Exercise Instruction vs. Personal Training
Many Health Clubs and Gyms offer either Exercise Instruction or they offer Personal Training. Which option is right for you? Or, do you want both? The answer depends on your past experiences, preferences and budget. Before you can decide, you need to know the differences between them.
Personal Training is a coaching process used to teach safe exercise skills, enhance exercise motivation and Exercise Program adherence. Throughout this process the client and Personal Trainer meet on a regular basis for exercise sessions. These Personal Training sessions are designed to coach the client through activities and exercises targeted towards the clients' fitness goals. In order to enhance adherence and motivation each session will include different activities and exercises. Making constant changes alleviates boredom and the body works harder to keep adapting to new activities. A large part of Personal Training is the ability to make the client work hard (safely) while having a great time! Personal Training also includes coaching clients how to make healthy lifestyle modifications and educating them on basic nutrition.
Exercise Instruction is an educational process used by a Personal Trainer to teach a client how to safely work out on their own. During Exercise Instructional sessions a professionally designed Exercise Program is followed while the Personal Trainer teaches the client how to perform each exercise in a safe controlled manner. The same basic written Exercise Program is followed for several sessions in a row until the client is properly executing the exercises with little or no correction necessary. The client will then perform the Exercise Program on their own for the next 4-6 weeks contacting the Personal Trainer only when they have questions or problems.
Personal Training is best choice for you if you thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement; or if you find yourself making up excuses, getting bored easily or lacking motivation. However, if you are on a limited budget and want to work out on your own the majority of the time then Exercise Instruction can help you reach your goals at an affordable price.
If you are unsure which option is best for you, or if you would like to customize a plan that includes some sessions of each type then contact us to setup a private and confidential consultation appointment.