If you haven't already, start hitting the gym this month. Swap junk food and beer for cereal bars and protein shakes. Why? Because at the beginning of every year, all men go through the same phase. But if you rely solely on your own willpower, as you have in previous years, your fitness enthusiasm will fade faster than you can say gym.
Now is the time to embrace your newfound passion for exercise and find someone to push you forward as you start sliding down the potato chip and beer slide again. And personal trainers are the people to go to.Finding the right guy seems like a simple task. You go to your local gym, pick the guy with the biggest muscles, and start working out… So why litter the entire page with how-to instructions? Like everything in life, choosing your fitness center and trainer is more complicated than it initially seems. There are so many people and places to choose from that guarantee good results and satisfaction that even a person knowledgeable in the field can easily get lost in the maze. We came to trainer Miroslav Tavel from Cvičisko to give us advice on how to do it.
Question and Answer Hour
Location, Parking, Nice equipment. The three Ps that most of us consider the most important. However, the important thing is not where, but with whom and how. "The education of your trainer is one of the most important aspects of training. A good start is if the trainer has a university degree in their field," says Miroslav. However, a diploma does not tell the whole story, and it still applies that experience is just as important as school.
During your first few workouts, ask as many questions as possible. Why did we start with this warm-up? Why are we doing so many reps? Why is it important to keep your knees at this angle? The answers will quickly show you what level of professionalism the trainer has achieved.
Is my coach even listening to me?
“A good personal trainer is also a good listener and strategist. Not only does he know how to do the exercises correctly, but he also listens to what you want to achieve with your training,” Miro continues. “Whether you want to lose weight, train for a specific event, or just exercise for your health, your trainer is there to plan your program exactly according to what you tell him. It’s his job to prepare the workouts so that they are functional, fun, and aimed at the goal you have set for yourself. Without a plan in place, workouts can easily become monotonous, counterproductive, and demotivating.”
Chemistry
"You'll typically spend three to four hours a week with your personal trainer. You wouldn't normally spend that much time with someone you don't get along with from the start. So, as in all interpersonal relationships, chemistry is key," says Miroslav.
There's no shame in asking to change coaches after a few sessions if you don't get along. It's important to establish a good friendly-professional relationship that works for both of you.
A motivator as it should be
"The right coach should be able to take you that extra step. He will "squeeze" everything you have out of you. At the same time, he will constantly pay attention to you, so that everything is within the limits of health. He must motivate you, to perform, that's what you pay him for. At the same time, he will constantly make sure that your technique is correct," adds Miro. So if you come across a coach who prefers to talk than to exercise, or often runs away, or is on the phone, hands off.
