Five Reasons to Hire a Fitness Trainer

Trainers do a lot more than just whip wimpy actors into shape for their next action movie, and they don’t all charge $200 an hour. Consider hiring a trainer if you’re in any of the following situations:

- You’re totally out of shape (or deconditioned, as the politically correct like to say). If climbing the ropes in high school gym class was the last time you worked out, a personal trainer is a great way to bring you into the modern age. A lot has changed over the years, from the equipment to the lingo to proper stretching and strength-training techniques. A trainer can get you comfortable in your new environment and start you on a program that’s appropriate for your fitness level, so your new foray into fitness doesn’t end a week later with a trip to the orthopedist. You don’t need to sign up for life; five to ten sessions can get you up and running.

- You want to update your program. You can hire a trainer for a session or two to reevaluate your workout regimen. If you’re feeling stagnant, a new routine can give you a jump-start and ultimately improve your fitness level. (Of course, you actually have to work out for this to happen.)

- You’re training for a specific goal. Say you want to run your first 10K race, but you aren’t sure how long, how far, how often, or how hard to train. A qualified trainer can design a workout program that’ll get you to the finish line. Look for a trainer who specializes in the area you want to work on, such as losing weight, building strength, or getting fit for ski season. We know a trainer who works only with runners, designing their running schedules and appropriate strength-training and stretching routines. Many of her clients are people who want to run their first marathon without getting injured.

- You’re coming back from an injury or illness. If you have a specific condition such as lower back pain, or if you’ve just had surgery on your knee, a trainer can help you get back on your feet. Check with your doctor; she may want you to visit a physical therapist first. Still, more and more physicians are giving the okay for trainers to participate in a patient’s rehabilitation. Screen the trainer carefully, so you don’t make matters worse. A growing number of trainers specialize in conditions such as multiple sclerosis or breast cancer.

- You need motivation. If you won’t exercise unless a trainer is standing there counting your repetitions, consider the money well spent.