The Difference Between a Fitness Coach & a Personal Trainer
When it comes to getting fit, there are a lot of options available. You can go at it alone with a workout routine you found online, or you can hire a fitness coach or personal trainer to help you reach your goals. So, what’s the difference between these two types of professionals?
A fitness coach is someone who helps you create a holistic fitness plan tailored to your specific goals and then provides guidance and support as you work to achieve them. A personal trainer, on the other hand, is someone who creates a workout plan for you and works out with you one-on-one to make sure form and other things are done correctly.
There are pros and cons to both options. So, which is right for you?
The Benefits of a Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is usually hired by a gym or partners with a gym of some kind. This typically means that the best way to hire a personal trainer is to sign up with a nearby gym.
When you hire a personal trainer, you are paying for their time and knowledge. They will help you create a workout plan that suits your specific exercise needs and will workout with you to make sure your form is on point and that you are doing the exercises properly. Personal trainers don’t typically provide detailed, calibrated nutrition plans.
They can help you stay accountable.
When it comes to fitness, one of the biggest challenges is often staying motivated and consistent. A personal trainer can help keep you on track because you will have regularly scheduled appointments with them.
They can help you learn the basics.
If you are new to fitness or if you have been working out for a while but haven’t seen the results you want, a personal trainer can teach you the basics of weightlifting, cardio, and other exercise.
They can help you avoid injuries.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a personal trainer is that they can help you avoid injuries. They can show you proper form and how to do exercises safely.
The Cons of a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers often only provide workout plans.
If you are looking for a holistic plan for achieving weight loss or other fitness goals, a personal trainer may not be the best option for you. Trainers will design and guide you through a specific workout plan, but they typically do not provide a flexible nutrition plan, specify how much cardiovascular exercise to do, or provide the mindset coaching often needed to make the necessary lifestyle changes for reaching fitness goals.
They can be expensive.
In most cases, personal trainers charge by the hour. This can add up quickly, especially if you are working with them on a regular basis.
The Benefits of a Fitness Coach
A fitness coach is someone who will create a holistic nutrition and exercise plan for you, tailored to your specific fitness goals and then provide accountability, guidance, and support as you work to achieve those goals.
They provide some of the same benefits as a personal trainer.
Just like a personal trainer, a fitness coach is knowledgeable about exercises that can help you reach your fitness goals. Additionally, they can provide customized support and guidance that will help you get to where you need to be.
They are more available.
Unlike personal trainers, many fitness coaches work virtually and are not hired to workout with you, one-on-one. This means that they are available for questions at all times (not just during your workout session) and may have more capacity to work with you.
They can be affordable.
Because fitness coaches are not typically hired on a one-on-one basis, their rates are often more affordable than hiring a personal trainer, nutritionist, and lifestyle coach separately.
The Cons of a Fitness Coach
They are typically not working out with you at the gym
If you are looking for someone who can help you use the equipment at the gym or give you specific instruction on how to do an exercise, an online fitness coach may not be the best option for you.
Fitness Coaches Offer More Affordable Rates Than Personal Trainers
When it comes to finding the right fitness coach for you, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, fitness coaches can provide exercise programming as do personal trainers, but many offer a more holistic plan that includes nutrition programming and mindset coaching.
Second, fitness coaches are typically more readily available than personal trainers in that most offer email and other virtual support. And finally, fitness coaches offer more affordable rates than personal trainers.
So if you are looking for someone to help you create and stick to a nutrition and exercise plan that is tailored to YOUR lifestyle and will help you meet your fitness goals, a fitness coach may be the perfect option for you.
Questions to Ask a Potential Fitness Coach/ Personal Trainer
Before selecting a fitness coach or a personal trainer, you may want to consider asking the below questions.
Do you provide nutrition planning?
If you are looking to lose weight, you will need someone to help you create a nutrition plan for reaching your goals. This question will help you determine if the trainer or coach can help with this aspect of your goal.
What sort of exercise will you have me do to achieve my goals?
This question will help you determine the approach your trainer or coach is going to take to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. For a variety of reasons, you will want to make sure that resistance training is part of your plan.
How do you assess fitness goals?
This question will help you determine whether or not they are in the same headspace when it comes to measuring success as you are.
Do you have experience with my fitness level and goals?
This question will help you determine if they are a good fit for you and can help tailor a plan that will work for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Knowing their policy upfront can help avoid any surprises down the road.
How much do you charge for your services?
Getting an idea of how much a trainer or coach charges for services will help you determine if you can afford to work with them.
What is your availability?
This question can help you determine if they are able to work with you in a manner that works with your schedule.
Can I contact you outside of our sessions?
Knowing that they are available for support between sessions can be extremely helpful.
Do you have any fitness or nutrition certifications?
This question will help you determine if they are qualified to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals.
What is included in your program/ package?
This question can help you get a good idea of what to expect when working with them.
What are your thoughts on supplementation?
Knowing their stance on supplementation can help you make better decisions when it comes to picking a plan for reaching your fitness goals.
How do you motivate clients?
Knowing how a trainer or coach motivates clients can be extremely helpful in knowing if they are a good fit for you and your style of motivation.
Can I speak to some of your current or past clients?
Talking to some of their current or past clients can give you an idea of what to expect when working with them.
What Else Can a Fitness Coach Help With?
In addition to fitness goals, fitness coaches can also help with other health-related goals such as weight loss, eating better, and improving overall wellness.
If you have other health-related goals in addition to fitness goals, a fitness coach may be a good option for you.
It is important to understand your coach's background to be able to understand what you may achieve together.
Fitness Coaches in Kansas City - Couture Fitness Coaching
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