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Why I am hiring a personal trainer!
By workoutmommy | November 13, 2007
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I need a personal trainer!!! I told my husband that this weekend and he gave me a very bewildered look. I think he was caught between “ok, whatever you want” and “oh no, is this a trap?!”
No, it isn’t a trap. I want a personal trainer for the accountability. The holidays are coming around and I’m getting stressed just at the thought of trying to fit everything in. I have all the intentions in the world to workout everyday but then I get sidelined by a hungry baby, or a cranky toddler, or mountains of laundry. By the end of the day I am exhausted and frustrated when I haven’t been able to exercise like I had planned. (yes, I still do my squats and lunges all over the place—but nothing can replace the endorphin rush I get after running or lifting weights for an extended period of time)
Therefore I have decided that a personal trainer is the only surefire way I can get a solid, hard core workout each week. (I wish I could afford more!) I will get to leave the house and won’t have any child or family distractions to take me away from my workout. I will have someone that is focused on just me (can you imagine?!) and doing the thinking for me.
Yes, I may have the knowledge and education of personal training but sometimes it is nice to not have to think during your workout. The benefit of a personal trainer is that all you have to do is show up.
I also need someone who is going to push me beyond my limits. I need someone to get in my face and tell me that not only can I do it, but I will do it. Jay Johnson, the trainer for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, would be perfect! Unfortunately he is not in my neck of the woods, so I am on the hunt for an excellent trainer who is going to keep me focused and work me over.
If you are considering a trainer, here are a few questions you should ask:
- Is your trainer certified by a nationally recognized organization? Look for someone who is certified by NASM, ACE, or the like. Do your homework on this one, some certifications don’t require anything more than a 10 minute quiz on the internet.
- What kind of education does your trainer have? Ideally you want someone who has completed a degree or coursework in a health or fitness field.
- Is the trainer CPR certified? Don’t sign on with someone who isn’t! Many gyms and fitness centers do not follow-up on this requirement. Make sure your trainer is certified.
- What kind of experience does your trainer have? Choose someone who has experience training others and not just themselves. Just because someone has been a gym rat for 5 years does not mean they will know what is best for you.
- Can he or she provide a list of references? Call at least one person on that list.
Don’t be afraid to interview a few trainers if necessary. If you don’t “click” with the trainer that the gym assigns to you, ask for someone else.
Personal training is the perfect gift for you, so why not put it on your holiday list now? I sure am!
Topics: about me, just for moms |
November 13th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
I want you for my personal trainer!
November 13th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
That it so great, Lisa! Good for you. I know that the high cost of hiring a personal training is a factor that puts many people off. I’m lucky enough to know someone who used to be a personal trainer, who goes to the gym with me on a regular basis (and has taught me what I’ve learned about strength training in these past 4-5 months that I’ve been on a regular workout program).
My personal training buddy is free (but this also means I have to work around their schedule, so, you know…pros and cons), but it has definitely shown me how much motivation another person can provide, especially when they challenge you to go longer/harder than you would have if it was just you. I look forward to hearing about your experience.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:41 am
Thanks Nap Warden! Let me know when you are in town and we’ll workout together!
Zandria, you are right–the cost is a huge turn off for most people. That is great that you have a fitness buddy to keep you on track and motivated. stick with it! I’ll let you know when I find the right trainer.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I agree with you completely. This is a really tough time of the year. There is lots of shopping, lack of sleep and too many excuses not to workout and to eat out instead of making a wise decision in front of your own fridge.
I look forward to seeing how it goes. I know that my wife had a personal trainer a few years ago and made great progress but gave it up when our daughter was born. Still I think it would be a great investment for her as well.
November 17th, 2007 at 2:47 am
[...] Mommy is hiring a personal trainer, and gives some tips on what to consider if you want to hire a personal trainer. Personal training is definitely important and you should have the best for your fitness [...]
March 19th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I was JUST thinking about this. I am put off by the money…but I also know that it’s an investment.
I think my gym has free trainers - but I don’t see them being REAL trainers. lol.
Lisa’s last blog post..Laying A Healthy Foundation For Weight Loss Success
March 19th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Oh, I meant to ask…did you end up getting a trainer. Sorry, if you’ve posted it else where.
Lisa’s last blog post..Laying A Healthy Foundation For Weight Loss Success