During 2019, there was a total of over 300,000 personal trainers within the US alone. All of these PTs have been trained and educated in the personal fitness field.
Personal trainers are not just random fitness fanatics who have walked off the street. They have studied and completed exams to become accredited personals trainers.
Due to this training, there is a vast range of benefits which they can offer you. We have gathered some of the top benefits why using a personal trainer can add to your workout regime.
1. Hire a Personal Trainer to Perfect Your Form
Choosing personal training will not only help you succeed but also lower the risks of injury. PTs have gone through special education to learn everything about the human body.
If you are working out on your own, you may not realize you are doing something wrong. When it comes to your form and posture, the slightest mistake could cause some serious harm.
A PT will be able to tweak and adjust your form to ensure you are getting the most out of your workout. They will also help you remain as safe as you can during the workout.
2. Hire Someone Who Can Cover All Aspects
One of the benefits of personal training is that PTs have been trained in all aspects of health and fitness. By working closely with a personal trainer, they will be able to teach you what is actually happening.
The internet may have the most extensive range of information available on all subjects but a PT will know the difference between what information is helpful and what is harmful.
The main problem with searching the internet for advice is that it makes it sound so easy for everyone to follow but due to the fact that everyone is different, this may not be the case.
3. Every Body Is Different
Each of our bodies will be different from those we see around in the gym. The basics may be the same, but a personal trainer will understand the subtle differences.
People will have different abilities from others. This means that you could potentially hurt yourself trying to mimic someone else. Each body will have additional requirements to succeed.
Some of us may have been injured previously, which requires a particular type of training. If you attempt something new with a previous injury, you could end up causing yourself harm.
4. Focus On the Long and Short Term Goals
Another fantastic benefit of having a personal trainer is that they will stick with you. No matter your reason for joining a gym, your PT will help you hit all your goals.
Do you have a short-term goal, such as running a marathon or a long-term goal of hitting a certain weight? If so, personal trainers can help you achieve both.
Once you tell them what your goals are, they will create a personalized workout regime to help you get there. These workouts might include training muscles you may not even know you had.
5. Gain the Challenge You Need to Succeed
When you are running solo through a workout routine, you may find yourself growing bored. This means you may have risen to a level where you don’t see the workout as a challenge anymore.
This is another of the personal trainer benefits. They will progress you through different levels. They will consistently create a challenge to push your body through to success.
It may turn out that your current workout schedule only needs minor changes. Gaining a fresh pair of eyes could be all you need to create that challenge. They will also push you further past your limits than you would on your own.
6. A Personal Trainer Will Keep You Motivated
Most of us will have had days when we wake up for the gym at stupid o’clock in the morning. How many have been guilty of turning the alarm off and going back to bed? I know I have.
This is one of the motivational personal training benefits. If you wake up for an early morning session and decide not to attend, your PT will not be happy with you. They will motivate you to participate in every session you book with them.
Finding the right personal trainer to help motivate you shouldn’t be a difficult task. Once you do find the right PT, you will start to reach new potentials with your workout.
7. A Personal Trainer Can Advise on Nutrition
Another of the best benefits of having a personal trainer is, they don’t simply focus on your workout. To become a qualified personal trainer, they will have completed a course on nutrition.
Together, you will create a nutrition plan so you can work on your fitness outside the gym as well. The food you eat will have a drastic impact on the overall health of your body.
If you stick to the nutrition plan the PT provides you, you will find both your body and even your mind improving. Personal trainers aren’t solely for gaining muscles.
Get Help Getting the Body You Want
Taking the step towards hiring a personal trainer might be the best choice you have ever made. Deciding wether you want a healthier body could only be half the battle.
If you aren’t finding your workouts to be challenging, you may be hindering your progression. Use a PT to help push you towards gaining your perfect body.
If you live in and around the Boston area, why not drop us a message to see how our personal trainers can help you. We can help you mold your body into the one you have always wanted.
Whenever you’re on a weight-loss journey, there typically comes a point that you’re having trouble making noticeable progress. During the most difficult among them, known as the plateau stage, it might feel like you’re not making any progress at all, and won’t again any time soon.
