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How do I Choose the Best Personal Training Program?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

A personal training program, if chosen correctly, can make achieving your fitness objectives much easier. To choose the best program, you should take into account your end goal, how fit you currently are, what type of activities you enjoy, and how much time you have available. Your budget may also affect which type of training you choose. If you aren’t sure what type of exercise program to pick, hiring a personal trainer to design one specifically for you may be a good idea.

Your end goal or goals is probably the most important factor when choosing a personal training program. Someone training for a marathon, for example, will probably not follow the same training program as someone entering a body building competition. Even if your goal is simply to lose weight, having clear targets will make choosing a plan much more straightforward.

Personal training programs can include activities that exercise multiple body systems at the same time.
Personal training programs can include activities that exercise multiple body systems at the same time.

A common mistake when choosing a exercise plan is to be too ambitious. It’s important to take into consideration your current fitness level, since training too much can cause injuries. To determine how fit you are, measure your pulse after exercise, your body mass index (BMI), and how many push ups you can do in a row. Not only will this give you an idea of what type of training is right for you, but it will also give you a baseline to judge your future progress.

Doing push ups with elevated legs is particularly difficult.
Doing push ups with elevated legs is particularly difficult.

Having fun is something that many people overlook when choosing a personal training program. Exercise isn’t always going to be enjoyable, but if there are activities you like to do, incorporating them into your fitness routine can help you to stay motivated. Dance classes and amateur sports clubs are examples of fun activities that can help you get fit.

Personal training can include specific running goals.
Personal training can include specific running goals.

Your lifestyle will also affect which program is best for you. If possible, pick one that includes at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and several strength training sessions each week depending on how much free time you have. Setting a schedule for it in advance is a good way of making sure that you always have time for exercise.

Other tips for choosing the best personal training program include varying the exercises to avoid boredom and choosing a program with a clearly defined fitness progression. Also, the more variety a program has, the less likely it is to cause a repetitive strain injury. An exercise plan doesn’t have to be rigid, so if a certain routine doesn't seem to work for you, don’t be afraid to change it.

A personal trainer can provide a tailor-made training program.
A personal trainer can provide a tailor-made training program.

If you have a fitness goal in mind, but are still unsure which training program to choose, a personal trainer will often be able to help. He or she will provide guidance on setting goals and targets, as well as a training program that’s catered to your personal needs and fitness level. To choose a personal trainer, make sure you give due consideration to his or her qualifications, fees charged, experience, and personality. It’s also important to find a trainer who understands your goals and how much time you are able to dedicate to a fitness program.

Discussion Comments

anon122436

Would you be able to provide a list of training programs based on general goals people have.

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    • Personal training programs can include activities that exercise multiple body systems at the same time.
      By: Dana Heinemann
      Personal training programs can include activities that exercise multiple body systems at the same time.
    • Doing push ups with elevated legs is particularly difficult.
      By: bertys30
      Doing push ups with elevated legs is particularly difficult.
    • Personal training can include specific running goals.
      By: Maridav
      Personal training can include specific running goals.
    • A personal trainer can provide a tailor-made training program.
      By: berc
      A personal trainer can provide a tailor-made training program.
    • A person's budget may determine the best personal training program for her or him.
      By: taramara78
      A person's budget may determine the best personal training program for her or him.