If you’ve made the decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle, it’s tough to know where to begin and how to make the most of the time you spend on health and fitness. To help you evaluate the best approach, here are some of the benefits of working with a personal trainer compared with solo workout sessions.
Joining or re-entering the gym after some time away can be exciting and empowering, but also intimidating. Navigating your way around the equipment and machines can be overwhelming. Working with a personal trainer is a great way to establish a customized workout program and learn how to use the equipment and the free weights. It’s also helpful to have someone to guide you (and motivate you) through your first workouts.
But maybe you'd rather start with an at-home workout approach. Creating a safe and effective workout routine on your own can also be difficult. GoodLife now offers both in-person and remote personal training to support all different comfort levels and goals.
Here are some benefits of working out with a personal trainer.
Customized Plan
A personal trainer will start by assessing your goals and fitness levels. You’ll work together to create a customized workout and nutrition plan that will help start your journey your health and fitness goals.
Guided workouts
A personal trainer will coach you through structured workouts, and provide the motivation to not only show up, but push you harder than you may be able to push yourself. They will hold you accountable, teach you proper form, and help you make the most of the time you spend on personal fitness. This can make all the difference in your progress.
Creating positive habits
Motivation will get you started, but habits will keep you going. Most personal trainers are passionate about health and fitness, and will share that passion with you, encouraging you to make working out a habit for greater long term success.
Safety first
A personal trainer will assess your physical and mental strengths and abilities and tailor a plan to your individual needs. They will advise you on how to safely engage in exercises, ensuring you use proper form to reduce the risk of injury and keep you from plateauing.
Change it up
Maybe you’re someone who picks a few favourite exercises and sticks with them. Or maybe you forget to change up your routine. A personal trainer will keep your fitness journey balanced and moving forward so you won't get bored and you'll achieve more success.
Optimize with nutrition
A personal trainer can teach you the skills to create positive lifestyle habits, including sleep, nutrition and a regular exercise program.
While personal training can get you started on the right foot, there is also something to be said for a little “me” time with your tunes, your thoughts, and your weights.
Here are a few reasons why hitting the gym on your own terms may work for you:
Exercise on your schedule
If you like to work out first thing in the morning, independent exercise might be the right solution. A little alone time in the gym first thing in the morning can set a positive, calm tone for the rest of your day.
Work out anywhere
When it's just you, you have the option to choose different venues for your fitness program. Depending on your GoodLife membership, you can access gyms in every province. And when you can't make it to a club, you can choose from an extensive list of On-Demand and Instagram Live workouts, or programs from the GoodLife app, to get in a sweat session at home.
Choose your favourite workout
Do you love arm days? Maybe you enjoy doing them more often than leg or ab days. When you work out on your own, you have the freedom to pick your favourite exercises or even group fitness classes, and do them as often as you like to activate those endorphins.
It’s all about you
Working out just for the sake of working out is…amazing! Solo workout sessions can offer a little escape from everyday stresses to do your fitness thing in a way that makes you feel good. This can leave you feeling invigorated and ready to take on the day.
A 'foundations first' approach to personal training is a great way to learn the ropes at the gym, or revisit your understanding of what to do and how to make the most of your workout (ask a GoodLife associate or visit our website).
If you’re ready to hit your fitness plan and see results, a personal trainer is definitely the way to go. Having an expert in your corner to check your form, suggest modifications and maximize your gym time is important.
Finding ways to workout on your own or in group fitness classes is good for flexibility and to build your own willpower, abilities and sense of accomplishment around fitness. Balancing personal training with group fitness and solo workout sessions allows you to take a fluid approach to fitness, which may be the key to your fitness success.