Can you exercise on your own without a personal trainer? Sure. Anyone can walk into a gym and pick up weights or use machines. However, having a personal trainer has significant advantages, especially if you are a beginner, have hit a plateau, need some motivation and accountability, or just want to see results faster.
Going through the motions is not the same as training with intention. Personal trainers ensure you are training correctly and with purpose, help you use your time in the gym more effectively, keep you accountable, and guide you toward results that not only match your goals but happen faster and with less frustration.
At RAW Athletic Club, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of having a personal trainer. Personal training gives people structure, consistent support, and the kind of challenge that is hard to replicate on your own.
Whether you are a beginner just starting your fitness journey, aging and needing help adjusting your exercise to your current abilities, or already comfortable in the gym and looking to level up, the right qualified personal trainer can make a real difference.
In this blog, we break down what in-person training looks like, the benefits of having a personal trainer, what to expect from your personal training sessions, and how to get the most out of them. We will also explain why the personal trainer-client relationship is more of a unique partnership than a service, and answer some of the most common questions people have about personal training, to help you determine if hiring a personal trainer is right for you.
What is Personal Training?
Personal training is a one-on-one fitness service where a certified trainer works directly with you to help you reach your specific goals. That could mean building strength, losing body fat, improving endurance, moving better, or just getting back into a consistent routine.
Unlike group classes, generic workout plans, fitness apps, or even virtual one-on-one personal training, in-person training is hands-on and fully customized based on your fitness level, lifestyle, and what you’re trying to accomplish.
Your personal trainer does more than just write a workout. They coach you through each session, ensuring you use proper form, adjust your programming based on your body’s response, help you avoid frustrating plateaus, and keep you focused and motivated, even when you’re tired, distracted, or tempted to skip a workout.
Certified personal trainers, like those on our elite training team at RAW Athletic Club, don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. You get an individualized plan and real-time coaching designed to take out any guesswork, help you train smarter, avoid injury, stay accountable, and make progress that lasts.
Many people are confused or wonder if there is a difference between a personal trainer and a fitness coach. To learn more, check out “Personal Trainer vs Fitness Coach: What’s the Difference & Which is For You?”
Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer: How Personal Training Can Change Lives
Personal training is great for beginners or people who feel lost in the gym. However, anyone with fitness goals, regardless of experience level, age, or current routine, can benefit from having a personal trainer.
Personal training is for anyone who wants structure, accountability, and results without wasting time guessing what to do next. A great personal trainer helps you close the gap between knowing what you want and actually doing what it takes to get there.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of working with a qualified personal trainer:
- Helps you reach your goals faster and easier
- Ensures proper form and reduces the risk of injury
- Maximizes gym time by giving you a clear, personalized plan
- Keeps you accountable and consistent when motivation dips
- Pushes you safely outside your comfort zone
- Tracks progress and makes real-time adjustments
- Supports you through setbacks and plateaus
- Builds confidence in and out of the gym
- Teaches you how to train smarter, not just harder
- Keeps your training aligned with your goals and lifestyle
- Helps you stop second-guessing everything you do in the gym
Working with a good personal trainer has obvious short-term benefits. But your investment in working with a personal trainer can last a lifetime. If you decide to part ways and start training on your own, you’ll be equipped with knowledge that gives you the ability to build your own custom workouts and take care of yourself long after your sessions are over.
Most people spend months or even years spinning their wheels, trying to figure out how to take that first step on their own. Or, if they are already training, they become bored with the same routine, get frustrated and unsure of how to break through a plateau, or start experiencing burnout and need a new approach to stay engaged.
Regardless of where you are in your fitness journey or why you might be feeling stuck, a good personal trainer helps you skip the trial-and-error phase so you can jump straight to work with a plan that works for you.
Whether your goal is to get leaner, stronger, healthier, or just feel more confident walking into the gym, having a personal trainer gives you the direction and support to make it happen and keep it going.
