I want to build muscle.
I want to be consistent with my workouts.
I want to lose body fat.
I want to be energized all day.
I want to sleep better.
I want to train for an event.
Have you found yourself thinking about any of these goals? It’s common to desire change in our lives and admirable to want to embrace health — but the reality is we live in a world that makes it challenging to be healthy. That’s why it’s critical to have the right support in your corner.
Each year, millions of members walk into Life Time in the pursuit of a healthier way of life; for many, working with a Dynamic Personal Trainer is nonnegotiable to their success.
“I can’t recall a single member who, after engaging with a trainer, didn’t then understand the value [the trainer would] bring to their routine, even if they were skeptical if it’d be something they’d ‘need’ beforehand,” explains Leyla DiSavino, personal training leader at Life Time Bergen County in Montvale, N.J. “I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how one-on-one training changes people’s lives, truly, and makes healthy living more attainable.”
What Is Dynamic Personal Training?
Dynamic Personal Training is Life Time’s unique philosophy, which can be applied to any modality of training. It’s a fully connected, fully engaged training experience that offers an elevated physical session and a deeper, more supportive trainer-client relationship.
The principles of Dynamic Personal Training can be layered onto any training session, from functional to athletic performance, regardless of an individual’s current health and fitness status, age, or goals.
In a session, a Dynamic Personal Trainer takes the client through a warm-up and workout, plus stretching and recovery. The workout is an experience you couldn’t achieve independently, and it is combined with personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching to help you obtain transformative results. They can expect to feel supported, challenged, and coached to success.
“Dynamic Personal Training takes the science of personal training and elevates it to an art form,” says Bahram Akradi, founder and CEO of Life Time. “It’s exchanging energy and information in a way that cannot be replicated on your own.” (Learn more: “Achieve Your Fitness Goals With Dynamic Personal Training.”)
Q&A With Leyla DiSavino
We asked DiSavino to share more about Dynamic Personal Training at Life Time and the reasons it can be a game-changer.
Life Time | What makes Dynamic Personal Trainers different?
Leyla DiSavino | Dynamic Personal Trainers are not your average trainers — we’re both energetic and empathetic, we truly get to know you, and we’re skilled in eliciting change. We build meaningful relationships that go beyond repetitions and sets because we know that your life outside of the club is just as important to your success as what you do inside of it.
I personally know my clients’ birthdays, details about their partners, what their kids dream of becoming, and their wins and challenges in different areas of their lives. We genuinely care about knowing each individual. We can then connect those personal pieces back to ways to help them reach their goals, because it’s all relevant.
I want my clients to feel excited walking into their next session, not just for the workout, but because they can’t wait to share what’s happened since I last saw them. That connection is special and it’s what makes what we do at Life Time so powerful.
LT | What are some ways Dynamic Personal Trainers can help support clients’ needs?
LD | As experts in our field, each of us brings a deep wealth of knowledge — but what’s even more powerful is having a team of experts who collaborate to support you.
As the Personal Training Leader, I’m proud to work with a team of 41 uniquely talented professionals. Some are injury and corrective exercise specialists with physical therapy backgrounds; others are triathlon coaches who can prepare you for your next race; still more are mobility and recovery experts dedicated to helping you move and perform at your best.
Together, we partner to meet every need our clients may have. For example, if you’re working one-on-one with one of our weight-loss specialists and then have an injury that flares up, there’s a powerhouse of talent your trainer can tap into to help inform the next steps in your plan. We all share the same mission: To help our clients achieve their goals safely and effectively, and with an incredible experience every step of the way.
Beyond offering a range of expertise, we also offer an amazing mix of personalities, so you can always find someone best suited for your goals and personal preferences. If you happen to be at Life Time Bergen County, McReynolds and Sai will have you smiling before you even reach the workout floor, while Demi and Danielle will be in your corner cheering you through that final rep, for example.
The energy here is electric — you simply won’t find it elsewhere. The community we’ve built is real and it’s the reason our clients not only show up but genuinely look forward to training with us.
LT | How often do clients typically work with a Dynamic Personal Trainer?
LD | It really depends on their goals, but generally, we recommend training two to three times per week with your Dynamic Personal Trainer. We’ve found that cadence is ideal for seeing consistent, optimal results, especially if they’re not inclined to or as comfortable working out on their own.
