7 Reasons to Work With a Personal Trainer

If you're setting out on a journey to become stronger and more fit, congratulations! You've already taken the first step toward reaching your personal health and wellness goals. Now you just need to plan and execute the workouts. If that sounds intimidating, don't worry — a personal trainer can take the guesswork out of your gym time and create an exercise plan that helps you see results and reach your goals. 

Learn more about how a fitness professional can complement your health journey with the following reasons to work with a personal trainer. 

7 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are a wealth of information when it comes to exercising. Discover how they can give you precisely what you need to reach your health goals below.

1. They'll Give You Individualized Attention

Our bodies are all unique, so it makes sense that one standard exercise regimen won't suit everyone. That's why personal trainers work one-on-one or two-on-one with their clients to offer a customized fitness experience. 

The first and most important thing you'll do when you hire a personal trainer is meet with them for an initial consultation. The trainer will use this time to get to know you and assess your current fitness level. They'll ask about your lifestyle, health goals, and preferences. The information you provide will help your trainer create a fitness plan tailored to your body and goals.

Your trainer will be by your side throughout your workouts to provide attentive support as you progress through your plan. They'll be able to evaluate what's working and what isn't so they can adjust the plan as needed.

2. They'll Teach You How to Use Equipment

The fitness world can be overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out or returning from an exercise hiatus. You may not know which machines and equipment in the gym to use, much less how to use them. 

A personal trainer will help you learn how the machines work, their purpose, and which ones you should focus on. They'll take you on a gym tour and introduce you to the equipment, demonstrating how to use it properly. Soon enough, you'll feel confident and ready to tackle whatever workout your trainer throws at you. 

3. They'll Offer Educated Advice

Your personal trainer will use their health and fitness knowledge to plan effective workouts that help you reach your goals. Certified personal trainers receive their credentials from respected organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine or the American Council on Exercise. These courses give personal trainers a chance to learn about many facets of health and fitness, such as: 

• Human physiology
• Body mechanics
• Behavior change
• Exercise science

Many personal trainers are also certified to perform CPR and use an automated defibrillator in case of an emergency. Consider yourself in competent, safe hands! 

4. They'll Keep Your Workouts Fresh

If you're a creature of habit, it can be easy to get stuck in an exercise rut and do the same workouts day after day. But always sticking with the same routine can become dull and demotivating. Exercising should feel like a fun challenge, not a monotonous chore. 

Personal trainers have their finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest ways to get stronger and stay active. They'll keep your routine fresh and varied so that you look forward to your gym time. 

As you become stronger and fitter, they'll incorporate new exercises and movements that build on what you've learned to keep your body and brain stimulated. You may even fall in love with an activity or piece of equipment that you wouldn't have tried without the guidance of a personal trainer. 

5. They'll Hold You Accountable

Becoming healthier and stronger involves consistently challenging your body and pushing yourself to achieve new goals. There may be days when that feels harder than others, and you may consider giving up on your fitness journey if no one holds you accountable. That's where a personal trainer's encouragement and motivating guidance come in! 

You're much more likely to go to the gym when you know someone is expecting you, especially someone who's put in time and effort to create a workout plan just for you. And when the going gets tough, your personal trainer will be by your side. They can offer support and remind you why you embarked on a fitness journey in the first place — to become the best version of yourself. 

6. They'll Provide Companionship

Whether you like exercising with a friend or just having someone to talk to while you log miles and complete reps, you'll love the companionship a personal trainer provides. As you get to know one another, you may get comfortable chatting about all kinds of things between exercise demonstrations and words of encouragement. Working with a good personal trainer can feel like hitting the gym with a knowledgeable, inspiring friend. 

7. They'll Offer Nutrition Guidance

While personal trainers typically aren't dietitians or nutritionists and can't prescribe meal plans, they are allowed to give you general nutrition advice. Diet is a significant part of health and fitness and can make or break your gym efforts, so many people find it helpful to receive dietary guidance. 

Whatever your goal, eating a healthy diet will complement your fitness routine and help you see the results you want. If you want to learn more about nutrition, your personal trainer can help get you started. At the YMCA, members who want nutritional counseling can connect with registered dietitians through our partnership with Wellness Coaches.

Find a Personal Trainer at the YMCA of Greater Philadelphia

Personal trainers can equip you with the tools and support you need to thrive in a healthy body. They'll formulate a customized workout plan and motivate you to reach your goals with expert guidance. 

If you're looking for a personal trainer in the greater Philadelphia area, the YMCA is ready to welcome you with open arms. Our staff is highly trained and certified to provide you with the health and fitness services you need to get stronger and stay active.

When you use the personal training services at a Greater Philadelphia YMCA, you'll receive much more than expert coaching and fitness advice. You'll join a family- and mission-oriented gym where you'll feel a sense of connection and belonging. We believe this is the best way to help you become your best self and we can't wait to welcome you. 

Schedule a tour of a Greater Philadelphia YMCA location today or fill out our online form to have us match you with one of our certified trainers!