Kickstart Your Fitness Journey: A Beginner's Guide to Personal Training
Sometimes just beginning a journey is the hardest part. Taking that first step into the unknown to change your life can be scary, which is why, at Western, we try to foster an environment of education, support, and results for people at every level of fitness, no matter their goals. When you're just starting out on your fitness journey, it can be hard to know where to start.
Whether you're a complete fitness novice or someone who has tried and struggled before, we recommend working with a personal trainer to learn, stay on track, and start reaching your goals. Discover the power of personalized workouts, expert guidance, and the transformational impact of having someone in your corner helping you succeed!
Why personal training can be a game changer for beginners
Customized workouts that never get boring
One of the significant advantages of personal training is the ability to customize workouts based on your individual needs and goals. Personal trainers at Western have a wide variety of specialties and clients of various fitness levels that they work with every week. They have the knowledge and experience to put together the ideal workouts for your body and your goals. Here's how personal trainers accomplish this:
1. Assessing Your Starting Point
If you're a newer member at Western, you've likely already received your Fitness Assessment upon joining. The Fitness Consultation takes you through a comprehensive assessment of your fitness level, taking into account factors such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. You'll also receive a full body analysis with the state-of-the-art Styku 3D body scan machine. This assessment helps your trainer create a baseline and understand where to start with your training. If you haven't received a Fitness Assessment but would like to, email our Fitness Consultant, Ryan Kostroski, at ryan.kostroski@westernracquet.com.
2. Goal Setting
Personal trainers work closely with you to establish realistic and attainable goals. We have clients from all walks of life come through our doors, so if you have a goal, it's likely we've helped someone before you achieve it! Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or simply want to move better during your daily life, our trainers will tailor your workout plan accordingly.
3. Progression and Adaptation
As you progress, personal trainers adjust your workouts to ensure continuous improvement. They introduce new exercises, increase the intensity gradually, and challenge you to push beyond your comfort zone, preventing plateaus and keeping you engaged. The personal trainers at Western truly love getting creative with your fitness plan and will utilize every tool at their disposal to help you reach your goals and not get bored (inside and outside of Western!).
Learn proper technique from the get-go
When you're a fitness newbie, it's extra important to learn proper form and technique to avoid injuries that might hinder your progress and ensure you are engaging the targeted muscles effectively. Western personal trainers prioritize proper form, technique, and injury prevention for all their clients and will always help correct form to maximize your workout's benefits. By instilling proper form and technique from the beginning, you can more easily develop long-term habits that will benefit you beyond the initial stages of your fitness journey. These habits lay a solid foundation for sustainable progress and injury-free workouts.
Get built-in motivation and accountability
Starting any fitness journey can be hard. It takes time for our bodies to get used to any new kind of physical activity, and it can be a challenge to push past roadblocks and stick to a new fitness routine. When you work with a personal trainer, you have a built-in cheerleader ready to hold you accountable and cheer you on so that you stay on track to success.
Your personal trainer will help you establish specific, measurable goals that truly resonate with you. They'll remind you of your "why" when things get tough and celebrate your victories, big and small. They'll also help you mix up your routine so you never get bored and explore new things like fitness classes, outdoor activities, and new exercises. Lastly, they'll be your fitness buddy! Yes, sometimes our personal trainers like to join in on the workout too! Having someone to share your workout can boost motivation and make the process that much more enjoyable.
How to find the right personal trainer
There are three essential factors to consider when selecting a personal trainer:
1. Qualifications and Certifications
Look for personal trainers who hold certifications from reputable organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These certifications ensure that the trainer has undergone proper training and possesses the knowledge to guide you effectively. Every trainer at Western is certified by a reputable organization. Many of the trainers at Western also pursue continuing education opportunities and additional certifications in specialties they are passionate about.
2. Experience and Expertise
Consider the trainer's experience working with beginners and individuals with similar goals as yours. A trainer with a track record of helping clients achieve their desired outcomes can provide valuable insights and support. If you have specific needs or preferences, look for a trainer with additional knowledge in specialty areas like pre- and post-natal exercise, kettlebell training, nutrition coaching, bodybuilding, athletic conditioning, mobility, or pain management. At Western, we get to know you first so we can match you with the ideal personal training for your specific needs.
3. Communication and Compatibility
Of course, you want your personal trainer to be an expert at all things fitness, but you want to like them too! Finding a personal trainer who you can connect with on a personal level can make the training experience even more fun. Effective communication is crucial for a successful trainer-client relationship. Find a trainer who listens to your needs, understands your preferences, and communicates clearly. Compatibility in terms of personality and communication style can foster a positive and productive training environment.
What does a beginner personal training session look like?
We all like to have reassurance that we know what we're getting ourselves into when we try something new, so it's no surprise personal trainers often get asked what a training session for a beginner is like. The honest answer? It all depends on you! Every client is different, and at Western, our personal trainers customize each session specifically for their client so no two clients will be doing the same workout.
If it's your very first session with your trainer, you will likely go over some of your goals and any important considerations again before you begin. The trainer will take care to explain everything you'll be doing and make sure you feel comfortable and are having fun.
It's okay to feel nervous before your first session with a personal trainer, but remember that they are here to help you and want to see you succeed just as much as you do. Don't forget to come prepared in proper workout attire that you feel comfortable in, and bring a water bottle!
Is a single personal training session worth it for a beginner?
If you're new to working out, you may wonder if a single personal training session is worth the cost. The answer is: probably not.
If you're just starting out, a single personal training session can be a great way to learn proper form and technique and can help anyone who is uncertain about committing to a full training program get a taste of what it's like, but beyond that, you'll need more time with a trainer if you want to see progress toward your goals.
Personal training is an investment in your health and fitness, and it takes time to see results. Long-term fitness goals take time to achieve. Personal training is a journey that involves progressive training plans, consistent guidance, and ongoing support. To maximize the benefits and see substantial progress, working with a personal trainer over an extended period is recommended. This allows for the development of a tailored program, accountability, and the adjustment of exercises as you progress. Ultimately, while a single personal training session can offer valuable insights, it is the cumulative effect of multiple sessions that paves the way to achieving lasting fitness goals.
Ready to start reaching your goals?
Embarking on a fitness journey as a beginner can be both exciting and challenging. By working with a personal trainer at Western, you can kickstart your fitness journey with confidence and set yourself up for long-term success.
Remember, investing in your health is invaluable, and the guidance of a personal trainer can make a significant difference in your journey. If you're ready to take that first step, partner with a personal trainer at Western and unlock your full potential as you embark on an empowering fitness journey.
Visit Western's personal training page to learn more about our training program, read about our trainers, and get matched with the right personal trainer for you.
