Thu. October 4, 2012
By Michael Elder
Partner Training: Partner training is something that I have offered for quite some time and it has proven to be an effective method for people looking to invest in personal training while keeping the cost of it down. In this scenario, the client is splitting the cost of the training with another person. They receive guidance and instruction in the same sessions. Obviously, the amount of personal attention is reduced in this scenario because the trainer has to divide his time and attention amongst two people. However, this method has also proven to be very effective in terms of motivation. The training partners push and motivate each other while the trainer does the same. It tends to increase the fun factor as well as prevent burnout.
Online Personal Training: This method also proves to be a much more cost effective way to receive guidance in exercise and fitness. In this scenario, clients receive on- line guidance from fitness professionals who design workout programs and quite often will also provide nutritional guidance. The biggest obstacle to this method is motivation. The client will not actually be working out with the trainer, but rather on their own with the workouts that their specific trainer provided. In other words, clients who invest in this method need to be people who are already strongly motivated on their own and do not need to rely on someone else to provide that for them. I do not personally provide on- line personal training, but there are many trainers and/ or organizations that do.
Group Classes and Boot Camps: Of course group classes and boot camps have always been a fantastic way to get regular instruction and motivation with exercise at a much lower cost. Obviously the biggest drawback in this scenario is the lack of personalized attention. However, the group energy tends to increase the fun factor and therefore also increases motivation. Care should always be taken to carefully follow the instructor's guidance as they are dealing with many people at once.
Reading and DVD Instruction: I always encourage people to read about health and fitness as much as they can. It is a great low cost way to stay informed. Knowledge truly is power. Watching instructional DVDs can also be very educational. However, care must be taken to find reliable and respected sources to learn from. Even more care must be taken when you attempt to perform exercises on your own that you have not actually received personalized instruction for. By personalized, I do mean "in person".
These are all great ways to invest in your bodies and in your health without bleeding out your pocketbook. I realize that times are tough, but there has also never been a more important time to take care of ourselves physically. Take the time, do the research, and if possible, make the investment. It is always worth it.
Thanks for reading. Be healthy!
Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last thirteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be contacted directly through his website, www.MichaelElder.com.
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