Personal Trainer Myths You Should Be Aware Of
If you’ve ever thought about recruiting a personal trainer, you know that they can be on the pricier end of the service spectrum. Many personal trainers tend to charge hundreds of dollars per hour, which can prove to be a costly pursuit if you’re in need of one. That’s why it’s important for us to vet and seek the best help we can get at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, not all personal trainers are equally skilled at helping you achieving your goals.
As someone who was certified by N.A.S.M, I’ve seen it all. That’s why I’m here to bust some personal training myths that you really should be aware of before pursuing one.
Myth #1: They’re all experienced
One thing I noticed right away when getting certified is that you don’t have to be experienced with fitness, nutrition, or what have you in order to get certified. Many of the programs that allow you to get certified are 2-3 month courses capped off with an exam. Once the process is complete, you’re certified. Not only this, but some courses even allow you to get certified over a 3-day weekend. Given these short timeframes, it’s reasonable to believe that not all personal trainers are experienced with the craft.
Myth #2: If they’re fit, they know what they’re talking about
When I first started my fitness journey, I had a preconceived notion that if someone was fit, they had all the knowledge necessary to help get me there. Though this may be the case for some, it certainly isn’t the case for all. Being fit has to do with a combination of variables, including genetics, time spent training, drug use, and more. Many personal trainers in the industry are guilty of utilizing anabolic and androgenic steroids in order to enhance their appearance, and in turn, make themselves more marketable. That said, it doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you and your goals. An effective personal trainer will be able to analyze your goals based on your health, fitness, and overall history of activity.
Myth #3: The price is justified
Just because personal training is listed on the pricier side, doesn’t mean you should be paying for premium. It is your duty to decide if the personal trainer is worth the price they are claiming they should be paid. You can do so by comparing their services with others and the fitness packages they offer. Don’t be afraid to negotiate in terms of pricing. Be clear about your goals and make sure the plan they propose for you is realistic given your circumstances. A little bit of additional research can go a long way in sparing your wallets the massive hit.
Overall, having a personal trainer can be exceptionally beneficial if you are in need of some guidance. Just know that not all personal trainers are equally effective, and be aware of what makes for a solid personal trainer. I highly recommend observing more than one personal trainer and comparing them based on what you think is best for you. Do you have any experience hiring a personal trainer? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below!