So you’ve finally decided to go to the gym. You have all the motivation in the world, all the best intentions, so stick with it and give your best to this training! iPod, check it out! Gym membership, check it out! Water bottle, check it out!

A few weeks go by and you are going strong, you may have even lost a few pounds! About 2 months later, things seemed to have stopped abruptly … The weight is not coming down that fast and you suddenly get bored with the same routine that you have been following for the last 2 (or more) months. What to do, you may ask? Why hire a coach?

It seems simple, but for some it is a scary decision. In fact, as someone who has been in the industry for over 12 years, I find it amazing that so many athletes are afraid to take the step of incorporating a fitness professional into their daily routine. Many people decide to hire a coach later rather than right away. However, it’s better to start off on the right foot, when motivation is strong, than if you had to wait while you figure it out on your own (and possibly lose the urge to want to continue your routine).

Sometimes athletes – newcomers and those who have been doing it for years – don’t always realize the benefits of working with a trained professional. So, let’s go over those benefits, shall we?

1. Hiring a trainer at the START of your exercise routine is the best time! I have had conversations with several gym goers who think they can start on their own and be fine. But what most people don’t realize is that their perception of HOW TO EXERCISE is a little off. They think that doing cardio for hours on end will help them lose the most weight, or that committing suicide on a treadmill is the most effective way to magically melt body fat. Worse still, many people (especially women) don’t realize the importance of weight training in a weight loss program. Some people neglect this part or don’t train properly to see the most dramatic changes. Working with a personal trainer at the beginning of your fitness program can help clear up any confusion about what is the most (and least) effective way to train for real results.
2. Hiring a trainer can help you learn how to train with weights effectively to get the results you expect! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, EXERCISE IS A SCIENCE. And that is why there are so many studying this science day after day, and year after year, earning degrees and certifications to help the general public discover how to apply this science to everyday life. When most people train with weights, they end up doing the traditional type of exercises that primarily focus on hypertrophy (or building mass). Many gym goers get their information from fitness magazines or other members, which can be good sources, however they are NOT the best sources. To promote major changes in body composition (building muscle while losing as much body fat as possible), a program consisting of compound or multi-joint exercises should be considered. Anything that makes your body move as a single unit while fighting the forces of gravity is absolutely for the best. Therefore, exercises like Squat Row or Lunge to Overhead Press will produce a higher calorie burn AND a big metabolic boost. Pairing several exercises, like the ones mentioned, to do a complete circuit is even better. This type of workout will keep your heart rate high and calorie burning. You will see more significant changes in the shortest possible time.
3. Hiring a coach can keep you motivated! It goes without saying that having someone to guide and support you while you exercise is a great booster and energizer for your ego. A great coach is someone who can keep you active even on those days when you feel like you can’t muster the energy to start your training. A great coach knows your body and always has your goals in mind, so you can be sure that when you step foot in the gym, you are on your way to fitness success.
4. Hiring a coach gives you a sense of responsibility! You’ve made an appointment, you’ve made a commitment to yourself, you’ve included someone else in the equation … Plus, you’ve PAID for the service. Therefore, you have to show up and give it your all. For many, a set appointment time is the only thing that really keeps them going to the gym or working out. If you have to do it 2-3 times a week, on a schedule, changes will appear!
5. Hiring a coach can guarantee real results! Again, it’s about knowing exactly what you need to do to see the results you want. Putting this responsibility in the hands of someone who has the answers on how to get you there is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It takes 4-6 weeks to see some real changes in the body, you can do it the right way and see these changes sooner, or in your own way and risk not seeing them at all.

There are many other reasons why a coach is the best option, short term or long term. Even if you only considered one for a month to start (or restart) your fitness plan, your coach may be the key to unlocking your path to the body of your dreams. In our next discussion, we will discuss how to choose the right trainer for YOU.