To personal train or not to personal train? That is the question.
Recently, the world has shifted towards a more health-conscious attitude and mindset, with many individuals prioritising their fitness and overall well being. (Although, is it just a trend or actually a long-term change, that remains to be seen). Whether you are new to the fitness world, or have been at it for some time, the question of getting a personal trainer always arises sooner or later. Since the internet is full of resources such as workout plans, exercise guides, diet plans, nutrition information, basically anything that you can think of or ever need; the decision to get a personal trainer is a tough one to make. Especially for a beginner! And that is probably why you are here, aren’t you?
So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of investing in personal training so that you can get some much-needed clarity.
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Personal Trainer Pros and Cons
Personal Trainer Pros
1. Customized Workouts for You
Starting off from the pros, the first and foremost is obviously the 100% tailored and customised fitness guidance for you. Depending on your personal goals, your limitations and (if any) health issues, your strengths, and your needs, a personal trainer can create a complete workout solution for you. Even if you are unsure of what you want or need out of your workout journey, trainers excel in assessing their client’s individual needs and crafting a comprehensive plan accordingly that maximises both effectiveness and efficiency.
2. Stay on Track with Support
Moreover, personal trainers can help you stay on track throughout your journey. They serve as dedicated coaches, holding you accountable, and regularly tracking your progress after each session. This not only ensures that you remain consistent and motivated, but also allows for updating and adapting your workout routine as you go along by assessing what is effective and what is not, and what needs to be worked on. This is important to more seasoned exercisers.
3. Move Right to Get Results
An extension to this is also the fact that personal trainers offer invaluable expertise in terms of the proper techniques and form required for any exercise. They can assess your form and instruct you in real-time to ensure that your movements are safe, stable and effective. Meaning, not only do you get to reap the maximum benefits from your workout, but also, you do it safely, with minimised risk of injuries or harm. Personalised regime and in-person live feedback on your form is especially important for beginners who have no idea what to do or how to start.
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4. Variety and Progression
Personal trainers introduce variety to your workouts, ensuring they remain engaging and effective. They also focus on progression, adjusting intensity and techniques to keep pushing you towards your fitness goals. This commitment to diverse training and continual advancement ensures optimal results and long-term motivation.
5. Goal Achievement
What all of these individual factors collectively mean; however, is that you ultimately achieve your fitness goals in a timely manner, if not faster. Having a realistic goal set with a tailor-made plan to achieve it is crucial to success, especially when you are consistently being assessed and coached on track.
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Personal Trainer Cons
But every coin has two sides, and obviously hiring a personal trainer has its own cons.
1. Scheduling conflicts
One drawback of working with a personal trainer is the potential for scheduling conflicts. Coordinating sessions can be challenging, especially if both you and the trainer have busy schedules. Missed appointments due to conflicting commitments can disrupt your training consistency and slow down progress. Additionally, rescheduling sessions might not always be feasible, leading to frustration and setbacks in your fitness journey. However, there is the option of online personal trainers, but it can not compare to face-to-face sessions.
2. Trainer personality mismatch
Another concern is the possibility of a personality mismatch between you and your trainer. Personal training involves close interaction and communication, so if you don’t vibe well with your trainer’s personality or coaching style, it can hinder your experience. Feeling uncomfortable or misunderstood during sessions can affect your motivation and willingness to engage fully in workouts, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of the training program. Similar to finding a therapist, you need to go through a few to find one your personality and goals can match with, and one who would understand and prioritise your needs, both long-and short-term, instead of forcing their own ideologies on you.
3. Limited knowledge (Depends on the Trainer)
The level of expertise and knowledge can vary among personal trainers. While some may possess extensive qualifications and experience, others might have limited knowledge and understanding of exercise science, physiology, or nutrition. Consequently, you may not receive the most informed guidance or tailored solutions for your fitness needs. This knowledge gap can lead to suboptimal workouts, improper form, or ineffective strategies, hindering your progress and potentially increasing the risk of injury.
4. Lack of independence (during training sessions)
Working with a personal trainer often means relying heavily on their guidance and instruction during training sessions. While this can be beneficial for beginners or those needing extra motivation, it can also be restrictive, especially for advanced exercisers. This lack of independence during training sessions means that you may not get to explore or experiment with workouts and exercises the way you want.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to pursue personal training for fitness goals is a multifaceted one, as highlighted by the pros and cons discussed above. While personalized guidance offers tailored fitness plans, expert instruction, accountability, and accelerated goal achievement, it comes with the drawbacks of finding the right trainer, scheduling constraints, and limited knowledge and independence. Ultimately, achieving success in fitness endeavours necessitates striking a balance between leveraging personalized guidance and cultivating self-discipline and motivation. It’s crucial for individuals to carefully weigh these factors and determine what approach aligns best with their needs, preferences, and long-term fitness aspirations.
FAQs
Consider a personal trainer if you seek tailored guidance, accountability, and motivation, especially if you’re new to fitness or have specific goals. But opting for a personal trainer depends on your budget, commitment level, and preference for structured support in achieving your fitness objectives.
Yes, building muscle is possible without a personal trainer through self-guided workouts, proper nutrition, and consistency. However, a trainer can offer valuable expertise in exercise programming, form correction, and progression to optimize muscle growth and prevent injury.
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to work out without a trainer, especially if you’re experienced, self-motivated, and knowledgeable about exercise techniques. Many individuals successfully achieve their fitness goals through self-guided workouts, online resources, and community support, but consider a trainer for added guidance or accountability if needed.
