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You are here: Home / fitness / 5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

January 21, 2016 by MCM Mama 26 Comments

It’s not exactly a secret that I’d rather run any day than hit the gym.  When I do hit the gym, I’d rather take a spin class or jump on the elliptical. I’m not sure when this started – I used to weight train 2-3 times a week before we had kids. I think it’s because I don’t get quite the endorphin “high” from weight lifting that I do from cardio. And, as a mom, I need that high. Really.

Anyways, after I ran Marine Corps Marathon, my body was begging for a break from running. I joined a gym and on a whim, took them up on a personal training deal. The five sessions were amazing and I really wish it was in the budget to continue. Here’s why I think you should hire a personal trainer…

Five Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

  1. Accountability – this is huge if you are good at making excuses NOT to work out. I personally don’t have a problem getting in my cardio, but I’ll use every excuse in the book to avoid weights. Hiring a trainer not only means that there’s someone there waiting for you, but that person cost you money. You don’t want to waste money, do you?
  2. Push your limits – I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who will eek out one more lift/pushup/jump/etc for a trainer even when I don’t think I can. And I know that my trainer pushed me out of my comfort zone a lot. (I learned that I may be able to run a marathon, but a few rounds of 30 second sprints make me want to puke.)
  3. Learn some new moves – Prior to working out with the trainer, I’d never used a kettle bell or a medicine ball or a TRX. I had the opportunity to use them all and learn the correct way to do things.
  4. Target your weak areas – While I felt like I got a whole body workout, my trainer was great at finding my weak spots and making me work them. My legs were perfectly capable of carrying 50 pounds of weights up and down the stairs. My shoulders? Not so much. Cue more upper body workouts.
  5. Encouragement – My trainer was awesome with the post workout “way to go’s” (and an amazing post workout assisted stretch/massage). I walked out of the gym every time feeling like I’d accomplished exactly what I set out to do, even when I didn’t know what I planned to accomplish when I got there. Even when I couldn’t complete a set, I knew that I’d given it my all and felt encouraged to come back and try again.

My experience with a trainer was awesome, but it’s key that you find someone who is not only qualified, but is also interested in helping you reach YOUR goals. If a financial windfall comes my way I will definitely hire a personal trainer again!

I’m linking up with Cynthia, Courtney, and Mar for Friday Five. Stop by the link up to see what everyone else is talking about today, since it’s free Friday.

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Oh, and make sure to follow me on Instagram this weekend while I instagram the big blizzard. ;o)

Linking up with Jill Conyer as well.

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Filed Under: fitness Tagged With: cross training, Friday Five, strength, trainer

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Comments

  1. Sherry says

    January 21, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    Those are great reasons to hire a trainer! I haven’t used one yet but it would be a great way to learn new moves and find weak spots.
    Sherry recently posted…Five Great Running and Motivational QuotesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Christine Parizo says

      January 22, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Yes! Awesome reasons. I’ve also found that working with a trainer gives me that extra push.

      Reply
  2. GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:03 am

    Love this! I’ve been going back and forth about getting a PT for a while, because I for sure need help with all 5 of these. But, like you said, it’s just not in the cards money-wise right now. Hopefully I can figure something out soon though, because my gym game could use some work.
    GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…Orange Kale Quinoa Smoothie BowlMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    January 22, 2016 at 5:05 am

    Glad you enjoyed your experience! I have two personal trainers in my family and have yet taken them up on any offers….lol

    Reply
  4. CARLA says

    January 22, 2016 at 5:22 am

    Ummm
    so
    I read that as TARGET YOUR WEAK A$$.
    A few times!
    Which may be a hint I need to work on my glutes with a trainer?! 🙂
    CARLA recently posted…There’s beauty in being stuck (guest post).My Profile

    Reply
  5. Pam says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:27 am

    I started working with a trainer last week and absolutely love it. While I am dedicated at doing my runs on schedule, I am kind of a slug at the gym. The accountability thing works for me too!
    Pam recently posted…5 Reasons to run the Great Wall MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Rachel says

    January 22, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I really should hire a trainer… I need to target my weak areas so bad. The problem is figuring out where those weak areas are and I know a trainer could help me.
    Rachel recently posted…5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Doctor AppointmentMy Profile

    Reply
  7. RFC says

    January 22, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Great post! But as a personal trainer, I have to say, the picture of that ladies squat form makes me cringe, haha!
    RFC recently posted…Inspiration for Adventures: Cairn January BoxMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Lesley says

    January 22, 2016 at 9:46 am

    I opted to use the gym’s personal training program when I was getting back in to shape. I already knew how to use the machines, but it was good to have someone know when to increase weights, reps, plyos, and stretching. When I felt I was good to go, I ended the program, but it was a great guide.
    Lesley recently posted…Winter Storm JonasMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I totally get the needing the high as a mom thing. I’ve never tried a personal trainer, but back when I was an athlete I
    Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty recently posted…Randomness from my Thursday (ToL #2)My Profile

