Healthy Living

The Perks of Personal Training

05 January 2016 - by Nicole Meredith
For many, a New Year means embarking on a new fitness regime, health challenge, or bucketlist goal like running a 10k. But if you want to succeed and ensure your efforts pay off, you need a sustainable action plan. A personal trainer is just one way to get started on the right foot.

Never had a trainer before? Fear not — here’s what you need to know:

1. Make sure your personal trainer is qualified.

There are many levels and types of certifications a trainer should have in order to ensure the advice they're giving is safe. CanFit Pro and YMCA Personal Training Certifications are both widely recognized in the industry as reputable training programs. In addition, educational degrees will let you know the trainer has invested in their own personal development and is dedicated to staying current on the fundamentals of exercise science.

2. Make sure the program is tailored just for you.

No two people are the same, so why should their workouts be? Ensure your personal trainer recognizes that you have unique strengths, preferences, and goals. They should develop customized exercise routines designed to meet your individual needs, and a plan that will allow you to achieving your goals by a specific date. This means your personal trainer should be sitting down with you to work out a strategy that fits your lifestyle and ambition, then setting some key milestones to help you track your progress and measure what success will look like for you.

3. Make sure you’re getting support and regular communication.

The whole point of a personal trainer is to keep yourself accountable. Most people lose sight of their New Year’s Resolutions by March. Don’t be one of them! Your personal trainer will help boost your motivation when things get tough. Your trainer should be committed to getting to know you so they can identify your triggers and pitfalls to help you push past them when the work gets challenging.

Most importantly, there are perks to personal training beyond losing weight or bulking up. Your trainer can help you build confidence and boost your energy levels, allowing you to feel your best every day.

To learn more about this investment in your health, listen to Jill and Chris explain how personal training helped them accomplish their fitness goals.

SHINE ON

Visit ymcagta.org to find out more about our programs, services and charitable impact.

DONATE NOW

See the many ways to give to the Y and help build a brighter future.

CHILD CARE

Find child care programs that help children and families shine.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Stay healthy, active and connected at our health and fitness centres.

CAMPS AND OUTDOOR CENTRES

Explore camps and outdoor centres for fun, adventure, leadership, skills-building and more.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Get the job you want and brighten your career with help from Employment Services.

IMMIGRANT SERVICES

Settle in and light up your new life in the GTA with support from Immigrant Services.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Make new friends, hone new skills and find counselling at our Youth Programs.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Give back and shine on with rewarding YMCA Volunteer Opportunities.

SUSTAINABILITY

Find out about our green initiatives and what we're doing to build resilience to climate change.

YMCA ACADEMY

Light up learning at  YMCA Academy, a middle and high school for those who learn differently.