Not only does having a personal trainer help you achieve your long-term goals faster but it can also reduce the risk of injury and helps you get the most out of your work out. Your personal trainer is there to motivate you and make you confident in your activities, but you only get so much time with them. That’s why it’s so important to maximise your time with your trainer to the fullest potential. Here are some ways you can do that.
Set Timely Goals
Go through your short term and long-term goals with your trainer and set a time limit for each activity in your work out. For example, if you want to work on core strength, you can do 10 minutes of sit ups five minutes of side crunches, ten minutes with the medicine ball and 2 minute planks in between. A fast paced, effective work out will keep your blood pumping and help you optimise the time of your session. Good trainers will organise this organically for you.
Grab a Buddy
Train with a friend to break up the cost of having a trainer. Studies show that exercising with a friend or loved one will increase your chances of sticking to your plan and it’s also great fun. Going to your first training session can be scary, going with a friend eases the tension and is a good motivator for you both as you reach your fitness milestones together.
Be Honest
Maybe you had one too many cheat meals this week or haven’t been doing the at home exercises like you should be. Either way, it’s important to be up front and honest with your trainer about these things. They’re not here to judge you, in fact, they will probably give you some tips to break those unhealthy habits. It doesn’t help either of you to lie, so be truthful about your setbacks!
Train for An Event
Training for an event will keep you focused during your training and you’ll also most likely have a set of physical requirements you must have in order to do the event. It doesn’t have to be a huge event, it can even be training for a netball game or hiking the Cape to Cape. Your trainer can alter the training session to your needs and make you ready to take on anything.
Say “Yes” More Often
Many trainers have an aversion to the phrase “I can’t do that”. You might be saying this because you don’t think you’re fit enough or you don’t have the confidence, either way you should try to give everything a go and say yes to everything your trainer throws at you. They are here for your benefit and want to see what you can handle. After they figure out your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be able to make the most out of your session.
Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up
If something is not working for you – say it! You don’t need much of a reason, if you’re just not feeling this kind of work out then let them know so they can adjust it to your level and your strengths. Remember they are here for you so never be afraid to input your opinion on your training schedule.
Show Up On Time
Seems like an obvious one, but it’s important to get to your sessions a few minutes before your session to do a good warm up and prepare yourself. Every minute you are late chips away at the already limited time you have with your trainer, and you won’t be able to get the best value for your work out if they’re always having to cut it short.