Many of my clients have never worked with a personal trainer before.  Often in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, some haven’t worked out since high school, while others have years of experience taking group cardio classes, but haven’t worked with a trainer 1-1.  Lifting weights is a brand new skill, and the gym looks like an intimidating place.    It doesn’t have to be this way!   A personal trainer can help you learn which exercises to do, how to use equipment, and most importantly, help you feel at home in the gym.

When I started personal training school, I had never done weights.  Yes, I’d been in a variety of sports-mainly gymnastics and trampoline-but didn’t know where to start with dumbbells, kettlebells, or weight machines.  I was in class with people who’d been college athletes and been using weights their whole lives.  It was intimidating to say the least!  But my classmates and instructors helped me progress one day at a time, and at the end of 12 months, I felt confident in my form and able to teach others!  Almost a decade later, I’ve helped hundreds of people go on the same journey from nervous and unsure to empowered.

The #1 obstacle for many brand-new clients is being mean to themselves.  They berate themselves for not being the perfect weight, not knowing how to use every piece of equipment, or not having started eating right and exercising sooner.  What if you could be kind to yourself today?  If you knew that fitness professionals took at least a full year to learn how to do the exercises, would you sign up for 2 months with a trainer and then be mad at yourself for not being able to keep it up on your own?

Whether you’re signing up for a personal trainer, Pilates teacher, or yoga class, give yourself the gift of patience.  Plan to spend a minimum of 6 months if not a year to gain skills and build confidence.  If you want to try one or two trainers for a month each to find the right match for you, great.  Just know that once you do find ideal coach, they can’t get you there in a month.  Give yourself credit for getting started, and show the same compassion for yourself that you give your friends and family.