If you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level, you may be wondering whether hiring a personal coach is right for you.
Whether you’re new to exercising or the gym is your second home, working with a personal coach can help you reach your health and fitness goals.
A certified personal coach is someone who is trained in creating and implementing safe and effective exercise programs for their clients. In other words, they’ll help you work out and execute other lifestyle changes to reach your fitness goal.
Read on for 5 reasons why you might want to consider hiring a personal coach.
1. Increases accountability
One of the most challenging parts about maintaining a workout routine can be just that — doing the workouts, and doing them consistently.
Working with a personal coach 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 coach 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.
2. Helps with goal setting
Have you ever set a huge health and fitness goal — say to lose 20 pounds (9 kg) or train for a marathon — only to fall short of reaching it? Or maybe you’re not in the habit of goal setting at all, and you could simply use some guidance.
A personal coach can help you set realistic and attainable goals based on your personal experiences and abilities, aiding you in your progress along the way.
And even if you just want to stay active or feel better, having a goal when you’re on a fitness journey, no matter how big or small it is, can be an important factor in keeping you motivated.
3. You’ll get an individualized plan
A quick Google search will yield many pages of workouts or programs you can follow, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best option for you. Having a personal trainer will ensure that you have an individualized plan that will give you the best results.
For instance, say after an initial consultation with your trainer, they notice that your right leg is weaker than your left leg — and you had no idea. This imbalance is causing you to compensate during many daily movements and exercises, which exacerbates the imbalance.
To address the issue, your coach then incorporates single-leg movements into your workouts, allowing you to correct this imbalance and make yourself stronger overall.
4. Flexible schedule and format
You can meet with a personal coach in person at a gym weekly, several times a week, or even monthly — whatever works best for you. Nowadays, virtual personal training is popular, too.
In this format, you’ll work out at your home while you video conference with your trainer, who will guide you through the workout on your phone or laptop.
Sessions typically range from 30–60 minutes and will cater to your personal goals. There’s a personal trainer for everyone, regardless of your physical abilities, level of experience, location, or budget.
5. Helps your mental health
Personal coach can help with several aspects of your mental health.
For one, there’s a notable amount of research that supports the positive effect physical activity can have on mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Exercise increases blood circulation to the brain, helping reduce stress and improve mood and cognitive function overall. Working with a coach consistently will help you reap these benefits.
Plus, a good personal coach will take an interest in your life — your family, your career, your struggles — and can become a confidante of sorts. Knowing that someone is in your corner rooting for you, not only in the gym but also outside of it, is a good feeling.
