It is no secret that healthy, energetic people tend to be able to tackle business challenges flying at them from all directions while feeling less stress than those who are run down.
Yet, “When time is tight, it is tempting to cut back on your fitness commitment,” says Niki Aron (right), a TRX trainer and personal coach at The National Squash Academy in Downsview, ON.
Surprisingly, Aron says that, “Even in good times, only approximately 20% of the normal population exercises enough to enjoy significant health benefits.”
That percentage drops significantly in times of an increasing work burden when people need to build up their resistance to stress and the growing threat of flu. Working with a trainer gives you that extra motivation to show up for a workout and for many people, is money well-spent.
Here are ten ways to get the most from your investment in your personal trainer:
- Choose a trainer who is experienced and accredited
- Interview your trainer before you make a decision and learn their reasons for becoming trainers
- Encourage your trainer to consult with other health professionals with whom you work (such as your naturopath or GP) when designing your fitness programme
- Tell your trainer should you feel your programme is too stringent (or too light) as you progress
- Respect your trainer’s time. Do not cancel workouts at the last minute unless absolutely necessary. Be punctual. He or she is running a business and needs you to be predictable. You should expect the same
- Do not haggle if your trainer has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Time is money for your trainer, is it is for you
- Ask the trainer to outline the benefits of each part of the program and to explain changes in the program
- Trust your trainer to be the best judge of how quickly or slowly to progress toward your goals
- Give your trainer referrals. Fewer gestures are as important to any service professional. As well as knowing you have complete confidence in their skills, they will appreciate the business
- “Accept the fact that what you gain from a fitness programme really depends on you and your commitment’” says Aron.
