Personal Training FAQs

If you have a health or fitness goal, you may be wondering how personal training can help. Here are some common personal training FAQs to help you understand how the process works.

Personal Training FAQs

Is personal training right for me?

Yes! Anyone can benefit from personal training. Whether you’ve never exercised before, you’re already into fitness and want to optimize your training, or anything in between, a personal training program can help you achieve your goals.

As a personal trainer, it’s my job to create an individualized program and walk you through the exercises so you can be sure you’re doing the right workouts for your goals and your body, and that you’re executing the moves correctly and safely.

I also provide motivation and accountability, and push you to challenge yourself so you get the results you want. That can help anyone get fitter and healthier!

How long are the sessions?

Trainers usually offer 30-60 minute sessions. I provide 55 minute sessions, which is long enough to warm up, get an effective work out, and have time between exercises or at the end of the session to discuss your goals and what’s going on outside of the gym.

How many times a week do I need to meet with a personal trainer?

Most people will meet with their trainer 2-3 times a week.

Remember, though, that there are 168 hours in a week, and you’re awake for about 112 of them. If you spend 2 or 3 hours a week in the gym, that’s less than 3% of your week.

What you do outside of your training sessions matters a lot, so I will also talk to you about being active between your personal training sessions. That might mean taking a walk or hitting a certain number of steps each day. We will also discuss your other goals and how you can achieve them.

How does a personal trainer decide on my program?

A good trainer will ask you about your goals, your previous experience, your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and other habits, and do an initial assessment of your fitness. I use that information to put together a safe, personalized, progressive program that will improve your health and fitness and move you towards your specific goals.

What is a typical session like?

A personal training session usually starts with a warm up to get blood flowing to your muscles and prime your brain and nervous system so they’re ready for the demands of the workout.

Depending on your goals, your workout will include strength, cardio, and mobility exercises. As your trainer, I will demonstrate how to do each exercise, choose your weights and adjust them to make sure you’re being challenged enough in each exercise, correct your form if necessary, and keep track of your progress.

In my sessions, I also talk to clients about their other goals, how they’re feeling, what else is going on in their life that might affect their results, and brainstorm ways to overcome obstacles.

What do I need to bring?

When you hire a trainer, you'll usually see them in a gym or training studio. I have a private personal training studio in Lake Mary, with all the equipment you need to do your workouts. You should bring a water bottle, a towel, and a positive attitude!

Will I get diet tips along with exercise?

Most trainers are not registered dieticians or nutritionists, so giving detailed diet advice is outside our “scope of practice”.

However, I know that healthy eating is a very important part of achieving health goals. As a personal trainer (with a PhD and many years of formal education and experience) I can talk to you about the foundations of good nutrition, and help you become more aware of what you currently eat and how it’s affecting you. I can also help you set healthy eating goals that fit your lifestyle and keep you accountable in following through with those goals.

If you need specific nutritional advice for a health condition, you’ll usually be referred to a nutritionist.

How long will it take before I see results?

Everyone is different, so it’s impossible to say for sure exactly how long it will take to see changes. In my experience, you'll start to feel better pretty quickly with consistent exercise.

Many people find that exercise puts them in a good mood and that their energy levels improve right away.

Most people start to see and feel changes in their strength and fitness after 6-8 weeks. A lot of factors affect your physical results, including how well you sleep and how you manage stress, which is why I take a holistic approach to health and fitness.

How much does it cost?

Many personal trainers offer their services at a "per-session" price.

My programs are a little different. I offer training in 3, 6, and 12 month packages. The monthly price depends on how many days per week you train and the total package length. The monthly cost includes not only the cost of your sessions, but all the additional expertise, motivation, and accountability you get in between workouts.

I also offer nutrition and habit coaching as an add-on to a personal training program. That involves extra sessions where we can really focus on the coaching you might need to help you follow through on your healthy eating and lifestyle goals.

I create online training programs as well. Those are perfect if you’re able to work out on your own but need a little help getting started.

I hope these personal training FAQs are helpful. If you want to find out more about how I can help you with your specific goals, contact me.