Not all Personal Trainers are Created Equal
When it comes to achieving your strength, physique and fitness goals, working with a personal trainer can be game changing. Whether you’re a beginner in the gym or an athlete, personal trainers provide the expertise, accountability and motivation that can help you reach your goals more efficiently and effectively. If you want to get in shape for the summer, run a marathon, or simply feel stronger and healthier…give personal training a try!
But before starting with a personal trainer, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to make the most of your time and money. Here are the most common questions I get about working with a personal trainer, along with their answers. This information should help you decide if getting started with a fitness trainer is the right choice for you.
1. How Many Weekly Sessions Should You Have With a Personal Trainer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The number of sessions you should have with a personal trainer depends on your unique goals, current fitness level and commitment level. It’s important to communicate your goals with your trainer so they can recommend a schedule that suits your needs.
If you’re new to exercise, more frequent sessions, 2-3 sessions weekly, will be beneficial to help you establish good habits and ensure proper form. If you are more experienced and exercise on your own already, 1-2 sessions a week with a trainer is often sufficient.
Working with a fitness trainer is a big commitment of both your time and money. On average, personal training sessions in Toronto range from $75 to $150 per hour. A monthly program of 2 sessions per week, could cost anywhere from $600 to $1200. Figure out your budget beforehand.
Regardless of the number of weekly sessions to agree to, it’s most important to be consistent. Consistency helps you build momentum, see quicker results and develop healthy habits so it’s crucial to figure out a schedule you can stick to.
2. Do Personal Trainers Give You Meal Plans?
Personal trainers often provide general nutrition advice, but their scope is typically limited to supporting your fitness goals. In many Canadian provinces, it’s illegal or unethical for personal trainers to provide detailed meal plans unless they are also a certified nutritionist or dietitian.
If you are looking for nutritional tips, look for a fitness trainer with an educational certification. I have found the knowledge I’ve obtained through taking my Precision Nutrition Level 1 and Level 2 coaching, to be invaluable in teaching my clients sustainable healthy eating habits.
Through these courses, I learned that even if I provide clients with the perfect nutritional meal plan, it isn’t half as effective as it could be if their nutritional habits aren’t right. Therefore, I offer guidance on healthy eating habits such as portion control, macronutrient balance and food preparation short-cuts. I also like to share my favourite healthy recipes with clients.
3. What Certifications Should a Personal Trainer Have?
It’s important for your personal trainer to have a fitness education. This knowledge arms your trainer with an understanding of anatomy, muscle and skeletal structure, how muscles, joints and tendons work together and proper exercise form. It also teaches fitness trainers how to help clients get stronger in a safe manner, avoiding pain or injury and how to pinpoint what exercise is most effective for each skill level.
Most of you are unaware of the differences between canfitpro, ACE and the Exercise Therapy Association certifications, and that’s okay. It’s important to know that your trainer has been certified by a fitness organization. After that, evaluate the trainer’s skills and education based on their training sessions with you. Expect your trainer to be able to demonstrate each exercise they give you, and be able to modify them as needed.
Similar to most industries, best practices, methods and equipment are always changing and improving in fitness. It’s important for your personal trainer to be continuously refreshing his or her learning through continuous educations via courses and conferences. Don’t be shy about asking your trainer what he or she is doing to stay on top of these fitness industry trends.
4. How Long Should You Stay with a Personal Trainer?
The length of your relationship with a personal trainer depends on your goals, motivation and budget. Some people work with a trainer for a few months to kickstart their fitness journey and learn the basics, while others may continue training for years to maintain their progress and keep challenging themselves with new programs and exercise moves.
A good indicator that you might be ready to train on your own is when you feel confident in your ability to create and follow a workout plan independently. And that you’re motivated to follow that plan. I have found that even after my clients achieve their initial goals, ongoing fitness sessions are valuable for maintaining motivation, refining techniques, and setting new goals.
5. Is a 30 Minute Personal Training Session Enough Time?
A 30-minute personal training session can be enough, depending on your goals, skill level and how the session is structured. Shorter sessions must be focused and intense, making the most of every minute. I typically require my clients to warm-up beforehand and cooldown afterwards on their own when we hold these shorter sessions.
Busy people, who have fitness experience, and are looking for a quick, high-intensity workout typically find these sessions effective. However, if you’re working on more complex goals like building muscle mass or working to perfect your form, you might find that longer sessions (45-60 minutes) provide more time for a comprehensive workout.
The key is to maximize every minute of time you have together, whether it’s 30 minutes or an hour.
To Sum it up…What you Should Know About Working with a Personal Trainer
Hiring a personal trainer is an investment in your health and fitness. For many people, it is well worth the cost. Personal trainers provide personalized attention, expert guidance, and accountability that can significantly enhance your results. They can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that you’re using the proper form. They push you to achieve more than you might on your own.
For beginners in particular, hiring a personal trainer can be incredibly beneficial. Beginning a fitness routine can be overwhelming. A trainer can help you navigate the process by teaching you proper form to help avoid injuries. He or she will introduce you to a variety of exercises. He or she will create a structured plan tailored to your goals with the option to increase intensity.
That said, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost. Deciding whether to invest in a personal trainer depends on your individual needs, goals, and budget. If you’re highly motivated and knowledgeable about fitness, you might achieve your goals independently. However, for those who need extra support, struggle with consistency, or have specific goals like injury recovery or significant weight loss, a personal trainer can be a worthwhile investment.