Most of my clients train with me three times per week. For the clients who also want to work out on their own other days of the week, I create an additional one- to two-day program for them to follow in the Life Time app.
Outside of one-on-one training, I’ll often recommend that beginners participate in Life Time’s signature group training classes or yoga, cycle, and cardio classes to complement their training and build their confidence.
I also firmly believe that nearly everyone would benefit from taking a Pilates reformer class at least once a week. The benefits for core strength, flexibility, and overall performance are unmatched.
And please don’t forget about recovery! A 15- to 30-minute stretch after each workout or a weekly session with a Dynamic Stretch Specialist goes a long way.
LT | Is it possible to work with a trainer virtually — or do a mix of in-club and at-home interactions?
LD | In-club sessions deliver the best results thanks to hands-on coaching, but we do also offer digital programming, virtual sessions, and hybrid training options for those who need more flexibility. The best route for those really depends on the client.
Digital programming can work well for those who are able to hold themselves accountable, have a solid understanding of proper form, and can check in with their trainer virtually at least once a week. With this option, they get full access to their trainer via phone or email, along with a structured program to follow on their own.
Virtual sessions can work well for those who travel often or prefer training remotely but still want real-time guidance.
Hybrid training is the ideal blend because individuals get the benefit of in-club sessions, but pair them with additional virtual sessions or digital programming to add flexibility and accountability for those who can’t make it into the club as often.
No matter the path they choose, we make sure they’re supported, guided, and set up for success.
LT | How do I pick a Dynamic Personal Trainer?
LD | There are several ways to find the Dynamic Personal Trainer who’s the best fit for you. In the Life Time app, you can view detailed bios, photos, specialties, and availability for the entire team at your club; you can even self-book complimentary or paid services right into their schedules. The complimentary Intro to Dynamic Personal Training session can be a great way to get a feel for your experience with someone!
You can also stop by the Membership Concierge desk at your club for help booking your appointment. And, of course, don’t hesitate to approach any Dynamic Personal Trainer on the workout floor with any questions you may have about getting involved. We’re always happy to chat about your goals and set up an assessment.
As previously mentioned, we work in partnership and that means we’re always committed to placing you with the trainer who fits you best. A successful match is based on your goals, needs, and personality.
During a goal-setting session, which is also complimentary, we pay close attention to what you need in order to stay accountable and feel supported. We’ll create the right match to set you up for success, no matter what your preferences are.
5 Tips for Success When Working With a Dynamic Personal Trainer
Working with a trainer takes reciprocal effort to reach positive outcomes. DiSavino provides tangible tips to set you up for success.
1. Be honest with your trainer.
“If you haven’t been following the program, you missed a workout, or you indulged in sweets outside of your nutrition goals, tell us!” DiSavino says. “We can best help you get back on track with the information you provide. Training is a shared responsibility: Your trainer is with you providing the tools, structure, and coaching needed for about one to three hours a week; the rest of the week, you’re accountable for your behaviors. Honesty allows us to adjust the plan so you can continue to progress.”
2. Trust the process and stay patient.
“Results don’t happen overnight,” reminds DiSavino. “Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, improve mobility, or reach for some other outcome, all progress requires time and consistency. There’s no magic formula, but showing up, staying committed, and trusting your trainer is sure to get you where you want to be.”
3. Be open to your goals evolving.
“Your goals will naturally shift as you grow — and that’s a good thing,” says DiSavino. “For example, many clients start with weight loss in mind, and after gaining confidence and reducing body fat, they become excited about building muscle, getting stronger, or hitting performance goals like pull-ups or longer runs. New goals mean new motivation — and often they’re goals you never imagined wanting.”
4. Communicate any changes in your lifestyle or schedule.
“If work gets busy, stress increases, sleep drops, or you’re traveling more, let us know,” says DiSavino. “These changes may affect your progress, and we can tailor your program to best support you through real life, not just ideal circumstances.”
5. Celebrate the small wins.
“Success isn’t only measured by a number,” emphasizes DiSavino. “Boosted energy, better form, heavier weights, more reps, improved sleep, or even showing up on tough days are all real victories. Recognizing them keeps you motivated and helps you see the bigger picture of your progress.”
