If you’ve just joined a gym, chances are you’re going to be approached by a personal trainer sooner or later. Should you hire one? There are some advantages to hiring a personal trainer – and some disadvantages as well. Read on to find out whether hiring a personal trainer is right for you and your goals.
Pros:
Motivation
Thousands of people buy gym memberships, exercise for a week or two and then give up on their fitness program because they lose motivation. Hiring a personal trainer solves your motivation problem. A personal trainer keeps you accountable – they’ll be pushing you to work out and stick with your program through thick and thin. Because you’re spending money on a personal trainer, you have even more incentive to hit the gym; you’re spending money not only on a gym membership but also a personal trainer, so you’re more likely to exercise and get your money’s worth.
Tailored Routines
Personal trainers can often modify a fitness plan or routine depending on an individual’s requirements. Injuries, disability or illnesses are no challenge for a good personal trainer; they are trained to customize the level of fitness to suit any physical ability. Personal trainers can create routines that will permit safe and healthy workouts without aggravating any medical issues. In time, you may even realize that your custom workout is actually improving your condition. Personal trainers will also help you avoid making mistakes that can delay your results, such as the mistakes found here in “5 Big Fitness Blunders.”
Cons:
Cost
Hiring a personal trainer can be very expensive – no ifs, ands or buts about it. If your budget is tight, a personal trainer can strain your bank account even further. Of course, not all personal trainers charge the same prices for their services. Depending on the trainer’s background and certifications, costs can vary significantly. Ask around the gym and see whether there are options that fit your financial situation. If you can’t find a personal trainer to fit your financial situation, don’t fret. There are plenty of free online resources to help you out – including MenScience Magazine! To create your own structured fitness plan, check out MenScience Boot Camp.
Regulations
Although many personal trainers have to be certified to work in a gym, there are many different types of programs to decide from and not every personal trainer seek out ongoing education. A personal trainer should have at minimum a basic certification as well as additional qualifications dealing with nutrition, techniques and group training. The kind of certification and qualifications are based on the type of needs you desire. One personal trainer may specialize in an area that you have no interest in. Again, research is key. Finding a personal trainer in tune with your needs and goals is the key to a successful fitness plan.
