5 Reasons You Need a Personal Trainer

You use professionals to maintain your lawn, service your car and make repairs inside your home. When it's your physical health that needs a tune-up or a maintenance plan, do you have the right skills to handle the job? Or is it time to call in a professional?

A personal trainer isn't just for celebrities or high-ranking corporate executives, says Matt Walker, fitness specialist at the Virtua Center for HealthFitness in Moorestown. "People of all ages, fitness levels and income levels are hiring personal trainers to help them meet their health and wellness goals," he adds. "A trainer can help you get in shape, lose weight or give you great tips for an effective workout."

A personal trainer can provide the following benefits:

Expert instruction

A personal trainer will formulate a comprehensive workout plan by ascertaining your goals, availability and health history. If you have a medical condition or any other limitation (such as chronic back pain), the trainer will design a customized regimen that suits your needs and abilities.

If you're a beginner, you'll receive instruction on how to perform specific exercises and use equipment correctly and safely.

Motivation

We all feel discouraged at times while at the gym. A personal trainer knows how to motivate you to get the most out of your workouts. A trainer can encourage you to push past those self-imposed limits and challenge you more than you could alone.

If you need variety, a trainer will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to challenge both your body and mind. You'll enjoy having new exercises and equipment as part of your program.

Accountability

When you exercise on your own, it's easy to skip a session here and there or fall off the wagon completely. A personal trainer will keep you accountable, urging you to stick with your fitness program. A session may also include a review of your diet and an update on your fitness and/or weight-loss progress.

Plateau-busting advice

Plateaus are an almost unavoidable part of a fitness journey as your body falls into a comfort zone from doing the same exercises day after day. If your weight-loss progress has stalled and you're not seeing any results, a personal trainer can help you break out of a rut. A trainer will mix up your routine to propel you through any weight-loss obstacles or plateaus.

Efficiency

A personal trainer will use a fitness plan to help you maximize results in minimum time, increasing the efficiency of your exercise program. This is especially beneficial if you have limited time to exercise. You'll focus on results and proper techniques, and not waste your time and energy doing ineffective workouts.

"Depending on your goals and budget, you may use a personal trainer once a week or once a month. You may just want to try it out once to see if it's right for you," says Walker. "Overall, choosing to use a personal trainer is a great investment for your fitness and health. He or she will help steer you in the right direction."

Virtua can help you reach your fitness goals

Virtua provides convenient Fitness Centers throughout South Jersey. Each center provides comprehensive programs to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Virtua also provides nutrition counseling services through its Medical Nutrition Therapy locations.

Updated December 21, 2018