Getting the Most from Your Personal Trainer...

Here are 10 quick tips:

1. Communicate any injuries and/or stress levels each and every session—in advance if possible!
2. Honestly admit to what you have and have not been doing that affects your overall health and fitness.
3. If you don’t know what muscle group you are working on during a given exercise, ASK. Your program is designed with your goals and your needs in mind. Make sure you are safely getting the most out of it by focusing your efforts accordingly.
4. Recognize, acknowledge, and vocalize differences between muscle pain and joint pain.
5. Provide your trainer with feedback pre- and post-workout—did you enjoy your session? Was the intensity appropriate? Did you feel challenged?
6. Ensure that your personal trainer knows the best way to communicate—cell phone, email, etc.
7. Ask, Ask, Ask! If your trainer does not know the answer to your specific question or concern, chances are they have access to answers or can suggest a great referral.
8. Keep a record of your workouts. A great trainer wants to make you independent and accountable for your own health and fitness.
9. Invest in a heart rate monitor. Again, this is an accountability and educational tool that will help you not only get more out of your workout, but to also understand why.
10. Make a commitment to your personal training appointments and remember these appointments are for you, your health, and your overall well-being. As trainers, we succeed only as our clients find success.