Do you need a personal trainer?

Well ladies and gents, its the new year and you know everyone is trying to get their work out on!! lol. One of my friends, a self-proclaimed fitness guru, is supposed to be helping me get right. We were talking today about whether I should get a personal trainer, get an online workout plan, get a workout partner/group or just try to do it myself. And of course, being the journalist that i am, I decided to do some research to decide what was better for me. Here is what I found.

5 Reasons to Have a Personal Trainer:

1. Motivation: One of the main reasons people benefit from a personal trainer is that they loss motivation to stick with a consistent exercise program. Certified personal trainers can provide structure and accountability, and help you develop a lifestyle that encourages health.



2. Individualized program:If you have any chronic health conditions, injuries or training goals (running a marathon, for example) a trainer will work with you and your health care provider to plan a safe, efficient program that considers these needs and enable you to reach your health goals.
   


3. Efficiency:Personal Trainers help you focus on results and stop wasting your time doing inefficient workouts. A personal trainer has a plan and will help you get maximum results in minimum time.



4. Workout Safely: A personal trainer watches your form, monitors your vitals and can provide objective feedback about your limits and strengths. Most of us tend to ignore some of the subtle signals our body provides. We either push through pain or give up too soon. Because a personal trainer can watch what you are doing while you are doing it, they can help push you or slow you down as necessary.



5. Lose Weight:There is a good reason that the number one reason people hire personal trainers is to lose weight and get into shape -- it works. If you made a resolution to lose the fat and build the muscle, a trainer can keep you on track and help you realize that goal.

Instead of a personal trainer, perhaps you will be better off with an online support group and training regimen. There are many websites on line that offer personalized programs that are designed by certified personal trainer. They can design an online training program specifically for YOU based on your individual profile (including age, exercise history, fitness level, goals, available equipment, schedule availability, medical history, etc.). This is a great way to save time, many diet or fitness programs are based on a general, one-size-fits-all approach and use computer-generated programs. But, most exercisers are more successful at reaching their goals when using a program that is designed just for them. These programs are based on a profile that you fill out and then a customized program is designed based on your answers. The program designs are across all fitness levels, for working out anywhere (home, gym, or on the road), and for use with a variety of exercise equipment or even no equipment at all.

No matter what method you choose, it is important to constantly have motivation, encouragement and accountability. These 3 areas are critical to your success in the fitness world!

~Fly Fitness