For decades now we have seen the results of scientific studies that have conclusively proven that exercise is good for you. From losing weight to joint rehabilitation, from increasing muscle tone and strength to reducing stress and blood pressure……. the list goes on.
So why don’t we exercise more often?
In our last blog, we talked about the barriers we face that may prevent us from getting our heart rate up and seeing the results we want. Sometimes we all need a little help to get motivated. That’s where personal trainers come in. Many people are reluctant to use a PT because they are worried about being embarrassed or that it may cost too much but can a personal trainer really make a difference? Is it really worth it?
To answer this you might want to honestly ask yourself a few tough questions first.
If the answer is YES for any of these questions, then investing your hard earned money into your personal health is surely going to be worth it. No matter how fit or unfit you think you are, a PT is sure to be a step in the right direction to get you to the next level. Here’s a good list to give you more food for thought.
If you’ve been trying hard to shape up but not seeing the desired results, then hiring a PT will help. A good trainer can oversee the exercise and eating habits that you’ve tried so far. I like to provide small helpful tips to each client. Gradual lifestyle pattern changes are always more sustainable and are often the best thing to get you moving in the right direction. Once you’ve got your head around treating your body to good diet and exercise, you will start feeling healthier and are well on your way to achieving your goals.
The very first thing I do with my clients in the gym is to review their current goals. Are their goals relevant and specific to their needs and priorities? Are they achievable in a realistic timeframe? Remember that real life is nothing like ‘The Biggest Loser’ so let’s not try to compare. In my experience, I tend to find that there is nothing better than a deadline for most people to get motivated. Whether it’s getting into a certain dress, a new job, be it a special occasion or even a holiday for those ‘beach ready’ photos, a qualified PT like myself will help identify what you need to do to fast track this process.
Should I be doing cardio work? Weight training? Flexibility or balance exercises?
The answer will depend on your goals. It won’t hurt to do all of the above but a qualified PT will be helpful to show you how to construct routines and balance your workout to do more of one and less of the other in order to achieve the best results for you.
How many exercises, repetitions and sets will I need to do?
Once again a good PT is trained to identify what numbers are best for you and not some generic twelve week program designed for supermodels. Apart from working out effective routines, I think it is just as important for a PT like myself to show you how you can fit in these exercises around your busy lifestyle.
There are many, many cold and wet days in a Melbourne calendar year. If you have trouble getting up and ready for exercise, it’s good to know that there are other ‘like minded’ people out there that are getting up with you too. This makes you accountable, which is a great motivation. If you make an appointment with a PT and something comes up, you are less likely to cancel as nobody likes to make that ‘sorry I’m bailing on you’ phone call, especially if you have pre-paid for the session.
My passion is to keep people motivated and on track so when a client simply can’t get to a booking, I always try to reschedule in that same week to make sure we don’t lose momentum. I’m also happy to give out homework if you are unable to reschedule. Sometimes just knowing you need to do it because your trainer said so is enough motivation to get you through for the week.
All PT’s are trained to look after special population groups like pregnant women, the elderly, children or people suffering from conditions such as arthritis, heart problems or injuries. Research confirms that people with afflictions like asthma, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and heart disease are greatly benefited by regular physical activity. If you are honest and up front with your PT, they can work around your special requirements. Specifically designed programs will help overcome barriers, as well as make you faster fitter and stronger than before.
Have you ever looked at a piece of gym equipment or machine and thought, ‘How does that work? I’m not going to make a fool of myself. I’d better stick with something I know.’
The chances are most of us have experienced these concerns at one time or another. A qualified PT will provide safe instruction on each exercise. That includes good demonstrations of what to do and what not to do to avoid injury. A good PT will also guide you on what level you are at and reduce the risk factor before you attempt anything too advanced.
By far the hardest part of exercise is the initial thought of doing it. Getting dressed and motivated takes a lot of energy in itself. If your PT isn’t motivating you, stop going and find someone who makes you feel welcome and encourages you just for turning up! Each success and progression should also be met with big compliments (something you’ll never get by yourself). Sometimes a short boost to the ego is just enough to keep you on track to achieving your goals. With each bit of positive feedback will come a new found confidence to take on different challenges.
There is so much information out there on the best ways to eat, exercise and stay healthy. Many articles will contradict each other on information previously thought to be accurate. Who do we believe? How is the average person supposed to sift through treasured info from the rubbish? A good PT should be knowledgeable regarding the pros and cons of the latest fad diet and exercise regimes. They continue to educate themselves in order to answer many of the questions you may have. It’s important sometimes to get an unbiased (spin free opinion) away from the media hype.
Whether you work out regularly or very infrequently, it’s very easy to get bored with exercise. It’s also very easy to put it off for another day and find other things to do. When you get into a routine of regular exercise and block out a particular time or times during the week, the decision to work out or not work out is much clearer because you have already allocated the space for it. A personal trainer can get you out of that rut and back into a workable, functional, and most importantly a stimulating routine.
Most people think exercise is downright hard work. I agree it can be, but can it be made into a fun thing to do? Ask any of my clients at boot camps or in the gym and they’ll tell you the answer is YES. Any exercise can be turned into a fun game or competition. When you are around friends it just feels better. If you don’t think you are good at games, it’s fun to try, and who knows you may surprise yourself. Go out and give it a go! What have you got to lose?
Any feedback or suggestions, feel free to reply back to danhicks.pt4u@gmail.com
I’m also happy to post any frequently asked questions or related articles.
Stay warm and just keep moving!
Cheers,
Dan Hicks.