    Reply
    • Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty says

      January 22, 2016 at 10:16 am

      I used to have a coach and it was so helpful to have someone looking over my shoulder. Someday, when I don’t spend as much on daycare as I do on my mortgage I might try one. (sorry for having to break it up into two comments)
      Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty recently posted…Randomness from my Thursday (ToL #2)My Profile

      Reply
  10. Darlene says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:28 am

    I think it’s a great idea. If I was a member of a gym, I think I would. I need someone to keep me accountable which is why I don’t currently work out.
    Darlene recently posted…Friday Five: Why 13.1?My Profile

    Reply
  11. courtney @ eat pray run dc says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:39 am

    That’s cool that you got a deal on five sessions. I think you can definitely learn so much from a great personal trainer. Bring on the blizzard!
    courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Five Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Chaitali says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:46 am

    I love body pump but I do think I miss out on the pushing myself aspect. I’m sure a trainer would help with that and it’s something I’ve been toying with.
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – things I’m doing during the snow stormMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    January 22, 2016 at 11:08 am

    Yes yes yes yes yes (five yeses, count’em). I have a similar post coming up soon about hiring a fitness or running coach. We (personal trainers and coaches) are so much more than just people dreaming up workouts for you–I truly care for my clients in a real way, and I’m often helping them unload their days, weeks, and worries.
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Fulfillment, Movement, Priorities (Friday Favorites)My Profile

    Reply
  14. Mer @ScootaDoot says

    January 22, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I’ve been working with my trainer for the past 3 years and while he’s very militant in his style… well, I’m there 3 years so I guess that’s working for me! 😉 I definitely like having the standing Tuesday/Thursday morning date with him because I don’t know if I would get it done on my own. It’s great to have the accountability!

    Reply
  15. Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says

    January 22, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    What a great post Erika and I so get where you are coming from. I go to the gym 5 minutes from my work twice a week to work with a trainer. She is my friend and it keeps accountable. I’ve been doing this since early last year and have gained muscle, which I love! We as runners need to strength train and do something else besides just running!
    Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…5 Reasons Why I Might Sign Up For Another MarathonMy Profile

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  16. Kylie McGraw says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I definitely cut it short when no one is looking…but with a trainer, there’s always a set of eyes on you 😉 I’ve started this new year out solely focusing on strength training and while some of my runs feel harder since I’m not running as much, I hope in the long run this helps me out AND I make more time for it once I pick running back up. I’m glad you had such a great experience!

    Reply
  17. Smitha @ FauxRunner says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    I’m completely with you on a trainer! The key is finding one that works for you. I’ve tried so many personal trainers, and only one actually took an interest in my goals and life outside of the 1hr. His overall mentoring helped reach my goals.
    This was over 5 years ago, and I haven’t found anyone since then that I’ve liked. I’d love one who was also an endurance athlete (runner/triathlete) and knows how to handle me during high mileage season.
    Smitha @ FauxRunner recently posted…Friday Five: Fictional Characters I want to Train WithMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    I totally agree with all of the above! I’ve really loved working with my trainer and finding someone who tailors a workout to you is key in not getting injured and staying on track.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Loving Lately-JanuaryMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    January 22, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    completely agree in finding someone who is interested in YOU! My personal trainer is awesome. I’m not going to be able to continue after the few months I allotted but helping me get stronger and face my goals has been such a huge help.
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: How a Runner Prepares for a Blizzard!My Profile

    Reply
  20. Becky @ Ok, So Here's the Plan says

    January 23, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I am such a slacker when it comes to weights/strength training. I know it’s good for me, I just haven’t found a way to get myself to do it consistently.
    Becky @ Ok, So Here’s the Plan recently posted…ALL the Cookies!My Profile

    Reply
  21. jill conyers says

    January 26, 2016 at 4:23 am

    All great reasons to hire me! I started my health and fitness journey with a trainer. It was one of my best decisions ever!
    jill conyers recently posted…17 Fitness Tips To Make the Most Out of Your WorkoutsMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    January 26, 2016 at 8:39 am

    I would love to be able to hire a personal trainer. I have used them in the past and loved them for the accountability and really honing in on what I need to work on. Sadly just not in the budget at this point. Hopefully it will be again someday!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Mediocre runs and a savings planMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Jen says

    January 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    These are such great points, Erika. As a trainer, I love providing accountability AND encouragement. I think that’s key!

    Reply
  24. Laurie says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:09 am

    I have worked with personal trainers at various points throughout my journey and have had great results. It helped push me more than I thought I was capable of. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
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Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

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