one of the most challenging parts about maintaining a workout routine can be just that — doing the workouts, and doing them consistently.
If someone isn’t expecting you to meet them at the gym, you’re much more likely to skip out if you’d rather stay in bed or lounge on the couch instead.
Working with a personal trainer will give you the nudge you need to get your workout in — whether in person or virtually — not only during your appointments but also hopefully several other times during the week.
You may also find you work harder with a trainer by your side than you would if you went at it alone.
Ever heard the saying, “If you want to go far, go together?” There’s ample research to show that the more support someone has with their health and fitness goals, the more likely they are to succeed.
In fact, one analysis of 11 years’ worth of studies looked at how well people stuck to their weight loss routines. It found that the more accountability people have, the more likely they were to stick to their weight loss program (1Trusted Source).
2. You’ll learn about health, fitness, and your body
A personal trainer isn’t just there to make you sweat — you likely learn something from your time together, too.
To become a certified personal trainer through an accredited organization like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or American Council on Exercise (ACE), a person must have a high school degree, as well as be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
They must also pass an initial certification exam and earn continuing education hours each year to stay current.
That means your personal trainer knows a lot about human physiology and body mechanics, behavior change, exercise science, and more. They can help you learn proper form, how to use specific equipment, and what exercises will be most effective for you.
Beyond that, they can teach you about greater health and fitness topics that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Let’s take a specific exercise for a second, though. Take the squat — a movement that seems basic enough but is actually very nuanced (2).
There are many factors at play, including your head position, upper and lower back position, pelvis position, knee alignment, and foot position, and each is dependent upon your fitness level, body mechanics, goals, and more (2).
Having a personal trainer to guide you through the correct positioning and form is invaluable. They can help ensure that you’re performing the exercise most effectively for your body.
You’ll not only likely see better results but also avoid potential injury this way.
