Do we need a Personal Trainer?
In the last 20 years, personal training as a profession has gained a lot of popularity. Most personal trainers train one on one and some personal trainers train in small groups. With the internet being the prime mode of communication and with the COVID-19 pandemic, personal training has moved online. When the world is fighting lifestyle-related diseases and when people are ready to invest more in hiring a personal trainer, one question needs to be answered – Do we need a personal trainer? Let us probe.
Personal Training as a Profession:
Many personal trainers start their careers by enrolling in a course with a reputed and accredited institute. Here they are formally trained in theory and practical. Topics range from anatomy, biomechanics, health screening & evaluation, energy systems and fat loss to nutrition, first aid, training special population etc. Once they pass theory, oral and practical exams, they become a certified trainer and can practice personal training. Although not mandatory, certification does help in getting clients. As with any other profession, the money one can earn from personal training is directly proportional to the value one brings to the table. Traditionally, personal training was treated like an odd job but now, it is looked at as a respectable and lucrative career option.
The Pros of hiring a Personal Trainer:
#1 A Trusted Partner to rely on:
A personal trainer is also a guide, a coach and a teacher. When we rely on our trainers, it takes away the hassle to do extensive research, assess progress, plan the training schedule etc. We get more time to focus on the training itself.
#2 First Aid:
Personal trainers are trained to design a training program after assessing the client's medical history. First aid is a part of the training curriculum. Despite the best of safety and security, accidents can happen. In case accidents happen, one always has a personal trainer around to handle the situation.
#3 Motivation:
Despite best efforts, there are times when the motivation to train is low. A personal trainer can help better mood and increase motivation.
#4 Lifestyle Coaching:
Most personal trainers also double up as a lifestyle coach. It means they not only train us but also give a personalised nutrition plan, assess our daily routine, evaluate our lifestyle and suggest changes. Since they already know our medical history, fitness goals and lifestyle they can suggest ways and means for bettering our lifestyle and routine. The advice could range from sleeping habits, intermittent fasting, immunity, antioxidants, supplementation etc.
#5 Continuity, Consistency and Confidence:
With a paid personal trainer around, we may not want to miss a session we paid for. It indirectly ensures continuity and consistency with our training. Also, we are a lot more confident in deciding something we do not understand when an expert is around. Thus, training with a personal trainer instils confidence in our training and achieving goals.
#6 Individual Attention:
Individual attention is perhaps the most important aspect of hiring a personal trainer. With individual attention it becomes easier for the personal trainer to give cues, correct form & technique, analyse, implement and teach.
Whether we need a personal trainer or not depends on who we are, our fitness goals and how much we are ready to invest.
The Cons of hiring a Personal Trainer:
#1 Additional Expense:
Just like good doctors, tax consultants, financial analysts are expensive, so are good personal trainers. Just like others, personal trainers charge according to the value they get to the table. Although this is an investment, most clients see it as an added optional expense.
#2 Total Dependency on the Personal Trainer:
Too much dependency on anything including a personal trainer is dangerous. If the personal trainer is not able to take a session, we may altogether skip the session. We may not want to do our research and choose to completely rely on the personal trainer for inputs and answers.
#3 It can be a Disaster:
A bad personal trainer can be disastrous. Personal trainers should be knowledgeable, be able to assess and understand client goals, advice, teach, correct and motivate. Most importantly, personal trainers must be keen to update themselves, open to unlearn and relearn.
Verdict:
Just like we would need a financial consultant to solve our financial doubts or a tax consultant to address our tax queries, we would require a fitness consultant/ personal trainer to train correctly. Remember that we have good trainers and bad trainers. The point is to choose a personal trainer who practices and preaches science, motivates us to do our best and is progress-oriented.
Here’s a blog that will help us choose the right personal trainer: What makes a good personal trainer?
Key Takeaways:
There can be good personal trainers and there can be bad personal trainers.
Good personal trainers are expensive and bring a lot of value to the table.
Before selecting a personal trainer, we need to do some homework. Do check this blog to help select the right personal trainer: What makes a good personal trainer?
Certification may not be mandatory but adds a lot of value by instilling trust in the minds of clients.
There are pros and cons of hiring a personal trainer. Whether we need a personal trainer or not depends on who we are, our fitness goals and how much we are ready to spend.
Hope the article helped us understand if we require a personal trainer.