Why a Personal Trainer is the Secret Weapon I Didn’t Know I Needed.
One of the first things I said when I signed up for the gym was, “I am not interested in getting a Personal Trainer.” My intention was to go to classes and use the cardio machines – and that is exactly what I did. I went to as many classes as I could possibly fit in each week, often going to multiple per day. That was almost a year ago, and now I would always say “the best thing I did was get a PT.” Bit of a turn-around hey?
You’re probably wondering what made me change my mind, why did I suddenly see the benefit of investing in a PT? But that’s the key word – investment. I was training for a marathon, which is the most physical challenge I’ve ever taken on, and I knew in order to be able to run that distance well I needed to be stronger. The classes I went to were a great spring board for incorporating strength into my routine – they brought a mix to my training, and a lot of fun! But what they didn’t do was bring clear direction for specific goals. In a group setting the instructor doesn’t have the capacity to concentrate on only you, so perfecting form has its limitations.
I realised there were so many pieces of equipment in the gym that I had no idea how to use, or if I did, I didn’t know how to structure using them into an effective routine. Turning up at a gym without direction of what you need to do is like sitting an exam without studying – lots of effort, but little payoff in the end.
So I decided that it was time to make a bigger investment in my training, and after an initial consultation to discuss my goals I signed up with my PT, Jamiel. I am so glad I did because it completely changed the training game for me.
Here’s my top 5 benefits for investing in a Personal Trainer:
You get your moneys worth out of your gym membership. You learn how to use the equipment and machines effectively and safely, and as a result you have so many more options for ways you can train. You’re also getting more for your money – if you pay £30 a month for a gym but you’re only doing classes, you’re actually only getting £15 worth of what’s on offer to you. I appreciate it can be a financial luxury to afford a PT, but it doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment, even an 8 week program could help you get set up with a solid foundation to work from.
You build up the courage to train in the “scary bit.” Everyone whose been to a gym knows the part I’m talking about – where the grunting and groaning happens, and every single person looks locked in like they know exactly what they are doing (even if they don’t!) Your PT is going to work you around every area of the gym and get you confident enough in what you’re doing that you can show up in the spaces you previously tried to avoid.
You have a plan tailored to your goals. Your PT is actively invested in your progress and seeing you succeed. One of the reasons I wanted to work with Jamiel is because he had run a half marathon himself and so I knew he would understand what I needed from my training. I remember on the day of my marathon Jamiel sent me a voice note reminding me of all the hard work I had done to get to where I was, it was a big encouragement in reminding myself that I was physically prepared for what I was about to put my body through.
They give you a reality check. The gym is a place full of comparison and wanting to “look a certain way.” A good PT understands that some things are genetic, and will create a plan based on what is realistic to achieve. They will also be honest about how far exercise can take you, and what nutritional changes you need to make if you want to see the desired results. I remember Jamiel being honest with me about certain things which were just the way my body is made, and assuring me that was ok. It gave me more confidence to be happy in myself about the things I couldn’t fully change.
They make the gym a more fun place to be. Training with someone is actually just really fun. You have interesting chats about the most random things, you discuss football, religion, dating and everything in between, all whilst trying to squat 50kg! Plus, your PT is going to be friends with members in the gym, and as they say hi to people, others say hi to you too and you start to get used to seeing ‘the regulars’ and exchanging “hello’s” and “how are you’s”. It all adds to making the gym a more lovely experience.
It’s coming up to almost a year of being a member at my gym now – the longest I’ve ever been consistent with my fitness in any given period of my life. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am in this journey if I hadn’t invested in working with a PT, so maybe this is the encouragement you need to give it a go too!