Do you think personal trainers are just for the rich and famous? Think again. While we don’t come at bargain basement rates, we can fit into many fitness budgets. And there is good reason to consider consulting one of us if you find yourself in a workout rut, are struggling to meet your health and fitness goals while working out on your own, need help with sports-specific challenges or injuries, or need the motivation and accountability. A personal trainer can make your workout more productive and challenge you in new ways. In addition, personal trainers can identify issues in your workouts that you may not see — problems such as posture and incorrect form, things you can improve to provide a more effective workout.
If you think personal fitness training is something you could benefit from, but wonder how to fit it into your budget, below are some suggestions.
BUDDY UP
Find several friends who will share workout sessions. Small group training sessions can be a fraction of what one-on-one training can cost. These groups can be as small as two or three, or as large as fifteen or twenty. (For example, I have trained groups of church members in their gym.) For more personalized attention, partner with someone who is at a similar fitness level to cut training cost in half.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Share a session with your son, daughter or other family member to save money and set a great example that fitness can be a family activity.
BUY IN BULK
With some trainers, the more you buy the lower the individual session.
HAVE A GOAL
I enjoy working with clients who have specific results in mind as long as they are realistic. Then after your goal is reached, use your trainer for just an occasional maintenance session.
TRAIN FOR A BOOST
Short or occasional training sessions can be extremely valuable if you already have a consistent fitness routine. This can renew your motivation.
JUST A TUNE-UP
I frequently work with clients on a limited basis, even once every few months, to tweak an existing routine. I will even provide a written routine to follow until the next tune-up.
SKIP THE GYM MEMBERSHIP
I have my own studio or I will work with you at your home. As a trainer, I prefer to use free weights, elastic tubing, fitness balls, and other equipment that you may have at your home rather than use the weight machines at a gym.
INVEST IN THE BEST
Ask your trainer for his/her credentials. Avoid trainers with weekend-seminar or correspondence course certifications. Some of the best certifications come from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Meet with the trainer before your first session to see if you are a good match.
By: Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.