While this can be frustrating, it’s important to know that this stage will come and go when you figure out the cause of it. Losing weight is scientific, so there’s likely a good reason that you stopped seeing progress, and we’ll get to the bottom of the most common issues.
These tips will serve you when you’re going through a weight loss plateau and will help you when you want to get to the other side of it.
Re-Assess Your Goals and if You’re Exerting Yourself Enough
There are several weight loss plateau causes, so make sure first off that you cross the most fixable one — your effort.
The thing about fitness is that the workout that used to be an all-out killer that left you exhausted and dripping with sweat will someday feel like a warmup. Your body is meant to get stronger and better, so you need to be making your workouts increasingly difficult to give you new challenges.
Otherwise, you’ll more or less stay the same, rather than putting on more muscle and burning less fat. If you’re doing the same workouts that you’ve been doing for a while, your heart might be in the right place, but you simply aren’t exerting yourself enough.
Figure Out if You’re Getting Enough Rest
If you’re struggling to figure out how to overcome a weight loss plateau, you also might not be getting enough rest. It’s the rest that allows your changes to set in after you have been working out consistently.
Make sure that you get about 7 or 8 hours per night so that you can restore your energy, build muscle, burn fat, and more. People that aren’t seeing tangible results might be skimping on sleep and getting in the way of their own progress.
Check Out Your Nutrition Intake and Document It
Taking care of your personal nutrition is impeccably important if you’re trying to improve your health and fitness. When you first have a lot of weight to lose, it’ll naturally melt away even if you aren’t eating as clean as you could.
There always comes a point that eating a poor diet will catch up to you and make it difficult for you to get any substantial results. Make sure that you cut out processed foods and fried foods as much as possible. A lot of these foods have filler and additives that will cause you to deal with issues.
Take the time to document every meal that you eat each day so that you aren’t overlooking problem areas that you can cut out. Instead, fill your diet with foods that are nutritious and that help you to get results out of your health and fitness.
Get the Help of a Personal Trainer
When you have a personal trainer, you’ll be more likely to push through plateaus and hit your fitness goals. No matter how overweight you are, it happened because you overlooked the importance of nutrition, had bad information, dealt with emotional trauma, or otherwise found it difficult to put in the work.
Trying to fix all of these issues by yourself can cause you to run into roadblocks. It’s difficult to see your own blind spots, but a personal trainer is a much-needed set of eyes that will help you push through to the finish line. They also give you the accountability to show up each day and work hard, especially since you are paying for their services.
Above all, a trainer has the expertise and experience to get whatever goals you have.
Add More Activity In-Between Your Workouts
Make sure that you think bigger than simply the time that you’re putting into your workouts. You burn calories in your regular life as well and should add an uptick of activity in these areas.
Take the time to walk more in your everyday life. Consider walking for errands that aren’t far from your house, and take the time to walk a half-hour once or twice each day, no matter what you have going on. Park far away from the store so that you burn more calories coming in and out.
When you’re out and about, make sure to use the stairs rather than the elevator. Become more mobile in your daily life and it’ll pay off across the board.
Manage Your Macronutrients
Make certain that you’re also breaking down every food item based on the nutrients that you’re taking in. Keep track of your macronutrients, which are fats, carbohydrates, and protein.
When you use a fitness app, it’ll log your meals and compare them to your goals, so that you know exactly how much of each macronutrient you will need to find success. It’ll also let you know which to cut out or reduce. Many people struggle with weight loss because they ingest too many carbs each day.
Make Changes to Get Through a Weight Loss Plateau
The tips above are useful if you happen to be dealing with a weight loss plateau and need answers. No matter how much weight you need to lose, these factors will serve as pillars to assist you in your journey.
Rely on us for your training and nutrition needs. Take time out to contact us and call us up at either (617) 577-1100 or (617) 945-2708.
Are you looking to hire a personal trainer to help you get in shape? If so, there are several things you should consider before committing. This is so you can get the most from each session and see progress.
