So you’ve finally decided to hit the gym. You have all the motivation in the world, all the best intentions, so hang in there and give this workout your all! iPod, look! Gym Membership Please Inquire! Bottle of water, check it out!

A few weeks go by and you feel strong, you may have even lost a few pounds! Fast forward about 2 months later, things seemed to have stopped dead… The weight isn’t coming off that fast, and you suddenly get bored with the same routine you’ve been following for the last 2 (or more) months. What to do, you may ask? Why hire a trainer?

It seems simple, but for some it is a scary decision. In fact, as someone who has been in the industry for over 12 years, I find it surprising that so many athletes are apprehensive about taking the step of including a fitness professional in their daily routine. Many people decide to hire a trainer later instead of doing it right away. However, it’s better to start off on the right foot, when the motivation is strong, than to wait while you figure it out on your own (and possibly lose the momentum of wanting to continue with your routine).

Sometimes users (new ones and those who have been doing it for years) don’t always realize the benefits of working with a trained professional. So, let’s go over those benefits, shall we?

1. Hiring a trainer at the BEGINNING of your exercise routine is the best time! I’ve had conversations with several gym goers who think they can start out on their own and be fine. But what most people don’t realize is that their perception of HOW TO EXERCISE is a bit off. They think that doing cardio for hours will help them lose the most weight, or that killing themselves on a treadmill is the most effective way to magically melt away body fat. Worse yet, many people (especially women) don’t realize the importance of weight training in a weight loss program. Some people neglect this part or don’t train properly to see the most dramatic changes. Working with a personal trainer at the beginning of your fitness program can help clear up any confusion about the most (and least) effective way to train for real results.
2. Hiring a trainer can help you learn how to weight train effectively to get the results you expect! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, EXERCISE IS A SCIENCE. And that’s why there are so many who study this science day after day and year after year, earning degrees and certifications to help the general public figure out how to apply this science to everyday life. When most people weight train, they end up doing the traditional type of exercises that focus primarily on hypertrophy (or building mass). Many gym goers get their information from fitness magazines or from other members, which can be good sources, however, they are NOT the best sources. In order to promote major changes in body composition (building muscle while losing as much body fat as possible), following a program made up of multi-joint or compound exercises should be considered. Anything that gets your body moving as a unit while fighting the forces of gravity is the absolute best. So exercises like the Squat Row or the Lunge to Overhead Press will produce a greater calorie burn AND a major metabolic boost. Combining several exercises, like the ones mentioned, to make a complete circuit is even better. This type of training will keep your heart rate up and calories burning. You will see more significant changes in the shortest amount of time.
3. Hiring a trainer can keep you motivated! It goes without saying that having someone to guide and encourage you while you work out is a great ego booster and energizer. A great trainer is someone who can keep you going even on those days when you feel like you just can’t muster the energy to start your workout. A great trainer knows your body and always has your goals in mind, so you can be sure that when you step foot in the gym, you’ll be on your way to fitness success.
4. Hiring a trainer gives you a sense of responsibility! You’ve made an appointment, you’ve made a commitment to yourself, you’ve brought someone else into the equation… Plus, you’ve PAID for the service. Therefore, you have to show up and give it your all. For many, a set appointment time is the only thing that keeps them hitting the gym or working out. If you have to do it 2 or 3 times a week, on a schedule, the changes will show up!
5. Hiring a trainer can ensure real results! Again, it’s all about knowing exactly what you need to do to see the results you want. Putting this responsibility in the hands of someone who has the answers for how to get you there is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It takes 4-6 weeks to see some real changes in the body, you can do it the right way and see these changes sooner, or your way and risk not seeing them at all.

There are many other reasons why a coach is the best option, short or long term. Even if you only considered one for a month to jumpstart (or restart) your fitness plan, your trainer may be the key that unlocks the path to your dream body. In our next discussion, we’ll take a look at how to choose the right trainer for YOU.