Getting the most out of your fitness trainer

A personal trainer can be a great way to get in shape with a program that’s right for you.
Elly Barangi, a fitness expert, says: “When clients do not realise their intended goals, we are the first people they blame. We are asked why, for example, the flabby arms have not yielded to the gruelling workouts.”

He adds that he understands that many clients know that when they walk into the gym, they expect to have something to show for their time there, which is okay. However, the client also has a role to play.

Learning relationship
“One way to benefit from your time with your fitness instructor is to establish a learning relationship. While I am teaching you how to get fit and healthier, you also need to learn how your body works,” he advises.

“What happens thereafter? There will be a standstill and you will relapse, hence losing all you had gained. But things will be a whole lot better if you take responsibility for your fitness,” he says.

Mindset
Picking from developing a relationship, Robert Ddamulira, a fitness instructor, urges clients to look at their instructor as a resource. “See them as someone you can rely on to learn or give clarity where you feel confused. You can also go to them for a refresher when you feel the old techniques are getting stale,” he says.

With such a mind-set, you will do things for yourself and only get back to your instructor for accountability and learning while motivation comes from your need to get fit. Ddamulira adds that such will keep you going even when your instructor is away.

Become responsible
Barangi says there is gratification when his clients get to a point when they are better than him. “I know they have not only learned but can also take care of their body without my supervision. I am not worried that a month down the road, they will have relapsed. Then, I can pat myself on the back,” he says.

However, that only happens when the client plays their part.

Clarity of goals
The client must be clear about what they want to achieve. “Begin by writing these out on your first gym session. Then ensure that you go over them with your trainer to see if they are achievable in the set timeframe,” Ddamulira says, adding that this allows for accountability.

Taking care of your body
While some may want to show commitment by hitting the gym for long hours, Barangi advises clients to take care of their bodies.

“Start slowly to avoid stretching the body beyond its abilities and then get plenty of sleep to allow it to repair after every workout. That is coupled with eating a balanced diet and having a warm-up before any workout,” he says, adding that all these prepare your body for what is ahead and gives the trainer ample time to work with you without having to deal with fatalities that come with lack of preparation,” he says.

Show interest to learn
The instructors unanimously agree that while they have a lot up their sleeves, they can only share as much as the client can take or asks for.

Therefore, you have to make it a point, seeing that you have a few hours or days with them to ask as much as you can. That way you achieve your goals and have confidence to stand even when away from the gym.

A good trainer can:

•Push you a little harder: It is easy to slack off when you are by yourself, but having someone there to challenge you may make a difference in the scale.

•Examine your goals: He or she can also help you figure out if your goals are realistic.

•Hold you accountable: He or she might work with you to set weekly goals and check in on a regular basis to see how you’re doing.

•Help you stay motivated to exercise: Knowing you have an appointment with a pro can help you stay on track during the week.