What is Personal Training?
The aim of a Personal Trainer is to provide a one to one service to help you achieve your personal health & fitness goals. They are not just for the elite, just about anybody can benefit from a Personal Trainer as they can change your wellbeing and lifestyle in a variety of ways. Each and every person will go to a Personal Trainer for different reasons, from losing weight, fitness, motivation, injury recovery, toning to training for a specific sport.
The Benefits of Personal Training
The benefit of personal training with an experienced and qualified trainer is that they will;
- Be understanding of any issues/concerns you may have
- Be qualified to assess there findings
- Assess your current level of fitness
- Plan your goals
- Devise an individually tailored program to help you achieve those goals quickly and safely.
A personal training program, will help you and your trainer, track your progress and most importantly make sure that you are achieving your gaols that you set out.
Where do I start?
It is recommended that you speak to two to three trainers, to decide who the right person is for you. A good instructor will motivate and encourage you, and a good programme will be both fun and challenging and it is therefore important that you feel comfortable with your trainer.
It is always advisable to check out the qualifications of the trainer prior to booking your first session. You can check a personal trainer’s qualifications by name via the REP’s website (Register of Exercise Professionals) www.exerciseregister.org.
An appointment with a Personal Trainer can be organised through a gym or Sports Centre or directly with an individual trainer (click on an area or enter your postcode above to locate one in your area).
For those who have not exercised for a while or take regular medication, it is advisable to check with your doctor before you take any form of exercise.
A Personal Training Session
Initially a consultation is set up which involves a fitness assessment, goal setting, programme design and health/lifestyle assessment. From there your trainer will prepare a tailor made programme for you including the goals you would like to achieve by when. Most Personal Training Programmes go beyond what is involved during your face to face sessions. It may include activities for you to perform on your own, changes to your diet or lifestyle and motivation techniques.
Training sessions are normally over a 1 hour period and regular checkpoints are set to re-assess goals and to make sure you continue achieving results. Personal Training sessions can be held within a gym, fitness centre or some will come to you or your home. During a session, the trainer will teach and supervise you whilst performing the exercises set out in your programme.
The frequency of the sessions is agreed between you and the Trainer and will vary depending upon your individual needs. An intense programme can see you with your trainer a number of times per week or a less intense programme once or twice a month. The goals you set will determine the frequency and the length of time you need to continue to work with a Personal Trainer.
How Much will it Cost
Some Personal Trainers will charge for the initial consultation and some will provide this for free.
It is important that you decide on your budget before searching for a trainer as they can vary dramatically in price range from £20 - £80++ per session (normally 1 hour) and there is no ceiling for Personal Trainers to stars! The price will largely dependent upon their experience and qualifications.
Source: Various including www.lifestylexperts.com
Useful Links:
Lifestyle Experts
For everything health, fitness & lifestyle. Independent health and fitness advice, online fitness and rehabilitation exercises
www.lifestylexperts.com