A new gym equals unchartered territory. It means stripping yourself of what you already know and letting your guard down and putting your body into the hands of another set of weights, or better yet, a personal trainer.
Using a personal trainer, whether it's for one session, one month, or one year, is one of the best things that anyone can do for him or herself because it allows the focus to be on you. It's wonderful to learn what your body needs and what exercises your body reacts to through someone who has immense knowledge of fitness, nutrition and health. It's a personal cheerleader who wants you to succeed, whether you're just looking for a good workout or working towards a certain goal.
I met with Cristian Frincu of Results Personal Training to get a feel for what I had been missing all the years I worked out alone in an overly capacitated fitness facility. I knew that my body would be the focus for the next 60 minutes and I was ready to put myself to the test.
Not only was my trainer knowledgeable in fitness and nutrition, but he also had wonderful tips on the benefits of having a personal training and how one can get the same amazing workout at their local gym, with or without the help.
Call Ahead
Some personal training facilities offer a free introductory first session, which should be taken advantage of. If you find a gym that does this, which is rare, jump squat your way in. There's no pressure to buy any fancy package and you won't feel tied down to something you're not sure of yet.Know Your Goals
If you just want to get a good workout or if you have a goal of losing a substantial amount of weight, make it evident what you're there for. Telling your trainer your goals helps him/her to focus on what would be best for you in order to help achieve your goal.Eat Clean and Often
Cristian suggests eating five to six small meals a day and cutting out all processed carbohydrates and replacing them with complex carbohydrates, such a whole grains, brown rice and oatmeal. A clean, healthy and balanced diet is key in being successful in your weight loss journey or your journey back to a healthy lifestyle. Each meal should be packed with protein and it's necessary to not skip meals, which slows down your metabolism and your body will then go into starvation mode.Stay Motivated
Whether you plan on sticking with a trainer for a while or feel as if you can take what you learned and go with it elsewhere, staying motivated is what makes the difference. Cristian sees people come and go, but most return because they can't motivate themselves. If you can't afford a full time personal trainer, take what you learned during your time with one and apply it at the gym, or at home, and keep it going. Once working out becomes a routine it will become easier to maintain. Treat it like a job, as if it's something that is necessary for you to do, because it is, and your health is the most important thing in life.- 1
- of
- 2
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article