If you’ve been thinking of getting started with a local personal trainer so that you can move one step closer to reaching your end goals, one thing that you must make sure to do is meet up with them beforehand to go over some key points that will help ensure that you see the best results possible.

Remember, your trainer is not a mind reader, therefore if you are not keeping them well-informed, they may not be able to tailor those sessions as well as they could to your body.

Let’s show you the main points that you should be discussing with them.

First, it’s important that you talk to them about your past workout experience. If you are a brand new beginner, you will need a totally different protocol than someone who has been exercising for years.

Make sure that you talk to them about the types and intensity level of exercise that you have done before. And remember, exercise outside of the gym counts as well. If you were a top level athlete for a number of years, you have a training background behind you that they should know about.

Next, it’s also imperative that you talk to them about any current injuries that you may have as well or have suffered from in the past.

In some cases, injuries can be quite chronic so if you were suffering before, there is a higher chance that you may start suffering again in the future if certain exercises are performed. By talking to them about this, they can stay away from select movements that could cause you issues.

If you currently have an injury, then they need to know about this as well as that is a definite limitation as you go about your workout sessions.

Another thing to talk to your trainer about is the preferences you have for fitness. Don’t be afraid to let them know.

For example, if you hate running, speak up or you may find yourself doing a number of jogging intervals in the near future.

Remember, they don’t know what you like until you tell them. And, there are so many different ways of structuring an effective workout program that there’s no reason to be doing exercise that you completely hate.

If you speak up about these things, you can ensure they put together a program that you will look forward to each and every day.

Finally, also make sure that you speak to them about the goals that you have set for yourself. Remember when setting these goals that you want to be as specific as you possibly can, ensuring that you give them as many details as possible.

The more they know exactly what it is that you want to accomplish during your workout sessions with them, the better they can make sure that the program they choose for you is going to meet those needs.

It’s also a good idea that you talk to them about any diet you are using to reach those goals as well as the diet you are using can influence how much and the intensity of exercise they prescribe you.

So make sure before you get started with your personal trainer, you sit down with them and go over these points. It will help you ensure that you get the workout you want and are able to see the best results possible.

Jack Wheeler is a personal trainer and owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer.