By Molly Smeltzer, Fitness and Wellness Manager, Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center
Decreased chance of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Improved mood, energy, strength, brain health, and daily function. What do all of these have in common? Exercise! Although people may be aware of the aforementioned benefits, the reason most commonly given for exercising is to lose weight and get stronger. The benefits of exercise are overwhelming. So, the question is why do so few people actually take the time to exercise on a regular basis? Some people simply do not know how to get started with an exercise routine. Others lose motivation after not reaching fitness goals. Others may be worried about hurting themselves if they workout incorrectly.
A personal trainer could be the answer to overcoming any barrier that may be keeping you from being in optimal health. The key is finding the right personal trainer who has the knowledge, experience, and personality to keep you motivated and on track towards your fitness goals.
The most important factor in choosing a personal trainer is their knowledge. More specifically, their knowledge in the area of fitness that will best suit you. A personal trainer may know everything there is to know about power lifting, but if you are looking to improve cardiovascular endurance, they are probably not the best fit for you. Remember that there is a difference between certified and qualified. A person may be certified in personal training, but not be qualified to help you meet your needs. The best trainer is one who has a certification through a nationally accredited organization such as NASM, NSCA, ACSM, or ACE as well as experience evaluating and prescribing exercise programs for people with similar needs to your own.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a personal trainer is personality. You need to like and trust the person you will be working with. Your personal trainer should be someone who pushes you, encourages you, and listens to you all at the same time. Make sure to ask questions about their experience and training philosophy as well as how they track progress and motivate people with similar goals to yours.
If you find a personal trainer who is certified, qualified, and has the right personality for you, the last thing to consider is the type of personal training that will best benefit you. No longer is personal training always a one-on-one experience. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the benefits of personal training, such as semi-private training, small-group training, or even in-home personal training. If cost is a concern, semi-private and small-group training are great ways to reap the benefits of a personal trainer at a more affordable price. These group sessions can also make a workout more social and fun if you get a group of friends together for small-group training sessions. Semi-private and small-group sessions normally consist of two to five people.
In-home personal training may be the right fit for you, especially if getting to a fitness facility is a challenge or you are especially crunched for time. Make sure that your personal trainer can provide the proper equipment and exercises in your home. You may also want your trainer to provide you with ideas of ways to exercise in between your personal training sessions to help keep you on track.
Regardless of the style of personal training that fits you best and the qualifications of the personal trainer that you choose, make sure your personal trainer is completely focused on you and your goals throughout your personal training and fitness journey. Be open and honest with your trainer about how you feel once you start working out.
If you are struggling to stay on track with your fitness goals, a personal trainer may be just what you need. Don’t forget that you can’t put a price on good health!
Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center, located at 1111 Trinity Lane in Bloomington, has recently added personal and small-group training sessions. This new, medically based fitness facility is open to anyone, seven days a week, with exercise professionals on staff at all times. The Center includes a warm water hydrotherapy pool, lap pool, group classes, and a 1/12-mile track. For more information call 309-433-WELL (9355).