Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Training
Why do I need a personal trainer?
Wow, that is a dense question. Here is a list of the top 10 reasons to hire a personal trainer:
1. You're Not Seeing Results
If you've been exercising consistently for several weeks, months, or even years and are not seeing the changes you would like, hiring a trainer may be a good choice. A trainer can look at your current program and eating habits and help you see where you could make changes to create more effective workouts. A trainer can also help you determine if the goals you've set are realistic for you.
2. You Don't Know Where to Start
Knowing how to set up a balanced schedule that includes all the activities you need to do can be confusing. The great thing about a trainer is that he can help you maximize your time while helping you stay within your own limits so you don't overdo it. He/she can also help you set goals and map out a specific schedule so you know when, how and where to fit in your workouts.
3. You're Bored with the Same Old Workouts
If you are an experienced gym athlete, maybe you have not considered working with a trainer. But it can be a great choice if you need some variety in your workouts. A trainer can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to challenge both your body and your mind. Even if you just do a few sessions or meet every few weeks, you'll find it refreshing to have new workouts and new exercise toys to play with.
4. You Need to Be Challenged
If you're like me, you tend to give up on the third set or choose "easier" exercises, especially when things get tough. A trainer can motivate you to push past those self-imposed limits, encouraging you to lift heavier, go longer and challenge yourself more than you would on your own. You would be surprised what you are capable of when you have a trained professional observing and tracking your physical limits.
5. You Want to Learn How to Exercise on your Own
Even if your goal is to create your own workouts and exercise by yourself, hiring a trainer for a few sessions can be a great benefit for learning the right way to exercise. This is especially true if you want to learn more about the muscles in your body, the exercises that target those muscles and how to do those exercises with great form. If anything you will expand your "exercise vocabulary."
6. You Need Accountability and Motivation
Trainers come with built-in motivation. You are investing time and energy in a goal and there's nothing like a standing appointment to keep you consistent. Even for your non-appointment days you will make an effort to show up to prove to yourself and your trainer that you are working hard.
7. You Have a Specific Illness, Injury or Condition
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for an illness, injury or condition, but the right steps must be taken. If you have any specific issues like arthritis, heart disease, old injuries, etc., working with an experienced trainer (in cooperation with your doctor) can help you find a program to help heal injuries and avoid any further problems. It is also a great idea to work with a trainer if you are pregnant and want a safe, effective workout to keep you fit and make your recovery easier. Just make sure your trainer is qualified to advise you!
8. You are Training for a Sport or Event
If you are training for the Seattle Marathon, the Seattle-to-Portland Classic, or any other performance based goal, an experienced fitness trainer can give you the right tools to perform at your desired level without hurting yourself in the process. He/she can also create a training program and map out a plan for the coming event. Just ask us which trainer would best suit your needs.
9. You Want Supervision and Support During Workouts
Do you ever try an exercise you saw someone else doing and it just doesn't feel right? Performing exercise with the correct technique is the first priority and having someone watching will keep you in line. I've been weight lifting for twenty years and even I need to be corrected. Maybe you are an experienced lifter and you want to go into a heavy phase. Having a personal trainer to spot you will not only get you accelerated results, but allow you to do it safely.
10. You don't have the time to work out
Everyone has time to work out. What that really means is that you don't know how to exercise in a time efficient way. A personal trainer can help you understand how to fit efficient workouts into your busy schedule that get you the results you are looking for. Four hours a week can be enough if you are making healthy choices in the rest of your life.
How do I know my trainer is qualified?
Here at American Athlete we require our trainers to be certified through at least one of three organizations. Those are the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These are the three organizations we believe to have the highest standards in accreditation and continuing education. Fitness is an ever changing industry and one must stay up on current knowledge.
Can I talk to a trainer with out paying for an entire hour?
Yes. We offer an hour consultation included in every membership and a half hour every month you remain a member. The main purpose of these sessions is to keep you on track and make sure you are getting the results that you want. It is also a great way for you to "interview" a trainer to find out if he/she is a good fit for you.
How do the packages work?
We sell personal training by the hour and in custom packages based off of your need. During that consultation the trainer conducts a needs analysis and helps you set goals. Based off of that he/she will make a recommendation on how much time is needed to reach your goal. We find this approach is the most successful and it gives the highest level of service.
