While personal training is great for getting you out of bed for an early morning training session, there are limits to how much your trainer can motivate you. At the end of the day it does come down to you! Letting your personal trainer know your targets is crucial if you are going to meet your fitness targets, otherwise you may be wasting their time and your money. The Natural Therapy Pages talked to Matt Gooch of Perth-based Fit 2 Be Personal Training Studio, for his insights on getting the most out of your personal trainer.
What are most of your clients looking for when they come to you?
"Initially most of my clients are after weight loss, with an increase in energy levels and fitness close behind."
In your opinion what makes a great personal trainer?
"Great trainers are experienced, motivating, caring people who have the ability to change and modify a client's program according to their fitness goals."
How do you motivate your clients?
"Motivation can be the key, the client must believe they can achieve their goals; therefore it is very important to set realistic short term goals. When they reach a goal it is very satisfying and helps them stay on track. A trainer must also provide variety and setting new exercise challenges gives the program a competitive edge."
Can you give an example of some health and fitness goals?
"Goals to try and achieve can be overall like dropping a dress size or losing a certain amount of kilos or they can be specific such as completing a group of exercises correctly in a set time period. Both types are important to set and achieve for long term fitness and health."
How important is stretching and warming up prior to and after exercise?
"Stretching before and after a workout is vital to prevent injuries and soreness. A good warm up sets up the session well and should always be done."
From a trainer's perspective, what group size is ideal?
"Group training is perfect for some people for many reasons. There are the social benefits, the motivation aspect and most say its lots of fun to train with a group. Ideally 8-10 is a good number in a group depending on the location."
How long do your sessions last for?
"At fit2be we have personal training sessions that go for 40 minutes while our group sessions last 1 hour."
What would a typical session consist of?
"The session will be tailored to each individual's health and fitness level and always starts off at a low intensity and builds up as they improve their strength and lung capacity. A combination of aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, rowing and the stationary bike are coupled with strength training exercises for an overall healthier you."
What other health advice do you give to your clients?
"Health and fitness is not easy to achieve, it takes time and dedication but it can be easier to fulfil your goals if you have likeminded people around you. That could be a trainer or friends in a group session. The hardest part is starting - once you're off and running it's easier to keep going and a personal trainer is here to get you on the right path to success."
Originally published on Jul 15, 2010
