Personal Training: Myths vs. Reality

It’s been about two months since I started this Fitness and Wellness blog. Originally, I wanted to share my knowledge about fitness, health and wellness with the community. And so far, I have posted many blogs on what I think people might want to read and learn about.

But, I have to remind myself that these topics may be more exciting to me than the average person sipping their morning cup of coffee and reading my blog. I mean, I doubt many of my readers get as excited as I do when I hit up a health food store, or read an article about stress management in the workplace (yes, I am a wellness nerd). So, I’ve decided that this month I will focus specifically on questions/issues that I hear about from clients, friends and random people I come across in the community. 

Today’s topic - Personal Training

Here’s the deal, anytime I tell someone what I do for a living, I almost always get the same response: “I’ve always wanted a personal trainer, but…” There are countless reasons, thoughts, presumptions that follow the ‘but.’ Some of these reasons are legitimate, while others are not. The more I think about it, the more I want to debunk the myths of personal training and explain what we do as trainers.

Top Five Misconceptions About Personal Training:

• It’s Too Expensive: Many people think that personal training is a ‘luxury.’ They see it as something only celebrities do, or that hiring a trainer will surely break the bank.  I’ll be the first to admit that training isn’t necessarily cheap, but it can be done.
  
  It’s all about the way you think about it. It’s an investment in your HEALTH. Some people drop 60 to 100 bucks on dinner and drinks at a restaurant, or spend 50 dollars a week on a mani/pedi without a second thought. Now, think about if you budgeted and put that money toward your health. My point is that it’s all about prioritizing your health. Sure your nails might look pretty, or that calorie-packed dinner may be tasty, but will they help you live longer?

        I am aware that the economy isn’t great and some people who do want to           prioritize their health still can’t afford one-on-one training. No sweat! Many         trainers offer buddy, or small group training. This allows you to still get the           individualized attention of a trainer at a lower cost.

• I’m Scared: For some reason many people equate personal trainers with drill sergeants. Maybe it’s from what they see on TV. They’re scared of being yelled at by some big muscley guy with veins sticking out of his neck, or worse, someone with little sympathy for the blood, sweat and tears you put into your workouts. I can honestly say that I really don’t know ANY  trainers who are like that.
  
  I’m sure they exist, and frankly, some people do like that style of training, but the majority of trainers want to make you feel comfortable. A good trainer will be in-tune with your individual needs and wants you to enjoy your experience and be successful!

• My husband/wife won’t agree to it: You would be surprised at how often I hear this. Many spouses are not very supportive of their other-half working out with a trainer. There are many reasons for this that range from financial misconceptions to jealousy issues. Here’s the thing, a good trainer is a professional. We are here to help you get fit and healthy so that you can have a long happy and healthy life. If your spouse is hesitant about training, there are a number of solutions that may make them feel more comfortable, including letting them meet your potential trainer, training together as a couple, or educating them about the benefits of training.

• I don’t have the time: I have very little patience for this excuse. Mainly because working out with a trainer is an extremely efficient way to get in a workout. Whether it’s a half-hour, or an hour, a personal trainer can make sure you get in a safe, effective and efficient workout. We save you the time of figuring out what to do, not to mention that it’s an actual appointment on your schedule, which can often help you prioritize your time.

• I don’t know how it works: Most people realize that personal training is one-on-one exercise with a ‘coach’ type person, but they don’t really know what it entails. Fair enough. Here’s how it works. Most people meet with their trainers two or three times a week (depending on your goals). A trainer will design a program specific to your needs. Whether it’s flexibility, strength-training or weight loss, a trainer will take into account your goals, any health issues you may have, and your likes/dislikes when it comes to exercise, etc. Every trainer has their own style, but their number one priority is to make sure you are getting a safe, effective and individualized workout, not some cookie-cutter workout from a magazine.

There you have it. I’m sure there are many other reasons and misconceptions that I have not listed, but these are the five I hear about most often. If you are looking to hire a personal trainer, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Only hire a certified personal trainer.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the trainer you choose.
• Check that their style of training matches your needs.
  
  

I hope this post was informative. Feel free to email me with any other fitness and wellness topics/queries you may have.