“New Year, New Me” – a slogan we often hear about on social media that promotes the idea that you need to change some things about your life.
While this concept is all psychological, human nature forces us to see this as an opportunity to change bad habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions revolves around the field of fitness; everyone wants to get in better shape, improve their strength, flexibility and mobility. You make a new plan that involves healthy eating habits and a solid exercise routine. However, everything starts to crumble once you realize it’s tougher in real life than on paper!
It might start gradually by missing a few training sessions or having an extra “cheat meal” one week, but over time, you may find yourself back to your old habits, giving up on chasing the body of your dreams.
One of the reasons why this happens relates to how our brains are wired. We are controlled by a collection of cells located in the brain known as the “nucleus accumbens”; this structure is commonly referred to as the pleasure center of the brain.
Whenever we experience something pleasant or perform a task we enjoy, the neurons in the nucleus accumbens release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
So, what does this brain science have to do with fitness?
When you first go to the gym, you start lifting weights, adding in cardio and performing different exercises, which is a great start. But, the fitness process is long and you will typically not witness any results immediately. As a result, your brain loses interest since it’s not getting that dopamine shot it needs.
As you can see, not being motivated enough to pursue your fitness goals and giving up after a few weeks is not entirely your fault, and this is one of the things that people struggle with the most. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent this from happening!
Out of all the tips you read online, there is nothing more effective than working with a personal trainer. How do you think Hollywood stars like Christian Bale and Chris Hemsworth modified their weight (both up and down!) multiple times for their acting roles?
In short, there are limitless benefits to hiring a personal trainer, and in this article, we will cover 7 of the most important ones.
The top 7 benefits of working with a personal trainer
1) Initial evaluation of your goals and needs
This step is crucial! Assessing your initial status and planning ahead for your short-term and long-term goals is incredibly valuable.
One common mistake that beginners make is setting the bar too high.
Managing your expectations could mean the difference between achieving your goals and quitting after your first few sessions.
Your personal trainer will also assess your strengths and weaknesses, your body type, what you need to improve, and how to turn all this information into a practical plan.
2) A plan just for you!
Exercise plans are not “a one size-fit all” kind of thing. On the contrary, each individual needs a personalized plan that takes into consideration that person’s strengths, weaknesses, and ultimate goals.
While it’s true that an increase and consistent approach to physical activity will give you some results regardless, working with a personalized fitness plan will help you reach results faster. This also ensures that you will be motivated enough to keep going.
Multiple published studies support this idea and suggest that the efficacy of a personalized plan is the way to go!
3) Constant guidance along the way
As you proceed in your fitness journey, you will face many obstacles that may seem impossible to cross; you might get injured, experience fatigue, or feel overwhelmed.
The job of your personal trainer is to get you through these difficult moments by providing guidance and tips on how to perform certain exercises, what to do if you get injured, and how to speed up the recovery time.
Additionally, the presence of someone who’s ready to help you whenever necessary is reassuring. You can also ask questions about the training you’re doing, whether you are performing the exercises in the correct form, and how to improve personal problems such as having chronic lower back pain and arched back via training.
4) Motivation
Motivation is one of the biggest challenges when starting a new fitness program. One day you feel like the Hulk and that you are capable of doing anything, and the next day you don’t feel like going to the gym at all.
This inconsistency is destructive and stands in the way of achieving your fitness goals. As we explained in our neuroscience “mini-course” in the introduction, the brain quickly loses interest in activities that do not give it the dopamine shot it needs.
A personal trainer will keep motivating you when you don’t feel like exercising. They will also give you tips on how to stay focused on the big picture while appreciating the smaller progress you make.
Along with the other benefits, getting constantly motivated by your trainer will get you to the finish line much quicker and with the highest efficiency possible.
5) Accountability
While motivational speeches work well, we also need some accountability to keep us going. Working out with a personal trainer will keep you in check. You will avoid cheating during exercises, as well as when eating your meals.
Knowing that someone will evaluate the progress you are making will push you to work twice as hard, and if you don’t believe me, just ask those Hollywood stars who transformed their bodies in crazy ways!
Accountability is the key to success.
6) Proper adjustment to your routine
What’s worse than skipping a training session is performing the exercises with the wrong form! Additionally, after some time has passed, your muscles adapt and a particular exercise might not be effective anymore. Plus, as you make progress you will likely need to switch to a more intense routine. One of the things we see quite often are clients that have been working out in a way that’s constantly causing them to get injured without even realizing it.
Unfortunately, in all these scenarios, most of us will just keep doing what we are used to, and we do not possess the expertise or the knowledge to assess our situation and adapt. This is where a great personal trainer will intervene. By adjusting your routine, your trainer will optimize every training session, so that you get the best out of each exercise.
7) Getting results
Applying all the steps above, your personal trainer will make sure that you achieve all your fitness goals in a timely manner. If you’re not making progress with your trainer, it’s time to find a new one!
Following a certified personal trainer’s plan will help you to achieve your short-term fitness goals. These early successes will serve as motivational pushes to stay on track, and once the ball starts rolling, there is no going back!
Personal Training in Vancouver
There are many personal training programs out there, each making lots of promises and claims. Some trainers or programs even push you to buy supplements and products with questionable efficacy.
As a shameless plug, our team here at Function Yaletown has been offering personal training in Vancouver for almost a decade, and our Port Coquitlam location offers CrossFit, Olympic Lifting and personal health programs. We firmly believe that we offer one of the best programs out there (and pleased that our many reviews agree!).
With our teams, you will be working with top-notch personal trainers who will provide you will all the support and guidance you need to achieve your fitness goals. Chasing after your “dream body” can be challenging, and we want to make your journey easier.
So, if you want to get your own personal trainer in Vancouver or learn more about how to kickstart a new chapter in your fitness journey, contact us for a no-risk, no pressure free consult!
Conclusion
The journey to achieve the body of your dreams is a lifetime process rather than a short-term commitment. This journey will be difficult, challenging, full of obstacles, but absolutely worth it.
If you have ever had an experience with a personal trainer (positive or negative), feel free to share your story with us. We will be pleased to read it!