Working out and becoming fitter is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Not only can it reduce your likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack, but it’s great for your mental health too.
People who regularly exercise are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Plus, working out can help you build the body you’ve always wanted. So, you will no longer be embarrassed about stripping off at the beach.
Hiring a personal trainer has many advantages. Not only will you be more motivated, but you’ll be put on a specialized plan tailored to your needs.
But, it’s important to take your time when choosing your personal trainer. All trainers are different, and you want to ensure they’re right for you.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and advice on what to look for when hiring a personal trainer.
Read on for more information.
Ask to See Credentials
You can’t just wake up one day and begin working as a personal trainer. Instead, you have to study and pass an exam through an accredited organization such as:
- The American Council on Exercise
- The National Academy of Sports Medicine
- The National Strength and Conditioning Association
Passing an exam set by these organizations shows that they are knowledgeable and have the expertise to practice as a personal trainer.
All personal trainers should be able to show you their credentials without issue. The majority of the time, they’ll show you them before you have the chance to ask.
This is because they’re proud of what they have achieved.
How Experienced Are They?
All personal trainers will have some relevant experience. It’s just that some have far more experience than others.
It’s completely up to you whether you want to go for someone newly qualified or one that has been working for years. At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to both options.
A newly qualified trainer may still be finding their feet and a little nervous. But, on the other hand, they may be full of confidence and wanting to try new ideas.
Plus, you may even get a discount from them.
An experienced personal trainer will know which practices work and how best to guide you. But, they’re often the most expensive option.
Areas of Expertise
A lot of trainers usually specialize in a certain sport. This may be because they competed at a high level, or it’s their passion.
So, if you’re looking to improve at something, in particular, look for a specialist.
For example, you may want to improve your 10k time. In this case, you need to look for a trainer who specializes in running.
These types of trainers are fantastic and usually great value for money. Most of the time, you’ll be able to achieve your goals quickly and even exceed them.
Most personal trainers will advertise what they specialize in upfront. But, if not, you can ask.
Personality
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them over the course of your personal training sessions. So ideally, you want there to be a connection.
You don’t need to become best friends, but you need to ensure you feel comfortable in their company. You also want to make sure they understand what motivates you.
Everyone is different, and the best personal trainers can figure out how to motivate their clients quickly. For example, some people like to be shouted at, whereas others need a gentle approach.
To determine if they’ll be a good match for you, book an introduction session.
This gives you a chance to see how they work and if you want to commit. If you have any hesitation, we suggest searching for someone else.
Their Availability
We all have different schedules which determine when we can train.
Before you hand over money for some sessions, ensure that they’re available at a time that suits you. Most personal trainers are flexible and can work around you.
But, others are only available at certain times due to other commitments.
Cost
A lot of personal trainers either charge an hourly rate or offer package deals. Generally, package deals are more value for money and are better to see progress.
This is because you’re more likely to stick to the training plan because you have paid upfront. Whereas if you pay hourly, it’s easy to skip a week or two.
You should also be aware that a lot of personal trainers offer semi-private training or virtual sessions. These are usually cheaper and perfect to test the waters.
But before you commit to anything, sit down and work out what you can afford to spend. Remember, though, that this is an investment in your health, so it’s worth spending a little extra.
Reputation
This is one of the best ways for how to find the right personal trainer.
You always want a personal trainer with a great reputation. To ensure you get this, ask to see client testimonials and reviews. The best personal trainers won’t hesitate to show you how they’ve helped clients and what they can do for you.
But, if they struggle to show you anything impressive, you may want to look elsewhere.
What to Look For When Choosing a Personal Trainer
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when searching for a personal trainer.
Take note of everything we’ve mentioned, and you’ll end up with someone professional who can help you achieve your goals. In fact, you’ll probably achieve things you never thought possible.
Finally, if you need any information about our personal trainers, feel free to contact us.
If you spend a lot of time at the gym, why not get paid for it? Personal trainers make a good living, after all. Why not cash in on your love of the fitness lifestyle and become a personal trainer?
