Investing
in the services of a personal fitness trainer is one of the best ways to get
fit safely, learn how to properly perform new exercises, and stay motivated as
you work towards your fitness goals. Typically, your first session with a
personal trainer will serve as an introduction to your new fitness routine, as
well as an opportunity for your trainer to assess your current fitness level.
Here are a few guidelines to help you know what to expect when working with a
fitness coach for the first time.
1. The
Warm-Up
Usually you
will already have had an initial consultation with your trainer for you to
discuss your goals and motivation, so that you can jump straight into the
program during your first session. Although often ignored, the warm up is one
of the most important parts of the workout as it helps you prevent injury and
primes your body for the work it will be doing later on. The warm up will
usually involve light work for 5-10 minutes in order to raise your body
temperature and get your blood flowing.
2. Fitness
Assessment
After your
warm up, your trainer will likely have you run through a basic assessment to
determine your current level of fitness. While this may be hard for you to
justify spending money on, it helps your trainer develop a baseline from which
you will work toward your goals. It also helps your trainer develop an
effective program that will help you get in shape, but avoid injury and
overtraining. This assessment will usually consist of several components:
cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and occasionally a basic
movement assessment to determine any limitations you may have.
3.
Stretching and Cool Down
In order to
truly develop real strength and flexibility it is vital that you stretch near
the end of every workout in order to put your muscles through their full range
of motion. Additionally after your workout you will also need to transition
your body from an elevated state to a relaxed one. This is where the cool down
comes in. By including a stretching and cool down routine at the end of every
workout your trainer is helping you alleviate much of the soreness you might
otherwise feel.
4. Re-cap
Discussion
At the end
of the session, your trainer will likely want to discuss the results of your
assessment and adjust the goals you have set based on your current level of
fitness. Often, trainers will even give you homework assignments for you to
complete at home. This is the best time to ask any questions or bring up any
concerns you may have.
This is
what you should expect from your first session with a personal trainer. If your
trainer neglects any of these items, you may want to ask them why. Now that you
know what to expect from your first session, you will be much better prepared
to make the most of your first session, and every one thereafter. For more info
on what you can expect from a long-term relationship with a fitness trainer,
contact Austin In-Home Fitness today!
