How to Get the Most Out of Your Personal Trainer

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER

If you are fortunate to be able to afford a personal trainer, are you getting the most fitness for your buck? Most people cannot continue to shell out money for personal trainers, but matching up with a good trainer can energize your workout. Even if your investment is only for a few months, check out the six tips below to find out how to make sure you are getting the most out of your personal trainer.
1. Set your goals. From the moment you sit down with your trainer, be honest about your goals. If you don’t have a set goal in mind, it will be easier to stop at any moment. However, if you actually write down your goals, then someone else will hold you accountable and will know the exact measures you need to take to reach each goal one lunge at a time.
2. Be truthful. If you are lying to the person you are paying to get you in shape, you are definitely cheating yourself. Be completely honest about your nutritional and exercise habits. Get in the routine of keeping a daily food and exercise journal and make sure to tell your trainer to ask for it weekly so you can each discuss your food choices.
3. Set a schedule – and stick to it. When you are finishing up a session with your trainer, don’t leave the session without confirming a time and date for the next meeting. If you leave thinking you will check your schedule and get back to him, there is a big chance you won’t. Confirming a date leaves less room for cancellation.
4. Pay in advance. You are more likely to show up to your sessions if you have already paid in advance. Who really wants to lose all of that money? Also, check to see if your trainer offers a discounted price for pre-paid sessions.
5. Ask for help. Ask your trainer if he or she could send you a friendly reminder text message or email on the weekend to work out on your own or to choose healthier foods. In addition to weekend reminders, ask for a few ‘extracurricular’ workouts to complete on your own time, especially if you travel frequently for work. It never hurts to ask.
6. Buddy-up. I know several trainers who commit to challenges and competitions with their clients in order to get them to lead a healthy lifestyle outside of their sessions. Ask your trainer if he or she would be willing to participate in a running event or undertake a 30-day-no-processed-food-challenge with you. Pairing up with someone who has the same goal in mind as you makes the journey easier and more exciting with that type of support behind you.