No matter what your background is, there’s a niche in the fitness world that you can likely fit seamlessly into, from working with athletes to keeping older adults fit, to helping people return to exercise after an injury or illness.
Careers are abundant and the industry continues to grow, so jump on the trend now and make a living while you do it. Here’s how to become a personal trainer.
What Does a Personal Trainer Do?
The basic duty that a personal trainer performs is to create customized exercise plans for clients to help them reach their fitness goals. They are well trained in anatomy and physiology and use that knowledge to design a workout program that fits the needs of the individual.
A personal trainer may work with one person at a time or conduct group sessions to instruct several people in a similar way at one time. They might also coach sports teams, work in rehab facilities, create gym programs, or instruct fitness classes.
Personal trainers do not offer medical advice and cannot diagnose health problems. They cannot create customized meal plans either.
They can collaborate with other health professionals as part of a team to help you be the healthiest you can be.
Sound interesting? Keep reading to see if you’ve got what it takes with these handy tips for becoming a personal trainer.
Personal Trainer Prerequisites
Before you can begin a personal trainer course, you must meet some requirements, including being at least 18 years of age and having a current CPR and AED certification.
Most certifying agencies also require you to have a high school diploma or GED.
How to Become a Personal Trainer
If you meet the requirements and are ready to get started, there’s a path that you must follow to become a certified personal trainer. That path starts with choosing your certification program.
There are several to choose from and you need to be sure that the one you choose is accredited, which lends it credibility. The National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are two of the most popular programs.
While a college degree is not required to pursue a personal trainer certification, many people have a background in exercise science or kinesiology. This often gives them a leg up when studying for the personal trainer exam.
You might decide that having a bachelor’s degree is important to you and it creates a strong stepping stone for your future endeavors in the field.
The Certification Program
Each program varies on how the information is presented, but you can likely expect to have a set of materials that will guide your studies. This usually includes a textbook and study guide.
Often, lectures and webinars are used in conjunction with these materials. As you progress through the program, you’ll learn anatomy and exercise science techniques.
These will teach you to choose the right exercises for clients in a variety of situations. That includes those who want to build muscle, are overweight or obese, and have health conditions like arthritis or diabetes.
You’ll also learn about the skeletal system and will be able to identify the muscles in the body that are used for various movement patterns. This assists you in learning to customize exercise programs for people with full range of motion and those who struggle with everyday activities.
The Personal Trainer Exam
After you complete the certification program you choose, you will take the personal trainer exam. This exam tests your knowledge of the topics taught in the classes and lectures, and you must achieve a passing score to earn your certification.
The test is pass or fail and if you don’t get through the first time, you can retake it. The exam is typically administered at a testing site, though some organizations offer an online version.
If you prefer one or the other, be sure to ask about the testing process before you choose a program so that you can align your needs with the type of exam offered.
Choose Your Niche
While many personal trainers start out working in a gym, you’ll quickly find that you prefer a certain type of clients, such as women or young athletes. Finding your niche allows you to progress your career.
In addition to working at corporate gyms, many personal trainers work in corporate settings or in hospitals, spas, and wellness centers. Others find fulfilling work on cruise ships, directing exercise classes for vacationers.
Specific niches to consider include athletics, weight management, nutrition coaching, and orthopedics. You might also be drawn to personal training in the medical industry or working with young children.
Going into business for yourself might sound appealing. This is entirely possible as a personal trainer. Due to the flexible nature of the job, there are a lot of ways to open your own place.
Whether you want a brick-and-mortar gym of your own or you see clients in their own homes, the advantages of working for yourself are plentiful. That includes a personal trainer salary that rivals those working in other settings.
Continuing Education
Like many careers, you’ll have to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the fitness industry to keep your certification current and valid. You can take continuing education courses through your certifying agency.
You can also take them through other organizations that track your progress and contribute the credits to your certificate. This is an exciting way to stay on top of what’s happening in the industry.
Ready to get started on learning how to become a personal trainer? Let Vim Fitness help you build your career and get people moving.
