The latest episode of The Office (one of my favourite shows these days) shows Dwight Schrute open a gym. Don’t worry, this post will not spoil the episode for you die-hard fans out there.
It made me think of my own personal trainer and about personal trainers in general. I mean, what makes a good personal trainer? Before my friend and fellow triathlete, Amanda Stalwick, was my personal trainer I had never had one. My sister has had great success with a personal trainer over the past couple of years so I was excited to try it out.
However, if I was shopping around for a personal trainer, what would I look for? Firstly, I would look for someone very positive and full of energy. I have seen some personal trainers who look like they don’t have much energy to give. I like that mine has seemingly endless amounts of energy. Since I go on Wednesday evening, one of my longest days of the week (volunteer and then work from 5:30 am until 5:00 pm), I feel like I don’t have a lot to give before the workout starts. Luckily, I gain energy from the workout and the positive energy given out by my personal trainer.
Fun! Honestly, the reason why I love these sessions so much is because they are so much fun! How can one person work so hard and laugh so much? It seems just wrong somehow. Yet, there I am laughing while doing a core workout… I think the laughing actually makes my core stronger. We talk about everything from life to work to relationships to family. It’s just fun!
I started with a personal trainer to become stronger and prevent injury. So far, so good! Honestly, my running has gotten faster, my biking feels faster, and I feel like I have more power and strength. It is great! Of course, I will know just how much of a difference it makes once race season comes around.
Each week I get less sore and less sore. It is really nice because the first few weeks were really painful the 2-3 days after. Oh yes, there was lots of whining to anyone who would listen on Thursday and Friday. Totally worth it though!
The characteristics that one looks for in a personal trainer will vary for each person. Maybe you want someone who is going to do the “tough love” like Dwight Schrute. Maybe you want someone who will gently encourage you. Make sure it works for you! No matter what, it should be fun and you should want to keep going. That’s how you build consistency. And that’s, ultimately, how you get the full benefit out of any workout program.
“I’m going to make you the buffest dude Val Kilmer has ever seen.”
~ Dwight K. Schrute
