Having never been particularly interested in fitness or physical activity of any sort, I’ve found that in my adulthood I was a newcomer in the gym. As I approach 30 years of age, it’s time I started working out regularly and leading a more active lifestyle. Going to the gym for the first time, I thought that I could just start working out without the need for any professional guidance whatsoever. I wasn’t participating in any marathons or major league championships was I? Why would I need a coach? Well, it turns out beginners do need a coach, and here’s why.
Learning Proper Form And Equipment Use
Some equipment deceivingly looks like it is easy to use. For example, if you don’t learn how to use squat rack, you risk injuring yourself in a serious way. The same goes for the majority of exercise equipment, even if it does not involve weight lifting. Another very important factor to consider is that a fitness coach will be able to teach you the proper form you should take in order to make the most of your workouts and to prevent injury. This applies to all types of exercise, even if it does not involve any equipment at all. A good example for good form is when beginners start to do push ups—most people tend to arch their body slightly, which is relatively easy and does not strengthen the core. On the other hand, a fitness coach will teach you how to keep your back straight so that you activate your core and actually benefit from the push ups.
Staying Motivated
It’s difficult to get motivated to workout, and even more difficult to stay motivated. Part of the job of a fitness coach is to keep your motivation levels up and make sure you don’t stop. Together, you will be able to push yourself with determination, and reach higher levels of success in achieving your fitness goals—however big or small they may be.
Avoiding Myths And Misconceptions
Especially with the advent of the internet, there is a lot of misinformation going around. It can be easy to get frustrated from trying to workout and not getting results because the majority of your workouts are based on misconceptions and urban myths. Too many people fall prey to the various myths and misconceptions that circulate online (and offline) about working out, which often leads to injuries, frustration, and more.
The Bottom Line
Anyone who is starting a fitness journey benefits greatly from having a coach on their side to provide the proper guidance so that you can achieve your fitness goals in time. They will also help you prevent injuries by teaching you the proper methods of exercising and creating a suitable workout regimen for you to follow that is specific to your needs, preferences, and goals. Most gyms provide a free coaching service, which may not be ideal but it’s better than trying to do everything yourself. If you’re not going to workout at a gym, then consider hiring a fitness coach, even if only for a brief period.