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Are
You Personally Trained
Lee
Ashford
Unhealthy eating habits and
lack of exercise throughout the previous twelve months has prompted large
numbers to dust-off the old trainers and hit the health club. In a frantic
effort to reclaim our long lost bodies from yesteryear, numerous
individuals pump iron and pound away on the treadmill every other day for
a couple of months until enthusiasm falters. Misguidance and “poor
form” usually leads to injury and/or poor results. Motivation barriers
proceed until all thoughts of a healthier lifestyle come to a sticky end.
A few dedicated and disciplined individuals go on to achieve
fantastic results, but for the remaining majority, things gradually turn
pear-shaped. How many times have you said the words “I just can’t
motivate myself to get to the gym”? Lack of, or indeed, no motivation is
possibly the biggest barrier to overcome. So, how does one find the
inspiration to even just turn up for a training session, let alone push
out that extra rep or run for five more minutes? For the couch potatoes
who find packing their gym kit and driving their brand new air-conditioned
car a few hundred yards down the road to the gym or sports club is just
too much hard work, there is hope on the horizon in the shape of a
personal trainer.
Trainers who specialise in home visits ensure that you don’t even
need to step outside your front door to enjoy the benefits exercise has to
offer. A good trainer will come prepared with all the essential equipment
you require. All you need to provide is yourself and your gym kit. The
thought of walking into a leisure club during peak times can be very
intimidating if you feel conscious about your body. Having your trainer
turn up at your house neutralises travel times and quashes any feelings of
anxiety. Neighbours may even feel envious to see you working out with your
trainer, especially as they have previously been perceived as a luxury
only afforded by the rich and famous.
For those willing to venture outside the house, why not pay a visit
to a personal training studio? Equipped with experienced trainers,
non-intimidating environment, latest technology and completely private
surroundings, a studio is ideal for those who want to avoid a busy leisure
club.
Accident prone participants need not worry. Some trainers offer
sports massage therapy as another string to their bow. An injury or
ailment need not spell the end to proceedings. In addition to being
utilised as a specific treatment to soft tissue injuries, massage is also
beneficial in reducing muscle soreness (especially post-exercise) as well
as helping to ease tension and aid relaxation.
A health and fitness assessment is first and foremost for your
initial session. These vary from trainer to trainer, but most will include
a blood pressure, weight and body fat check.
Fitness tests can include
various strength, flexibility and cardiovascular tests. All these checks
may feel rather clinical but are essential. The trainer needs to establish
a bench mark with which to tailor your programme to suit your needs and
ability. A trainer really earns their corn when dealing with special
populations, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, arthritis and pre or
post natal. Everyone, regardless of age, gender and ability can be catered
for.
Some gyms offer personal training to members. You may think it a
“cheek” to charge for personal training on top of your monthly
membership. Why splash out your hard-earned cash twice before being given
the chance to exercise? Gyms usually offer a gym programme to help you on
your way. The gym instructor will go through your programme with you
during your first session. Once left to their own devices, a majority of
gym goers will, unknowingly, adapt their own technique to their exercises.
By performing any given exercise incorrectly, you minimize the
effectiveness of the exercise. Hiring a personal trainer eliminates
problematic situations, as they would be on hand to correct and encourage
you all the way. This in turn provides you with quicker results.
Lifting weights incorrectly can increase your risk of injury.
“Cheating” movements, such as swinging backwards during a bicep curl,
not only reduce the effectiveness of the exercise but also put unnecessary
strain on other parts of the body. A personal trainer will demonstrate and
teach you the exercise, ensuring you keep correct “form” throughout
the programme. Their reputation is at stake if you injure yourself, so
your safety is paramount.
It’s easy to get involved
in conversation with the person on the treadmill next to you. Time is
valuable, so wasting it chatting or standing around defeats the reason why
you are there in the first place. Working out at a comfortable pace
that’s probably too comfortable will not help to reap the benefits
required. A trainer will keep you motivated, interested and on your toes.
On the other hand, going like a bat out of hell and doing far too much for
your body to safely perform can be extremely dangerous. A good trainer
will always enable you to work within your capabilities whilst getting the
maximum benefit. Designed to meet individual needs of the client, each
fitness programme is progressive, regularly updated and enjoyable (even
for the most reluctant participant).
A personal trainer really is a jack of all trades. Each will have
their own area of expertise, and will have knowledge in some, if not all
of the following areas; nutrition advice, sports injuries, postural
correction, fitness testing, aerobics, sports specific training, martial
arts, boxing, yoga and pilates.
Financial restrictions may inhibit regular sessions with a trainer,
with prices ranging from £20 per hour up to an astonishing £100+ per
hour (depending on your location). Most will offer discounts for block
bookings, group sessions and regular promotions. Depending on your
motivation levels, your trainer can introduce homework between booked
sessions. This can comprise of anything from filling in a personal food
diary to counting your steps taken daily.
When the going gets tough, a personal trainer is on hand to help you
reach the finish line.
Someone to listen, observe,
give advice and offer support seven days a week, a personal trainer is
essential to your long term well being. Let’s face it; you can’t put a
price on your health!
Here are some important tips
when selecting a personal trainer.
1) Cheapest isn’t always best. Although you don’t want to pay
over the odds, a Skoda will not perform as well as a Ferrari!
2)
2) Look for recommendations.
A good reputation travels almost as fast as a bad reputation. If a friend
refers their trainer to you, the chances are they are satisfied with the
service provided.
3)
3) Look before you buy. The majority of trainers will offer a free
consultation. Speak to two or three before you decide which one suits your
needs.
4)
4) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask for proof of up-to-date
qualifications and insurance. A genuine personal trainer should also be
police checked.
5)
5) Do judge a book by its cover. Look for a smart, well presented,
professional looking individual. The quality of their work may well
reflect on their appearance. Punctuality, reliability, tidy appearance and
a friendly persona are all qualities of a successful personal trainer.
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