Ultimately, if you have a specific goal you want to achieve, engaging in a structured exercise program is the best way to drive efficiency in your exercise routine. A true program will be tailored to you and customized to your needs and ambitions.
One common frustration I hear from those not seeing results is, “If it works for them, then why isn’t it working for me?” The reason is because there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to any aspect of your health, including fitness.
“A trainer or coach is there to meet you where you’re at,” says Jennifer Walter, CPT and Master Coach at Life Time in St. Louis Park, Minn. “They can and assist you and all your uniqueness — whether tied to your individual body or your personal schedule — in getting you to your goals. The first step is for them to do a basic movement and range of motion assessment followed by designing a personalized program for you.”
Walter tailors each client’s level of accountability and support and workout schedule based on what that person needs. She emphasizes that it’s crucial to regularly reassess the client’s progress and to make program changes as necessary.
If you’re new to exercise, the thought of a program designed for the next year — or even just the next 12 weeks — might seem like a daunting commitment. However, the efficiency and long-term, lasting results are well worth it.
At one point or another, most people have experienced a surge of motivation to make fitness changes. Without a program, this often leads to jumping into high-intensity workouts that release endorphins and initially feel good, but then fatigue sets in — your results may not match your efforts, and the approach tends to eventually fizzle out. If this sounds familiar, a programmed approach would be the best next step.
“If you’ve never followed a program before, I always advise seeking professional help first,” says Brian Fox, a certified personal trainer and Alpha Master Coach at Life Time in St. Louis Park, Minn. “A program tailored to you will always beat you trying to figure it out or wing it on your own.”
