I do CrossFit. Nowadays claiming that seems like some dirty little secret. Maybe the assumption is that those who are partaking in it are jumping on an increasing popular bandwagon. You can also find criticisms coming in for the corner of those who practice other disciplines in the name of fitness. Anyway, I digress.
Let’s start again. I do CrossFit. I have no aspirations to be a games athlete but I do aspire to be fit and healthy. I attend CrossFit classes and at most times I am lying on the floor questioning my sanity but also giving myself a fist bump for finishing in one piece!
Any respectable gym which runs a class will always make sure you learn something new from that class. Personally, all my weightlifting techniques, tweaks and adaptations have been instilled in me via the class format.
Fact is that for most of us, the class scenario is all that we need. We push ourselves and are helped on by the community and we get fitter and stronger. So why bother with signing on for a personal trainer? If you are getting what you want here than paying extra just seems like a waste of money, right?
Well, not really. Taking on a personal trainer, even when you are not aspiring to be the next Rich Froning or Sara Sigmundsdóttir, can teach you a lot of cool stuff which may not be all too evident in a class.
For 3 years I struggled with rope climbs. I took one PT and that all changed. I’m not exactly at Tarzan levels but I have some wicked shin burns that I can now show off! Handstand pushups? Same story. A few PT Sessions and my world was truly turned upside down.
So who is a PT for? Technically for everyone. But more so when you have a specific goal or target in mind. Those who are looking to compete or take on a challenge (ie climbing a mountain, taking part in an ironman etc) or as mentioned before when you need a tweak to help take you to the next level. You could be doing heavy squats for example but feeling the slight twinge of discomfort, it could be a great example of taking on a PT session.
So in conclusion, is a PT a powerful tool or pricey trap? It can be both (and yes, I can hear your groans but hold on for a bit longer). It is a powerful tool if used right. If you need a tweak, you may need just a one or two sessions. If you have a greater goal than multiple sessions are the way to go. Having access to the right coach who understands what your goals are and how many (if any) PT sessions you need is critical. So do your research, be aware of the pitfalls and the benefits and you could find that a PT session done right can have heaps of rewards.
