How to Actually Get Results with a Personal Trainer
Hiring a personal trainer can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your health. It helps you avoid years of guesswork, stay consistent, and actually stick to a plan. But just showing up isn’t enough—you’ve still got to meet the process halfway
Here’s how to actually benefit from working with a coach—so you don’t end up wasting your time or money
Know What You Actually Want
Before your first session, get clear on what success looks like for you. Are you trying to lose fat? Build strength? Get ready for a big event? The more specific you are, the better your trainer can build a plan that fits. Vague goals = vague results
Also: being clear on your goal helps you make better lifestyle choices. Want to lose 6kg before your wedding? Maybe skip the 2am kebab…
Ask Better Questions
Don’t just assume your trainer will “figure you out.” Ask the right questions early:
What’s your training approach?
How will we track progress?
What do you expect from me?
What can I do outside the gym to speed things up?
The better you understand the why behind the plan, the easier it is to trust the process and stay consistent
Set Realistic Goals (and Be Patient)
A good personal trainer will meet you where you’re at—but you’ve got to be honest about what you can commit to. It’s not about quick fixes. Real progress takes time. Work with your coach to set short-term checkpoints, long-term direction, and something in between. Results don’t just come from the plan—they come from the mindset behind it
Show Up, Be Engaged
You’re paying for more than reps. You’re paying to learn, get coached, and apply it. So be present. Ask questions. Take note of what’s working. This isn’t a lifetime subscription—you want to absorb as much as you can so you’re set up for success long after your sessions end
Don’t Just Train—Live Like It Matters
What you do outside the gym is just as important. Eat in line with your goals. Get enough sleep. Stay active between sessions—even if it’s just walking more. If you're unsure how to support your training outside the gym, ask. Most coaches are thrilled when clients want to do more—not less
Remember: Your Trainer Can’t Do It for You
Your trainer isn’t a magician. They can guide, coach, and support you—but they can’t eat your meals or make you sleep 8 hours. If you want real change, your effort matters. Even on the days you’re not feeling it, just showing up puts you ahead. That’s where a trainer really helps—keeping you going when motivation dips
Don’t Fight the Plan
You hired them for a reason—so let them coach you. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions, but constant pushback kills progress. Trust goes both ways. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. But give the plan a fair shot before dismissing it in your head
Bottom line
Personal training is an investment—so make it count. Be clear on your goals, stay consistent, and trust the process. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be coachable. If you bring that, a good trainer will meet you with everything else
