We get by with a little help from a professional.
So, you’ve been working out for a while now. The gym is basically your second home, you might as well start calling the front desk girl “Mom” and set yourself up a cot in the stretching are to sleep in.
Why would you need to hire a Personal Trainer when you’re the best at all the things? Glad you asked! Even if you’ve been training for as long as you can remember, there is still a big benefit to hiring a professional.
You’re probably pretty good at brushing your teeth, right? Been doing it since your pearly whites first sprouted. But every 6 months, you still visit the dentist. This is because, no matter how good you think you are, there is always some benefit to checking in with a professional.
Here are signs it might be time to hire a Personal Fitness Trainer.
YOU’VE PLATEAUED
I’ve been lifting weights since I was 16 and training for marathons since 22. I just sort of got to a point that, no matter how hard I worked out, I never felt I was pushed enough. There were only two explanations: I’m a superhero or I need someone else to push me past my plateau. Spoiler alert, I’m not a superhero. If you feel like you’ve stopped progressing, invest in 3 – 5 training sessions and have a professional ass-kicker help you get over it.
REACHING A PERSONAL BEST
If you’re attempting to reach a PB in a high-risk activity (overhead or chest presses, bar squats, crocodile wrestling), for your own health and safety it is a good idea to hire a professional. Sure, your best bud could always spot you. But more than just a spotter, a personal trainer will know small insights that could help you reach your goal faster (and safer).
YOU’RE INJURED
Put up your hand if you’ve ever reinjured yourself by heading to the gym before doctors recommended you should. If you are recovering from an injury, hire a personal trainer for your first few weeks back to the gym. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to taking care of ourselves. Let someone else guide you and ensure you don’t make things worse than they already were.
NEW BHAG
Do you have a new big, hairy, audacious goal (or “BHAG”)? Something you’ve set your sights on as your next white whale, be it to run a marathon or compete in a fitness competition? This is a great opportunity to consider a coach, be it to kick you off or to hang with you from start to finish. Whenever we take on something new, there is always so much we need to learn along the way. Maybe you feel like you can learn it on your own, but I am a big advocate for working smarter rather than harder. Who am I kidding, you’re going to work hard no matter what. But a coach can do heaps to help you along faster & more efficiently than you’d go on your own.
YOU’RE A NEWB
I’ve been writing this coming from the mindset of a regular exerciser, but I do want to highlight the importance of hiring a professional when you’re brand new to the game. It’s tough starting a new healthy habit, and having the accountability a trainer provides along with their insight and education is invaluable. Remember when I mentioned I began working out at 16? It was accompanied by 12 personal training sessions, which gave me the empowerment to feel like I knew what I was doing after the sessions were complete. It’s the reason I didn’t fall off the proverbial wagon. P.S: Thanks, Mom & Dad for the early sweet 16 birthday gift, way back when. 29-year-old me wouldn’t be where she is today without it!
Did any of these resonate with you? Head to your local gym and inquire about a free consultation. Don’t be, just do it.
Have you left yet? Good.