Depending on their qualifications, some trainers can also create nutrition plans, or at the very least, give you nutrition and supplement advice that aligns with your goals and training intensity.
If you want to learn more about nutrition, read “Nutrition For Muscle Gain: What To Eat Before And After Workouts” and “New Smoothie Recipes To Boost Your Performance And Recovery.”
Understanding The Personal Training Process: How Does Personal Training Work?
Every gym and personal trainer has their own approach to the personal training process. However, if you are wondering where to start and what to expect before committing to a program, here is how the process typically unfolds.
Find a Gym Near You
If you are looking for a qualified and certified personal trainer, the easiest and most reliable first step is to find a gym near you with five-star reviews that has personal training services, offers the amenities you want, has hours that fit your schedule, and is in a location that best suits your daily routine. Then, book a gym tour, or just stop by, and ask about their personal training program.
The reason it’s a good idea to start at a gym is that the homework is already done for you. Most personal trainers either work as employees of a gym or operate under a contract that allows them to train clients in that facility. Either way, the trainers have already been interviewed and vetted to ensure they have proper credentials, experience, and professionalism.
If you think the gym and one of their trainers are a good fit and you don’t already have a membership, you’ll want to get that lined up. Of course, you can use the gym facility with or without your trainer, but to train with a personal trainer at a gym, you will almost always need a gym membership. Having that membership also means you can follow their program on your own between sessions, which is key to seeing consistent results.
Personal Training Consultation
Your first session with a personal trainer is typically a consultation. This is where you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, any injuries or physical limitations you might have, current habits, training background, and any preferences or concerns you have.
You’ll also talk about how you want to structure your training, such as how many days a week you can realistically commit, if you always want to train with a trainer, or if you prefer a hybrid setup where you meet with your trainer a few times a week and train solo on the other days.
The goal is to create something that matches your budget, goals, ability level, and the amount of time you can realistically commit to training. Your trainer will help you determine what schedule makes sense. If, for any reason, the original plan doesn’t work, you can always adjust later.
Last, they will book your first session and ideally your next several sessions, get you locked into their calendar, and start building a custom plan based on your current needs.
What to Expect During Your First Personal Training Session
Every personal training session is tailored to where you are currently. If you’re brand new to training, your sessions may focus heavily on learning proper form, understanding how to engage the right muscles, and getting comfortable with movement patterns.
If you’re more experienced, the sessions might focus on dialing in form, pushing intensity, learning new techniques, or working through training plateaus. Regardless of your level, a good trainer will coach you through the entire process, adjust based on how your body is responding, and help you improve with every session.
Either way, that first session is about establishing a baseline. Your trainer will observe how you move, assess your current abilities, and decide how to structure your workouts moving forward. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for their coaching style and make sure they are the right fit, and if so, that you’re on the same page about your training sessions and expectations.
Most personal training sessions last around an hour. However, some sessions may be slightly shorter, while others can be longer. A good trainer will work with you to find the best fit for your schedule and goals.
After the First Session: Your Personal Training Journey Moving Forward
After your first session, each session following builds on the last. Progress happens by stacking quality sessions over time, not by trying to force results as fast as possible. That approach always backfires. That said, it’s normal to feel sore after your first personal training session, especially if you’re new to consistent strength training or trying new exercises.
You can always touch base with your trainer before your session if the soreness seems excessive, but don’t automatically cancel just because you are sore. That soreness, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is most likely just your body adapting to the workload.
Even if you are a bit sore, you should be fine to continue with your next training session. Most trainers will schedule at least one day of rest between sessions for recovery. Additionally, unless your program is a full-body training style, you won’t be working the exact same muscle groups back-to-back, which gives each area time to recover while still keeping you active.
If you want more tips on how to limit soreness, check out “The Post-Workout Recovery Routine You Need.”
As far as the sessions themselves, with every session you’ll build confidence in the movements, need fewer form corrections, and be able to transition more quickly between exercises. This means you’ll likely notice as you evolve, there is less explaining and more working.
