Just A Guy Thing

This is a guest post from Ken Hunt, Owner of Steel Gym and AFI-certified Fitness Expert. Steel Gym has been named “#1 Gym in New York” two years in a row by the American Fitness Institute

At Steel Gym we have some of the foremost independent trainers in the New York City. So, this week I thought we should talk more about personal training, what to expect from a trainer, and how to make the most of your experience.

A good trainer provides:

• Guidance on reaching your goals
• A program that will keep you motivated
• Education about strength training, cardio and basic nutrition
• A reason to show up at the gym each week
• Accountability
• Ways to help track your progress
• Motivation to go beyond your comfort level

What to Look for In a Personal Trainer

• Experience: Make sure your trainer has several years of experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you’re a bodybuilder, you will want someone knowledgeable in that area.
• A good listener: A good trainer will listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals.
• Attention: A good trainer will be focused only on you during your sessions.
• Tracking progress: A good trainer will regularly assess your progress and change things if necessary.

Here are some tips on how to find a personal trainer :

• Get a referral from a friend who’s had success in reaching their goals with a personal trainer.
• When you’re at the gym, watch trainers with their clients and see how they interact. Note the trainers who get along with their clients and seem fully involved in their workouts.

You can help your trainer do a better job by being a better client:

• Save the chit-chat for after your session.
• Give at LEAST 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
• If you have questions, write them down and bring them to your session – you’ll spend less time talking and more time working out.
• If you have a problem with your trainer, address it immediately.
• Don’t interrupt your trainer when they are with a client. Wait until after the session is over.
• Recognize that your trainer is there to guide you – but YOU still have to do the work.

Above all. It’s your money and your body…you have a right to get the results that you want.

photo credits: top pimpexposure; bottom jerryonlife