A personal trainer can be well worth the money if you have a goal in mind and need guidance and/or accountability on how to get there. While not everyone needs a trainer, there is a time and place for why you should hire one.

Accountability

Having a trainer to report to can massively improve your chance at success. I know if I want to get something done (especially if I’m not super thrilled about it or it seems daunting), having someone to report to ensures that I get there. When you are on your own, it’s easy to cheat on your diet, or slack off because no one will know, right? A great trainer will provide that hands-on support, and consistent motivation.

Personalization

If you hire the right trainer, they can personalize your program to your specific needs. This is perfect for anyone unsure on how to go about dieting in the first place. They can tailor both the workout and nutrition recommendations to best fit your situation. They will take into consideration variables such as fitness level, previous injuries, current level of health, and preferences overall. They can also suggest a program to follow that you’d actually enjoy, and be able to sustain for a long time versus just finding one off the internet that you don’t enjoy.

Trainers can make sure you know how to push, but not push too hard. They will assess your capabilities and safely push you in a way that optimizes your growth. This is a huge plus for anyone intimidated by the gym.

Injury Awareness

For some reason people don’t take into account their own personal history. Not everyone that steps foot inside a gym who wants to lose weight should be doing the same program. We all have a different history of injuries and how to address them. There is also the matter of making sure even if you don’t have injuries, that you are executing the current workout program with proper form. This will prevent future imbalances which could lead to injuries that will need to be addressed later on. You’d be surprised how many people have to take a break from training due to bad form, and pushing heavy weight improperly. Allow the trainer to make sure you are progressively working towards heavier weight in a safe manner.

New Behaviors

The hardest part about a weight loss journey isn’t losing the weight. It’s keeping it off. To have a sustainable fat loss journey, you need the ability to choose long-term behavior changes that allow you to keep making the right choices well beyond your time with the trainer. A great trainer will help you build better relationships with food, exercise, and overall lifestyle.

The biggest step is finding the right trainer for you. Not all trainers are the same and a bad trainer can be a waste of time and money. Some ways to decide if a trainer is good are to look at other clients they’ve worked with who have had similar goals to you, what certifications have they obtained, and what do previous clients say about their coaching style? They should be giving you a proper assessment, and giving you the space to ask any questions you feel you need answered to best make an informed decision.