So you want to get fit, transform your body and lose a few pounds? The problem is you just can’t seem to motivate yourself or you don’t have the time to get to the gym 3-5 times a week. Or, you don’t like the impersonal atmosphere found in so many fitness centers. Maybe you’re not getting as much out of your workouts as you think you should be. What’s the answer? Hire a personal trainer!
Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to become educated, totally dedicated and in control of your health and fitness program. Through motivation, commitment and education, a personal trainer can help you experience benefits beyond the physical changes.
| Physical Benefits | Psychological Benefits |
|---|---|
| Weight control and reduced body fat | Reduced stress |
| Increased muscle tone and strength | Improved concentration and focus |
| Improved flexibility & coordination | Increased mental & emotional energy |
| Increased energy and endurance | Reduced anxiety |
| Live longer | Increased self-esteem |
A personal trainer will help you formulate an exercise program and a diet regimen to achieve your desired fitness goals. They will supervise your workouts on a one-to-one basis to help you obtain the results you want in the least amount of time possible. By working with a personal trainer, you will get a customized fitness plan, individualized attention and constructive feedback. Your trainer will take you through your exercise program to minimize procrastination and maximize exercise time.
You’re probably thinking that personal trainers are expensive along with what specific things you should be looking for in a personal trainer. The answers to these questions are simple. Personal training is no longer exclusive and available only to the privileged few. Nowadays, almost anyone can afford a personal trainer. Rates vary and fees can range from $20 a session and up. I suggest you do a competitive price check to find out what trainers are charging in your area. A helpful tip to remember is that personal trainers offer discounts for buying a package of sessions.
When selecting a personal trainer, you must check their credentials. This includes things like: educational background, professional certifications, letters of recommendation, liability insurance, and years of experience.You can find a personal trainer in any gym or fitness center. However, the best method I found is through referral from a friend or work colleague.
I hope this information above has provided you with the groundwork for obtaining a top-notch personal trainer and one who will guide and motivate you on the road to health and fitness success.
Bonus Advice To Help You Get In Shape
Have you ever wondered what the secret is to becoming physically fit? Well, fitness experts claim that hard work, consistency and a nutritious diet are the best methods for toning, muscle building and conditioning.
The main ingredient to becoming physically fit starts with a good diet. Your body is like an engine and it needs fuel and proper maintenance to run more efficient. I recommend incorporating fruits, dairy products, vegetables, cereals and breads, meats, poultry, fish and seafood to your diet if you are not already doing so. All these foods contain the necessary nutrients for good health. Preparation of these foods is also important. Foods like meat, poultry and fish should be broiled, baked or grilled (not fried), where as vegetables should be steamed, boiled, or eaten raw. Beverages should be limited to water for the best results. Soft drinks should be avoided in order to keep sugar and sodium intake to a minimum. Our bodies retain water when we consume too much sodium. Water is probably the most important because it is involved in and responsible for every process we have including maintenance of normal body temperatures, carrying waste out of the body, aiding in digestion, absorption and circulation.
In addition to a well-rounded diet, it’s important to perform at least 20-30 minutes of exercise at least four days a week. A cardiovascular workout like brisk walking, riding a bike, or aerobics is recommended at least three out of the four days. Resistance training (lifting weights) should be included in addition to a cardiovascular workout regimen. Weight training will help to build lean muscle mass, increase strength levels and improve the ability to function better during daily activities.
Every person’s physique is different along with having different health and fitness needs. Therefore, the following factors must be used when determining an exercise program:
- Present level of fitness
- Past or present injuries
- Specific goals desired to achieve
- How much time you have to dedicate to a program
All of these items should be discussed with a doctor or fitness professional before starting any diet or fitness program. It is my hopes that this article will lay the groundwork for future fitness success. Anyone can work their way toward a healthier life by eating right and exercising regularly, so get started today!
