Is it really necessary to pay someone to tell you how to do sit ups? No, but one-on-one training can motivate you to reach your fitness goals and teach you the correct technique to enable effective results. And it's no longer just the preserve of the rich and famous.Ask yourself; how do you feel about your body? If the obvious answer involves splashing out on a gym membership, how can you be sure you'll stay inspired to use it? Well, celebs like Posh Spice, Madonna and even Vanessa Feltz found a solution years ago, and it's one that has now become affordable to us all: hire a personal trainer.
what is personal training?
One-on-one exercise sessions, otherwise known as personal training, have their roots in post-War professional sports coaching where individual attention to training was crucial for winning. Years later, this practice came into its own in the States, Australia and South Africa where apersonalised service was offered to non-athletes. By the 1980s, health and fitness centres were popping up all over the UK and trainers were being called into the homes of the fashionable and wealthy. Nowadays, personal trainers aren't just hired by those who can't bear sweating in public,but by people who know lack of motivation and the correct exercise principles, are the main reasons they can't get fit.
what is a personal trainer?
A personal trainer is 'an exercise instructor or sports coach with a high level of experience and advanced qualifications in areas relating to fitness assessment, exercise programming, diet and weight management, injury prevention and rehabilitation.' As a responsible Personal Trainer I only practise in the fields in which I am qualified.Most Trainers agree that the key difference between a trainer and a basic level fitness instructor is the ability to adapt programmes to individual needs and to prescribe safe and effective exercises for specific health problems such as osteoporosis or diabetes.' But no matter what fitness goals you have, your trainer's expertise should be your first concern.
what to expect from your first session
The main advantage of hiring a personal trainer is to get a safe and realistic fitness programme tailored to your specific goals. The initial consultation is key: when the trainer determines your fitness levels and health history, he or she will help you set both short and long term aims and then devise an appropriate programme to meet them. Any good trainer should take a pulse rate count, blood pressure reading, flexibility assessment, health history assessment, and a gauge of lung functionality and take a BMI reading. I also do a fitness test that simply involves a few physical tests to ascertain a client's fitness ability. If you have any specific concerns or requirements,from general weight loss to a post-pregnancy shape up, they'll be addressed here.
choosing the right trainer
As the law in the UK stands today, anyone can call himself or herself a 'personal trainer', so it's crucial to vet your trainer. Incorrect nutritional and fitness advice can prevent you from reaching your goals and, even worse, could be dangerous. Here are some useful pointers toconsider when searching for a personal trainer:Get a referral from a reputable organisation or rely on recommendations of Trainers from people you know. At the very least check their past or current clients are pleased with their programme.Ask about the trainer's qualifications. At the very least, look for a personal Training diploma from a reputable body such as: Premier Training and Development, YMCA, Active Training, Focus Training or Future Fit. Appropriate anagrams to look for are: APT (Association of Personal Trainers), NRPT (National Register of Personal Trainers), FTST (Fitness Training Sports Therapy Diploma), PT Dip (Personal Training Diploma) or an Hon's Sports Science (SS) (Degree). Many general gym instructors do not have the necessary qualifications for personal training, so make sure you double check your trainer's credentials if he or she is recommended by your gym.Ask how many years he or she has been practising. This is essential if you're looking for specialist help such as exercising to help osteoporosis.Your trainer should have a minimum of £2 million public liability and indemnity insuranceas well as a current First Aid and CPR certificate.Get your personal exercise programme in writing so that both parties can refer to it incase of misunderstanding or disagreement. Any reputable personal trainer should provide this as a matter of course. Indeed many on both parties having signed a contract prior to training.
watching your wallet
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist need not exhaust your bank account. Expect to pay a minimum of around £45 an hour in London and £40 an hour elsewhere. Most trainers will suggest 2-3 sessions a week for around three to six months. Even if you can only afford two sessions a week, you should learn enough about fitness and nutrition to reap the long-term benefits.
other helpful tips
Any good trainer will offer a consultation first and then devise your programme. Ask if the consultation includes a workout session so you can find out whether you like his or her style before you sign up for more.Remember that you are not committed after the first session.Sacrifice the benefit of 100% attention by sharing sessions with a friend (ideally, someone sharing your fitness levels and goals).Don't be afraid to ask for fewer sessions to keep the cost down. Although the best results are gained through frequent sessions, a good trainer will know how to adapt the programme to fewer sessions. Make sure you have the right to cancel any session with 24-hours' notice.
