Have you signed up with a personal training? You’ve finally made the commitment. And you’re all in. But should you be doing anything outside of your scheduled personal training sessions?
We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know - especially if it’s your first time participating in personal training sessions.
1. Warm Up BEFORE Your Session
Want to get the most out of each and every session? Consider arriving at the gym 20-30 minutes before. Change then warm-up for 10-15 minutes. If you’re unsure what a proper warm-up consists of, ask your personal training at your next session. Then, implement it for the following appointment. It’ll save you time and you and your trainer will be able to get down to it faster!
2. Workout Outside of Your Personal Training Sessions
Yes, a personal trainer is supposed to motivate you and hold you accountable. But if you’re only doing two sessions a week, you won’t make the progress you want. Nor will you see the results you want. If you can afford it, go ahead and book those 3-4 sessions. But if you’re like most of us, you’ll need to be committed to doing at least 2 solo sessions.
A good personal trainer will often give you homework to do. That way, they’ll hold you accountable for it. You’ll have to fess up if you haven’t done it.
3. Don’t Hinder Your Progress with Bad Nutrition
What you eat is just as important as what you do. Bad nutrition can stop you from getting any results or making any progress. Your personal trainer is likely a wealth of information and tips and tricks when it comes to good nutrition. Use that to your advantage and ask them what foods are good to help you fuel up. Learning about what you should be putting in your body on your own time isn’t a bad idea either.
4. Track Your Progress
Keep yourself on track. At every personal training session and every session you do outside of that, track it. It’ll help you see your progress, as well as help you determine where and how to further that progress.
5. Get Good Sleeps
Sleep and recovery is just as important as nutrition and fitness. Optimize your sleep. Wind down before bed by limiting screen time. Participate in a relaxing activity an hour or two before bed, such as reading, sewing, painting, a hot bath, and meditation. If you’re exhausted all the time, it may be hard to progress your training during your sessions and your own workouts. Don’t be your own worst enemy on this one!
In truth, a personal trainer can only do so much. You could have the best personal trainer in the world, but if you’re eating junk and non-nutritious foods, as well as lacking sleep and not making time for solo sessions, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Maximize your investment by doing the above items. You can and will make the progress you want. Give it time and be consistent!