Getting Fit: Do You Need a Personal Trainer?

DSCF0010 While making the proverbial “New Year’s resolution” may seem corny, the new year is traditionally a time for setting personal improvement goals, which often means toning up and improving overall fitness.

Joining a gym is easy; mustering the motivation to work out is harder. Even if you make it to the gym regularly, local fitness experts say you could be wasting your time or even harming yourself if you don’t know how to use the equipment properly.

Amy Wilson joined Anytime Fitness on Olio Road last summer with a goal to lose some weight but was seeing little progress on her own. That’s when she decided to enlist the help of personal trainer Fred David.

“Working with him has made all the difference,” says Wilson, who reports more energy and a weight loss of 35 pounds since last fall. “Before, I was coming but not really maximizing my benefit.”

In addition to teaching Wilson proper use of the machines on the circuit, David also has motivated her to eat healthier and drink more water. With a physical therapy background, David’s first goal with most clients is to improve strength and flexibility.

DSCF0016 “It’s not about the six-pack (abs) for me,” says David, whose clients range in age from 13 to 85. “It’s more about health.”

Other trainers may offer a sports training background. A former bouncer, Ian McCranor runs his own fitness and boxing center at 5160 East 65th Street. However, his clientele still consists mainly of “average Joes” trying to lose weight and tone up.

McCranor says even four to six weeks with a personal trainer can improve your workout habits tremendously.

“If you go to a gym on your own with no idea what you’re doing, you’re left up to your own devices,” McCranor explains. “You need to find out what you’re doing, and then you can do it on your own.”

When it comes to selecting a personal trainer, the process can be a bit challenging. Beyond assessing the trainer’s competence, a crucial aspect to consider is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable working. After all, if the personalities don’t align, staying motivated and keeping those appointments can become a real struggle. If you’re looking to earn your personal trainer certification and want to find out more about the process, it’s essential to make an informed decision to ensure a successful and harmonious fitness journey.

Here are a few more tips from ACE certified personal trainer Damon Clark (who works with clients at Cardinal Fitness on 96th Street):

  • Read the trainer’s profile or ask how many years of experience he/she has working with clients, particularly those with your needs or limitations.
  • Is the trainer genuinely interested in helping you? The personal trainer you select should motivate you using positive, not negative, reinforcement.
  • Can your personal trainer accommodate your schedule, and is the facility conveniently located?

According to Clark, all personal trainers should provide an initial fitness assessment, and then develop a personalized exercise program. An average reasonable rate is about $30 for a 30-minute session and $50 for a 60-minute session.

While we all wish there were a miracle pill for weight loss, those TV claims just don’t work. “It’s staying consistent and being honest that are the hardest part,” McCranor says.

A five-minute workout with no dietary change won’t give you the results you want. Unfortunately, it all goes back to hard work and dedication. A personal fitness trainer could help keep you on track.

Comments 1

  1. Dan says:

    Hey… I know Fred, we worked together at Anytime Fitness. A great trainer, good to see him getting some public recognition!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Send me your media kit!

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6486003", formId: "5ee2abaf-81d9-48a9-a10d-de06becaa6db" });