How a Personal Trainer Can Help You Succeed in Your New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions can be a daunting challenge for many. It’s common to start the year full of motivation, only to see those intentions slip away by February. One of the key takeaways from recent fitness articles is the importance of focusing on habit change rather than drastic, extreme measures. For those seeking to stay committed and make lasting changes, a personal trainer can provide the guidance and structure needed to succeed. Here’s how working with a trainer can help:
1. Personal Training and Assessment: Setting a Baseline
Starting the New Year without a clear sense of where you are and where you want to go can lead to frustration. A personal trainer can help set that “north star” by conducting an initial assessment to determine your current fitness level, goals, and any limitations you may have. Many people compare themselves to their past selves—whether it’s a time they were in peak shape, or someone they admire. However, it’s important to recognize that your priorities, body, and lifestyle may have changed over the years. A personal trainer doesn’t expect you to be where you were 5 or 10 years ago—they meet you where you are today.
Once your baseline is established, a trainer can develop a personalized, sustainable game plan. This roadmap provides clear, realistic milestones that will guide you to success, step by step.
2. Personal Trainer and Progress: Small Changes Lead to Big Results
One of the most important things a personal trainer does is help you progress slowly and steadily. Many people’s New Year’s resolutions start strong, but they attempt drastic changes—like working out every day or drastically altering their diet—which can quickly become overwhelming and unsustainable. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and a trainer knows that lasting changes come from consistently building small habits over time.
A good trainer will help you set manageable goals and celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether that’s sticking to a workout routine or making healthier food choices, the incremental changes you make each week will add up to meaningful long-term results.
3. Accountability: Overcoming Excuses
As I’ve mentioned in past articles, accountability is crucial to sticking with any new habit. Many people fall off track because their accountability partner may not know when to push them or when to give them a break. A personal trainer can step in as that accountability partner who understands exactly when to challenge you and when to guide you with compassion. Whether it’s pushing you to complete that last rep or encouraging you to take a well-timed rest, your trainer knows what you need to stay on track.
Overcoming excuses is often the biggest hurdle, and a personal trainer’s job is to support you in moving past them. With someone to guide you, even on tough days, it’s easier to build those habits and stick to them.
4. What to Look for in a Personal Trainer
Choosing the right personal trainer is key to ensuring your success. While certifications can be helpful, they don’t guarantee a great trainer. Certifications often focus on training techniques, but the true value of a trainer lies in their ability to connect with you and understand your individual needs. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a trainer:
- Do you like and respect them? Can you trust their advice and guidance? A trainer who you like and respect will make it easier to stay motivated and committed.
- Do they understand your goals? A good trainer will tailor their advice to your specific fitness level, goals, and lifestyle. They should listen to you and not just give generic advice that they offer to everyone.
- What results have they achieved with other clients? Ask about the trainer’s experience and successes with others. This can help you determine if their approach aligns with your goals and if they have a proven track record of helping clients achieve success.
5. Turning Your Resolution Into a Lifelong Journey
A personal trainer’s job isn’t just to help you meet your goals—it’s to guide you through the entire journey, from start to finish. Taking someone from where they are today to where they want to be can be challenging, but the right trainer will be there to support you every step of the way. With the right guidance and mindset, your New Year’s resolution can become the start of a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.
By working with a personal trainer, you’re not just setting yourself up to succeed in the short-term, but also creating a foundation for lasting habits and long-term health. So, if you’re ready to make 2024 your best year yet, consider investing in a personal trainer who can guide you on the journey from New Year’s resolutions to lifelong success.
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
