It is not uncommon for me to meet with a potential client and hear concern that exercise training might push them beyond what they feel is safe. This common feeling is perpetuated by the heavy body-building pictures we see accompanying many fitness advertisements. It is connected to prior training where individuals were hurt, or felt that their concerns were diminished while a trainer pushed for heavy sweating over a feeling of safety.

If you resonate with these concerns, one of the most important things to seek in a trainer is somebody experienced with modified exercise programming and working with people who have physical limitations. Talk to other clients and find out how they feel about their personal training experience with the trainer that you are interviewing. Check their educational background. Ask pointed questions of the trainer: How are you going to handle my injuries? What are your expectations when I get sick or run down? Have you dealt with aches and pains like mine before? Will you push me past my comfort zone?

I believe that in seeking an appropriate trainer, you will find those who are able to provide compassionate and personal support while at the same time addressing a progressive training program. Exercise and healthy nutrition are shown to help decrease blood pressure, prevent hypertension altogether, reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes, having a heart attack or stroke, certain cancers, protect and even re-build bone, can treat mild depression and help maintain healthy weight. We know why we want a trainer in the first place, but how do we address the fears that can accompany having someone else program your exercise?

Communication–Find somebody who will keep up with you, addressing your physical state day to day, hearing your goals, holding you accountable while also modifying your exercise plan as needed. Be certain to make your concerns known as well as your goals. For instance, if you want weight loss right now, but are afraid that you’ll be overwhelmed by dialing in your nutrition and upping your exercise calories, focusing first a program of flexibility and mobility then progressing to more significant weight loss might be reasonable. Though, you might want the weight loss enough that you need extra accountability to make sure your calorie inputs and outputs align. It’s important to stay on the same page with your trainer.

Rapport–Remember that if you are going to see somebody two times a week, you want to be able to build a comfortable relationship with them.
Be okay with a slower pace, if need be. Modified exercise will mean learning proper form, building up endurance and confidence in your training sessions. If you have fears of being pushed too hard, then set goals that will be inside your ability levels to begin with. If you are afraid you won’t push yourself, then talk to your trainer about how much you want to be pushed to reach your goals (even when you protest). Discuss what exactly that looks like, so you don’t feel over- or under-pushed. Understand that for each of us, through the cycles of life, “pushing” will look different.

Don’t be afraid of training on your own. Regardless of age or ability, the world is full of ways to challenge ourselves. Training sessions only comprise a small portion of your week and will still require you to have a consistent training program at home. Talk to your trainer about a safe and effective means for reaching your goals outside of sessions.
Consistency–Part of addressing your fears is gaining confidence in your own skin. Every time that you do something new, then repeat that process several times, you will be assured that you can do it. If you try something, then take a break from doing it, confidence can be more fleeting.

Balance–Training should meet every objective of a healthy lifestyle. Your trainer should talk to you about how you can meet each of those objectives through the week and help you with developing a personal fitness plan relative to your own goals. All pieces (Cardio, strength, flexibility and nutrition) are necessary for optimal health.
Understand that change comes through adaptation. When it all comes down to it, we will have to go outside our comfort zones to achieve new results. If you have someone along side you that helps you be comfortable with trying something new, knows when it’s okay to push and when it’s okay to take a break, you’ll be that much more confident.

Remember that we all have fears. This doesn’t mean that we should deny them, but address them directly. If you have a good trainer, you should be able to get those fears addressed, heard, and hopefully conquered!