Many people want to embrace exercise in their lives, but getting started can be a challenge. A physician’s guidance can motivate a new exercise routine, but the specific details of how to exercise are often lacking. One physician explains that: “As a doctor, there’s no better medicine in my arsenal,” but following through on exercise intentions is not easy.
An active lifestyle benefits virtually all the patients under a physician’s care, and they often counsel patients about getting more exercise. When a doctor advises a patient exercise, most of their patients have a high intention to start working out. But months later, most have no improvement in their level of physical activity. Exercise referrals have “limited evidence of impact,” and are not very effective for lasting behavior change.
There have been many calls for physicians to provide more detailed exercise guidance. The problem is that doctors have limited time with patients and are not trained to give this level of support. It’s really hard to execute a plan that lacks details. Perhaps this is why doctors advise seventeen patients to begin exercising for every one patient who is able to follow through.
A person who feels ready to begin exercising should take advantage of that readiness. Support can make the pattern of regular workouts easier to achieve!
A gym membership is an excellent resource to support exercise intentions. These facilities can help us to eliminates excuses about poor weather. They also help us keep workouts variable and interesting. Find a place with exercise options you enjoy, because studies suggest that this leads to a faster exercise habit.
Even though gym environments are highly motivating, they can be intimidating for newcomers. Barriers to action include equipment familiarity, proper form, and how to plan an effective workout routine.
Sticking with the exercise habit is easier when an individual takes proactive steps to secure accountability partners. Friends and family can be helpful, but we have even more success by enlisting professional support.
Personal trainers have expertise in how to help you stick with your healthy intentions. By creating working plans, these helpful individuals guide clients toward success with every workout. And since training sessions are scheduled for specified times, workouts are completed more consistently.
Personal training offers advantages compared to working out alone. The consistency of personal training sessions accelerates the exercise habit. And related to consistent workouts is the fact that personal training delivers better physical outcomes. For example, research indicates that personal trainers “amplify the effects of resistant training on maximal strength.” It really reinforces the exercise habit when gym-goers begin to see their efforts reflected in their physical transformation.
Personal trainers retain clients based on their ability to show empathy, listen closely, and to help to motivate them. Conversations between trainers and clients keep fitness goals top-of-mind, which can also benefit healthy habits outside of the gym. (This has special importance for those who want to lose fat, because eating and sleeping habits strongly impact fat loss.)
Having someone in your corner is really important. As we try to adjust our routine, relapsing into old habits is very common. Despite our best efforts, exercise motivation can wane, life circumstances can derail our drive, and health issues can arise. Research shows that our ability to keep making progress is influenced by having trainers and other social connections who can remind us of our fitness goals when we lose our way. Without support, one week away from exercise can become two, and we can quickly lose momentum.
Maybe you are thinking that it’s tough to envision what it’d be like to workout with a trainer in a gym. A lot of exercise-related images feature lean, young individuals, but exercise is for every body. Even if you have been sedentary for a long time, or have limited physical capabilities, you can improve how you feel and function with the right kind of workout. That’s why personal training is so helpful: It offers personalized guidance that takes into account your current physical capabilities.
Trainers understand that you may have reasons for avoiding certain movements or may need to ease into exercise. They understand that individual needs matter, and they are there for you. The best part is that they take care of the planning, so that all you have to do is show up to your session. No matter what stage of fitness you are currently in, personal trainers are there to help.
Improved health starts with having the courage to step outside your comfort zone. Take action, be proactive, and find your support to stay on track.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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