Getting the Most from a Gym Personal Training Session: Part 1 - VARIETY

Whether you are a new member or just needing motivation to get over a slump, keep the following in mind when you hire a personal trainer at your gym. In my opinion, eventual independence from the trainer should be a primary goal. It is not reasonable to have your workouts completely reliant on their presence as you are likely only going to be signed up for a limited number of sessions. With that in mind, the exercises should concentrate on those devices and machines that are available and do not need a spot/support person to accomplish. Strange and awkward balancing tricks with bands and balls are not practical as part of your long-term training regimen. You should not look like an audition-gone-wrong for Cirque du Soleil. Ideally, you will have them teach you about your body’s major muscle groups and demonstrate a variety of the options for working them (cable and pin machines, dumbbells, barbells, etc.). When the gym is overcrowded on a Monday night, you will be far more nimble to move about and find a free device (this will avoid discouragement during such busy times). Your diverse knowledge of the available options will keep your workouts interesting and avoid boredom and plateaus.