Communication is Key with Your Personal Trainer

If you are serious about getting started in an exercise program after years of inactivity, or if you are in pretty good shape but would like to take your exercise routine to a higher level, consider working with a personal trainer. The benefits of working with a personal trainer are numerous:

• Personalized workouts with feedback along the way
• Education and experience that ensures safe, injury-free workouts
• Help to stay motivated and keep you accountable to your fitness goals
• Encouragement to go farther, push harder than you would by yourself
• One-on-one attention that makes it easier to achieve your goals

Communication is key to working with a personal trainer. The topics that are especially important to discuss with your personal trainer are: fitness goals, exercise and health history, lifestyle and nutrition, and attitude.

Fitness Goals

In order to develop an exercise program just for you, your personal trainer must know what your goals are. Do you want to lose weight and reduce body fat? Do you want to add muscle mass? Are you trying to strengthen an area of the body that has suffered an injury? Are you preparing to compete in some sport?  Do you just want to look better and feel better?

Exercise History and General Health

One of the best benefits of working with a personal trainer is developing a program that will meet your needs safely and without fear of injury. Your personal trainer will need to know about any injuries or medical problems you may be dealing with. He or she will also need to know how much you have exercised in the past and what your level of physical fitness is at the moment.

Lifestyle and Nutrition

How active are you during your normal daily routine? Your personal trainer will want to know if you sit at a desk all day or if your job keeps you on the go for nine hours with little chance to take a break. Do you eat breakfast every day? What is your typical meal like? Your personal trainer will want to know about the foods that you like and dislike because nutrition is an important part of achieving a healthier lifestyle and will be discussed as part of your exercise program.

Attitude

How do you feel about exercise? Do you look forward to your time at the gym every week, or does it take all your will power to force yourself to go? Another benefit of working with a personal trainer is having someone to help boost your motivation. Whether your fitness goals are small or Olympic in proportion, a personal trainer can help you maintain the right attitude toward achieving them.

There will be many benefits to working with a certified personal trainer at a level that is right for you. You will know that your workout has been designed with your safety and fitness goals in mind. You will receive feedback and support as you progress. You will have the one-on-one attention that could take you farther than you would go by yourself. As with any worthwhile endeavor, communication is the key to success. Your personal trainer must start with basic information about your goals, health, and lifestyle. He or she will then be your best source of information about any changes you could make to your daily routine, nutrition, or attitude toward physical activity in order to achieve your goals. Finally, good communication ensures that your personal trainer is also your best cheerleader as you work to achieve the level of physical fitness that you desire.