Rationalizing the Personal Trainer: Worth the $

There are a lot of reasons why a personal trainer is a good idea.

First and foremost, if you're new to training, you need a trainer or someone experienced to show you how to do exercise with the correct form. This ensures that you will not risk injuring yourself.

A trainer can also put together a routine that makes sense for you. Cookie-cutter programs from a magazine can't take into consideration your health, time constraints, etc. because they're meant for everyone.

You should be able to get the basics of training within a few sessions with a personal trainer. So why do so many people stick with their trainers long-term?

Simply, because they work.

A recent study by Duke University Medical Center found that people who had lost weight were better able to keep off the pounds if they had continued support from a counsellor or trainer. A trainer can motivate and educate you and he or she can also help alter your program once you've hit a plateau.

Of course trainers are costly, but as long as you do your research and get a qualified, certified trainer, you only need to see him or her once a week to keep you on track.

If you can't afford your trainer, ask your gym for a complimentary session. Most are willing to offer those, in hopes of selling you more sessions. Use that session to ask questions about your program and gather as many tips from the trainer as you can.

Having someone point you in the right direction will always get you where you need to go faster!