Trying Out a Personal Trainer

Working with a trainer is a big commitment.  Not just financially, but personally.  Unlike a health club membership, which people pay for and statistically, rarely use, you’re actually going to make time in your schedule for this person.  You won’t be able to hide in the back of the exercise class, or drift from machine to machine trying to figure out the instructions.  You’re actually going to have this person’s undivided attention for you to do the right exercises the right way.  You’re actually telling this person, look, I need help with this, and “this” is your body.  Pretty heavy stuff, and I don’t mean the weights.

                How do you know if the trainer, who is probably (hopefully) already in shape, can relate to your concerns?  That you have an achy back that you really don’t want to aggravate, or a pain in your shoulder that’s not bad enough to go to the doctor and you’d like to keep it that way.  Or that you have a million other things to get to,  and that while you want to work out meaningfully, you really can’t afford to be nauseous for the rest of your day or sore for the next two days.  How do you know that the trainer isn’t a reality-show-wannabee, who’s going to kick your butt just to prove how tough a trainer they are?         

                I can’t speak for other trainers, but I handle this by offering a 3-session Sample Package.   There are no initiation fees or membership fees as with health clubs, so that you’re not paying for something you don’t use.     You buy and schedule the 3 sessions, ideally within a week.  The first session might be an assessment, the second an orientation to cardio and stretching, and the third a basic weight routine.   Or the first can be on core exercises, the second on lower body, and the third on upper body.  Or the first can be a break-in workout, the second a bit more challenging, the third an all-out effort.  It really depends on what you as the client want and need.

                One thing many trainers overlook is that the “person” in personal training should be the client, not the trainer.  They assume that if you train with them, that you want to train as the trainer trains him/herself.  Which is great, if you’re close to the condition that the trainer is in.  But if you’re not, then you may be in for a few unpleasant days after the workout.

                I approach training more as a consultant than as a “fitness star”.  I assume that you need help with your workout, not necessarily that you want to train the way I train myself.  Since I operate out of a private studio, not a health club, and usually on a one-to-one basis, there’s no need to be self-conscious about exercising in front of an audience.  If you’re really deconditioned, and you need to start at a low level, I help you from getting discouraged.  If you’re in good shape, but you need an extra push to stay motivated, I’ll push you that day.  If your life circumstances changed and you need direction changing your program, I’ll help you reorganize and reprioritize.  Again, the “person” in personal training should be the client, not just the trainer.

                Once you’ve done the three sessions, you’ll know enough to decide how you want to proceed.  Most people stay as a regular client 2 or 3 times each week; it helps them make sure they schedule exercise into their week.  Some will stay for a time, 2 or 3 months, or however long it takes them to feel comfortable with exercise, and then continue on their own at a corporate facility or health club.   Others will use a session every week or two, to help them stay on track.  And for some, it’s just not for them; they may be better served by a video or group program than the direct supervision.  Figuring out what works for you is part of the process.

                While you’re still in the spirit of the New Year, click over to www.optimalexercisenj.com for your due diligence, then call to schedule your 3 workouts.  By doing those 3, you’ll go from “good intention” to “good start”, and be well on your way to the best shape of your adult life.