength and flexibility. After your trainer has a good idea of your current fitness level, she can begin to develop an exercise plan for you. Throughout your sessions, your trainer should demonstrate exercise technique, correct mistakes, challenge you and motivate you to keep working.
What to Look For
Personal training can be expensive, so it is important to choose carefully. Many gyms will offer a free session of training when you sign up for a membership. During this session, pay attention to how much time your trainer spends asking you questions. If he jumps right in to a program without taking the time to find out about your goals, his program is probably the same for every client and not customized to you. Choose a trainer who makes you feel comfortable, as you're more likely to show up for sessions if you feel at ease with your trainer.
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