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At the beginning of training, many decide what is better – to contact a coach or to practice on their own? Everyone can train on their own, but most people do not know how to choose simulators and exercises, cannot repeat them correctly, which means they risk injury. A personal trainer will draw up a training program, show the exercises and control your technique, which will help you avoid injuries and achieve results.
Forms of work with a personal trainer
There are various formats for working with a personal trainer: individual lessons, training for two, small group lessons. In addition, classes with a trainer can take place both 3 times a week and 1-2 times, and the rest of the days are independent.
In recent years, online coach services have been gaining popularity. This option is suitable for experienced people, since you will have to work on the program yourself, and the equipment is controlled through video recordings (calorizator). Plus online services in their lower cost, the opportunity to get acquainted with the activities of the trainer and with the reviews of his clients. Remember that the professionalism requirements for an online trainer are the same as in the gym.
Criteria for choosing a personal trainer
It is difficult for a layman to understand whether a professional is in front of him or not. In many fitness clubs, trainers are recommended by the administrator, or their portraits with all the regalia hang right in the lobby. How well a coach suits you can only be determined during training.
The professional always starts the lesson by clarifying the client’s goals and conducting a preliminary assessment of his physical condition. Then he gives an introductory briefing to the client about the safety and behavior rules in the gym, shows how to use strength and cardiovascular equipment, demonstrates the exercise technique and verifies its implementation.
A qualified coach must:
- Ask about your well-being, training experience, health restrictions;
- Discuss long-term and short-term training goals with you, draw up an approximate plan to achieve them;
- Monitor the achievement of goals;
- Draw up a training program;
- Before starting the exercise, prepare the necessary equipment;
- Teach to use simulators;
- Show and explain each exercise;
- Control how you perform the exercise;
- Make changes to the training program.
A professional will not anticipate your goals, give you an unbearable load, be distracted during personal training and distract you with empty talk “about life”, sell sports nutrition or make rash promises. This is what non-professionals do. A real trainer (calorizer) will teach you independence, give you knowledge about the training process and help develop the skill of safe training, so that later you can competently train yourself.
A personal trainer is not always a nutritionist. It’s good if he received additional education. If he does not have such an education, then he has no right to make up your diet, but can only limit himself to simple recommendations.
How long to train with a coach?
All people are different. Someone needs an introductory briefing to get comfortable in the gym, while someone needs a mentor. For most people, 2-3 months of regular training with a personal trainer is enough. During this time, you can learn how to perform basic exercises, understand exercises for different muscle groups and training components. You will not learn how to design training programs, but you will acquire valuable skills that will allow you to improve your results.
Another important tip, if you are choosing a trainer in your gym, then do not rush to buy the entire package of personal training. Pay for one workout to make sure you are a professional. If you are looking for a coach online, then make sure of his professionalism by reading customer reviews and publications on the network. Whichever option you choose, only 50% of success depends on the coach, the remaining 50% depends on you, your motivation and adherence to the recommendations.