7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Personal Trainer

Working with a personal trainer can help you avoid beginner mistakes that can set you back years. The one on one nature of personal training can also provide a source of accountability and motivation that you may not have had access to otherwise. Here’s how you can get the most out of them.

Know What You Want

Before you step into your first session with your trainer, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall fitness? Having specific goals will help your trainer create a tailored plan that works for you.

Additionally, having a clear idea of your goals will help you make better decisions by weighing all your options against your objectives. For example, does a late-night bar trip align with losing 6 kilograms for your wedding? Probably not.

Ask the Right Questions

To get the most out of your personal trainer, it’s crucial to ask the right questions and ensure you’re satisfied with the answers. Here are some important ones to consider:

• What is your training philosophy?

• How do you track progress?

• What kind of results can I expect, and in what timeframe?

• What will be expected of me?

• How can I complement my training outside of our sessions?

Set Realistic Goals

Working with your trainer to set realistic goals is essential, as open communication lays the foundation for success. Once your trainer understands your objectives, they can guide you on a realistic and sustainable path to achieving them. Remember, results don't happen overnight. Health and fitness is a long-term journey, and meaningful progress takes time.

Be Present and Engaged

Try to be fully present and engaged during your sessions. The more focused you are, the better your results will be. It's important to remember that hiring a personal trainer may not be a lifelong commitment. Therefore, try to act like a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible. While goals may shift over time, the fundamentals of workout routines often remain similar. By learning from your trainer, you can gain valuable insights that you can apply to your own fitness journey for the rest of your life.

Complement Your Training

What you do outside of your training sessions is just as important as what you do during them. Try to make sure the majority of your nutritional choices align with your goals, prioritize sufficient rest as it's crucial for your body's recovery, and be intentional about staying active on your off days—this could be as simple as hitting a daily step count. While you're not expected to make your whole life about fitness, small lifestyle shifts can go a long way in achieving your goals.

If you're unsure how to complement your training, be sure to ask. More often than not, trainers will be over the moon to hear that you would like to put in the extra work beyond your workouts and will be more than happy to offer guidance on how to best complement them.

Understand Your Role

It's important to understand that you’ll only get out of personal training what you put into it. If you think throwing money at a PT will lead to six-pack abs, you're better off keeping your money. They can’t put the food in your mouth or lift the weights for you. But if you show up with a can-do attitude and are willing to embrace a few lifestyle changes, a trainer can be invaluable.

There will be days when you don’t feel like it, and that’s fine—sometimes, all you have to do is show up. That’s where the motivation and accountability aspect of a personal trainer pays dividends.

Don’t Be Combative

Avoid being combative with your trainer. Don’t try to fight every decision they make. Remember, you’ve paid them for their expertise—let them use it. Trust their knowledge and experience to guide you towards your goals. While constructive feedback is valuable and you are well within your rights to ask questions, being argumentative is counterproductive and can hinder your progress as well as your relationship with your trainer.

Working with a personal trainer offers invaluable support in achieving your fitness goals. Their guidance not only helps you set realistic goals but also creates a source of accountability and motivation. Remember, success in personal training requires active engagement and a willingness to learn. By embracing the journey, remaining open to feedback, and trusting your trainer's expertise, you can maximize your results and cultivate a healthier lifestyle.