In our latest personal training article Florent Rivault, Wellbeing Manager at Aspria Royal La Rasante, explains the benefits of personal trainers.
Whether you are seeking a new training style, hesitating to take on a different fitness challenge, or if you simply need to re-evaluate your workout routine for better results, a personal trainer (PT) can help, Florent Rivault, Wellbeing Manager at Aspria Royal La Rasante, tells Together. In this article, she shares some of the reasons why and offers useful tips to help you on your way.
When you are starting out
It can be daunting to start working out on your own, and to step on to the gym floor, if this is something new. To ensure you keep going and to gain self-confidence quickly, having one-to-one sessions with an expert is a good solution. Far from being the intimidating experience some may imagine, having a personal trainer to guide you is not about brutal exercising, but about finding a careful, tailored approach.
As a first step, PTs can direct you in setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) fitness goals, and creating a gradual, bespoke training programme that considers all your concerns. They also introduce you to the most effective workout options, explaining which gym equipment, weight-lifting or bodyweight exercises you should mix for optimal results, saving you time you would otherwise spend either researching or trying different training styles.
When you have injuries or special conditions
Personal training is particularly useful when you need that extra care in identifying safe workout options to take account of a specific physical sensitivity or an old injury. PTs can support with “re-athletisation” processes, merging personal training with physio elements for a successful post-injury rehabilitation. This focuses heavily on balance and stability exercises and the neuromuscular impact of your training. If, on the other hand, you have had a long break from training and are concerned about potential injuries when resuming your sporting activity, a PT can help you alternate between strength training, cardio and mobility exercises to ease your way back into your chosen sport, all the while ensuring that you apply the correct form and techniques and do not over-train certain muscle groups.
When you cannot see results
Whether you are looking to lose a little excess weight, or are aiming for a full body transformation, the truth is that reaching a fitness goal takes time and commitment. On many occasions, we can become impatient and demotivated when we do not see quick results. The answer however is not to quit, but to find extra support. A PT can help by managing expectations and by providing extra accountability – making it harder to skip your workouts when your motivation levels are low.
In addition, workout sessions are more fun and engaging with a personal trainer by your side. The whole point is to enjoy yourself as you become stronger and more confident, and to celebrate each little victory. And as you progress, and develop the necessary strength and stamina, your PT can adapt your training programme, so that you never get bored. A PT session is also an opportunity to push your boundaries, finding new ways to boost your performance by incorporating elements from pilates, boxing or yoga into your routine. Your trainer can further inspire you to try useful sporting activities or classes you never considered before for that extra variety.
When you have a specific sports goal
A challenge can range from the marathon you just signed up for to the upcoming ski season, or perhaps just an adventurous hike up a mountain. Whatever the case, a PT’s phased and personalised training plan, based on your current fitness level and the time you have to prepare, is your best chance to successfully prepare physically as well as mentally.
When you want a healthy, holistic approach
Reaching and maintaining your desired fitness level should not only be a matter of training. To benefit from long-term results and feel better, stronger and healthier in the process, you also need to follow a holistic approach. And that is where personal training can be most helpful. Exercising is complemented by nutrition advice and the all-important post-workout recovery recommendations (including sauna, cryotherapy or massages). And as current lifestyles are increasingly affected by an unhealthy work-life balance, and in more and more cases by burn-out and anxiety, PT sessions can also support in terms of stress management, mental health and even sleep.
How to choose the right PT
In addition to checking the trainer’s profile to see if their qualifications are relevant to your needs, Florent recommends that you take time to notice how the PTs interact with existing clients on the gym floor. This helps you check if you would be comfortable with their communication style.
What to expect from the first session
This one-hour appointment is the chance for the PT to get to know you, explore your background and current lifestyle via a simple questionnaire, and to determine your fitness level by assessing your body composition, mobility and cardio levels. Following this consultation, the trainer will propose an initial bespoke training plan based on your profile.
Having the right connection with your PT is paramount. So this first session is also about checking your compatibility, and if you are comfortable with your choice of trainer.
All Aspria PTs are highly qualified specialists in fitness, sports and rehabilitation. They offer personal training packages from a one-off session to series of five, ten and even 20 classes. Sessions normally last one hour, but 30-minute classes are also possible – the perfect solution if you are struggling to find time in your daily schedule. www.aspria.com programme that considers all your concerns.
