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A personal trainer can help the novice exerciser learn the proper ways of using machines and free weights to avoid serious injury. I would have hired a trainer years ago at
the start of my body building if I'd known I was going to seriously injure my knee operating a leg press machine incorrectly and that this would take a year to resolve.
A trainer can design an exercise program to match an
individual's fitness goals and closely monitor progress in order to change parameters as indicated to help the client make the greatest progress in the shortest amount of time. A complete fitness evaluation can be done at regular intervals to assess the individual's progress toward their goals.
The personal trainer keeps the client interested and challenged by changing the intensity and variety of the exercises. The client has a commitment to the trainer
which keeps him/her accountable. The two develop a relationship which lends the encouragement of friendship. Working out on your own is not nearly as much fun.
Persons with serious health problems can more safely exert themselves under the guidance of a trainer who will modify exercises to suit the physical capability of the client as well as to monitor the health effects on the individual.
 Many bodybuilders are extremely inflexible because they have neglected flexibility training while adding quantities
of stiff, bulging muscles to their frame. Many runners
have very little upper body strength as they don't do
any weight training. Only their legs, heart and lungs are
in shape. There are all kinds of imbalances from focusing
on one or two favorite types of exercise and neglecting
the rest.
In addition, the posture most people assume while they work at a computer creates distortions that cause
muscular imbalances. The altered movement patterns
which result cause tissue stress throughout the body
and promote degeneration.
A good trainer will do a complete body composition, flexibility, cardiovascular, and postural assessment at the beginning as part of a thorough fitness evaluation. Then the individual can see clearly where their greatest weaknesses are and appropriate steps can be taken to strengthen those areas.
A knowledgeable trainer is an excellent source of information in the areas of health and fitness. These
include: correct exercise form, the value of various types of exercise, the role of nutrition and supplements, how to vary workouts to optimize effectiveness, how to design exercise programs to focus on specific needs, a variety of ways of increasing strength and/or flexibility for all muscle groups, the latest trends in the fitness industry, specific exercises to improve balance, coordination, and agility; how to safely maximize the level of cardiovascular conditioning. The trainer can also recommend professionals who can help in related fields such as massage therapy, chiropractic adjustment and physical therapy.
Superior trainers have an infectious excitement about helping people change their lives for the better. They remain on the cutting edge of new information about fitness and exercise and are constantly learning new techniques to share with their clients. In addition, they are often examples of optimal physical conditioning and consistently model the benefits of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Clients regularly come away from sessions feeling happy and victorious. They see their strength increasing and their bodies changing and it's tremendously encouraging. They are achieving their goals.
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