Why You Should Hire a Trainer
In addition to things like:
keeping you accountable & making sure you actually show up,
providing smart programming tailored to your goals and limitations,
educating you on how and why to do specific exercises, and
providing technique guidance to keep you safe...
a recent study also showed that working with a personal trainer gets you better results.
I'm not at all surprised.
In this study, which was explained wonderfully by Ben Carpenter and Sohee Carpenter, MS (follow them, they're great!), two groups of participants followed the same workout program, and those in the group that was supervised by a personal trainer saw improved strength and muscle growth.
This isn't because those working with trainers received better programming, because the programs were the same. (Although it is usually smarter to follow a program designed by a professional than to piece it together on your own.)
It also isn't because those with trainers received more guidance on technique, because the programs were machine-based so there would be less variation in the mechanics and ranges of motion.
Working with a trainer provides better results because it helps people stay consistent and pushes them to work harder!
I see it with my clients all the time...
...when I hand them a weight and they think it's too much (it's not)
...when I tell them to do more reps than they think they can and they do it, easily...
...when I "force" them to do an exercise they hate and wouldn't do if I wasn't watching...
...or when they do extra reps because they forgot I can't count 😂 #IYKYK
As Ben and Sohee point out in their video above, training can be expensive and it's not the only way to get that push to the next level.
I have groups of clients who train together, and they bring their own energy and competition to our sessions. It's a lot easier to try to go up in weight when your friend's egging you on or showing off than it is to do it just because your trainer tells you. 😉
Even just working out around other people can do the trick. This is one aspect where group fitness classes or small groups really shine, because in addition to the instructor, everyone in the class can encourage each other (or look out of the corner of their eyes at the person next to them and have a little silent competition!)
The same thing goes for the weight room. I always lift on my own, but if someone else is working out in the vicinity, knowing they might be watching has the same effect as working with a trainer who's cheering me on to finish my sets strong!
If you need a trainer, shoot an email to coachjustineh@gmail.com