Even though we might want to, not all of us have the chance to make it to the gym. On top of that, Covid-19 has made it even more difficult for us to get to the gym and get a workout in.
The good news is that virtual fitness classes offer a great opportunity for people looking to work out from home. Whether you’re looking for virtual fitness classes for beginners or want something more advanced, plenty of online instructors can help you get in shape.
If you’re planning to get started with either pre-recorded or live virtual fitness classes, there are a few tips for making sure you get a great workout in. Check out these 5 tips for having the best online workout classes possible.
1. Set Aside a Designated Space for Your Virtual Fitness Classes
With many family members working from home and kids on summer holidays, finding a designated space to get your workout in can be difficult. However, with a little creativity, you can usually find a spot that works.
One place that many people don’t think about is the garage. If you move a car out of the way, your garage offers a large, flat space for completing workouts. You can lay down a yoga mat for any floor workout routines so that you can stay comfortable.
Another great option for people who are strapped for space is the backyard. Not only do you get your workout in, but you also get some vitamin D!
Choosing where to take virtual fitness classes in the home is important for helping you stay focused and making the most of your class. It can also help train your brain to understand that when you’re in that space, you’re getting down to business.
2. Bring a Friend to Your Home Workout Sesh
Staying motivated when you’re the only one doing your workout can be tough. You may find yourself taking more breaks or only putting in half the effort when doing different exercises.
Bringing a friend along is a great way to stay motivated and get fit. This is because group exercise can actually help you to motivate yourself.
When you see your workout buddy successfully completing the exercise, it tends to promote some healthy competition. In turn, you tend to push yourself more to keep pace with your friend.
On top of this, working out with a friend helps you stay confident! You might feel silly completing exercises, but when you have a friend there with you, you’re able to keep your head in the game.
3. Choose Classes You Genuinely Enjoy
While you can take advantage of the benefits of virtual fitness classes with any type of workout, there’s no point in choosing a workout that you don’t actually enjoy. When you don’t like the workout, you’re less likely to give it your all.
The good news is that there are so many different types of adult fitness classes that you can take. A few common classes you can take online include:
- Pilates classes
- Core training programs
- Step classes
- Yoga
- Aerobics
- HIIT workouts
If you have an exercise bike or a treadmill, you can even enroll in virtual spinning or running classes. These classes are much easier if you have the equipment, however, as trying to complete them on the go can make it difficult to follow your instructor.
No matter what type of exercise gets you inspired, choose a class that you’ll enjoy. The more you like it, the more likely you are to stick with it.
4. Create an Inspiring Workout Playlist
While many virtual fitness classes will have music in the background, you don’t need to use their soundtrack! In fact, listening to your own music can help you stay motivated and can make the workout more enjoyable.
If you’re already fairly familiar with the type of exercise you’re doing, you can often simply mute the instructor. Then, you can play your own music out loud so that you can stay motivated and get your workout in.
For those who are just getting started and don’t know all the movements, you can try using two separate speakers. Connecting your phone to a Bluetooth speaker nearby can allow you to play music in the background but still hear the instructor.
As you get more comfortable with the movement in the classes, you’ll be more easily able to turn off the instruction and blast your music. Blast those tunes and don’t be afraid to let the adrenaline kick in!
5. Create Your Own Fitness Schedule
There are a surprising number of health benefits to routines. Those benefits apply to workout routines, too!
One reason why developing a routine is so important is because it helps you to find a time that consistently works for you. For instance, maybe you’re most available when you first wake up in the morning.
As you begin to settle into your routine, the routine will slowly become a habit. Pretty soon, your workout will become as essential a part of the day as your afternoon coffee.
No matter when you choose to work out, be sure to keep it consistent. It’s okay to mix things up from time to time, but sticking to a schedule will help make sure that you keep taking the time to work out.
Get in Gear With Virtual Fitness Classes
With summer right around the corner, getting in shape is more important than ever. By following these five simple tips, you’ll be ready to rock and roll in whatever virtual fitness classes your heart desires.
At Vim Fitness, we offer a number of online fitness classes. Choose a class that you’re interested in and sign up today!