Your trainer will track your progress, make adjustments as needed, and when you are ready, introduce new exercises or training methods to keep you moving forward. Some weeks you might see big jumps in performance, while other weeks are about refining technique, reinforcing habits, and setting up your next breakthrough.
The trainer’s job is to guide you safely and progressively, and to make sure you keep showing up, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Your job is to bring the effort and follow the plan.
How to Make the Most of Your Personal Training Sessions
Hiring a personal trainer is an investment. To get the most out of your sessions, it’s important to remember that personal training is a partnership. We’ll discuss this more in the “Key Elements of a Successful Fitness Transformation” section below, but how much you get from your sessions isn’t solely the responsibility of your trainer.
To get the most out of your training sessions and make them worth the investment, you need to show up prepared and take ownership of your role in the process.
Here are some easy ways to do that:
- Come prepared: Ensure you are hydrated and eat a proper pre-workout meal, take your pre-workout supplement if that’s part of your routine, and wear training gear that lets you move well.
- Be ready to work: If you’re going to show up, show up with purpose. Effort matters.
- Communicate: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if you want to adjust something. Let your trainer know how your body is feeling. The more you share, the better they can coach.
- Listen: If you follow any type of fitness accounts on social media, we’re sure you’ve seen hundreds of different ways to train and heard opinions on “the best way” to build muscle, lose fat, or train effectively. Feel free to ask questions, but remember that you hired your trainer for a reason. It’s worth trusting their experience and letting them guide the process.
- Don’t compare yourself to others: It can be tempting to look around the gym or scroll social media and see people who seem further ahead. Unless this gives you a feeling of motivation, try to block it out. Progress takes time, and everyone’s path looks different. Focus on your plan, your effort, and your consistency. The results will come.
- Take notes or film your workouts: Jot down what you learned or ask your trainer to record a few key exercises for reference. If you want to know more about filming workouts, check out “Why You Should Film Your Workouts.”
- Take personal responsibility outside of your training sessions: If you train three hours a week with a personal trainer, that still leaves 165 hours where what you do matters. Your trainer will likely suggest that you do some training sessions or cardio on your own between sessions.
Additionally, recovery, nutrition, sleep, and stress all affect your results. Your trainer can only guide what happens in the gym and give you homework for when you aren’t together, but it’s on you to follow through when you’re not there. If you’re unsure what to do on your own, never hesitate to ask.
Key Elements of a Successful Fitness Transformation with a Personal Trainer
Hiring a personal trainer is a powerful step toward your goals, but it is not the only piece of the puzzle. You have to be an active part of the process. Real transformation comes from a combination of coaching, commitment, and consistency.
Below are the key elements that drive long-term success when working with a personal trainer. Each one supports the others. When they come together, real, lasting progress becomes a reality.
Clear Goals and The Right Mindset
Clear goals give your training direction. Are you trying to build muscle, lose fat, improve mobility, or just feel better day to day? Your trainer needs to know what you are working toward so they can build a plan that matches.
But goals alone are not enough. Your mindset has to match your expectations. That means being open to learning, staying patient through plateaus, and understanding that real change takes time. Transformation is not a straight line, but having the right mental approach makes all the difference.
A Custom Training Plan and Supportive Environment
No two clients are the same, and no two programs should be either. A qualified trainer creates a custom plan based on your goals, fitness level, available time, and any limitations or injuries. This plan should adapt as your body changes and as you improve.
It also helps to train in an environment that supports your effort. Being in a gym like RAW Athletic Club, with amenities that can help you reach your goals and an atmosphere that is full of like-minded people, makes showing up and staying consistent much easier.
A Nutrition Plan That Matches Your Goals
You cannot out-train a poor diet. Whether your trainer is certified to provide meal plans or just gives general guidance, your eating habits have to support your training goals.
That might mean dialing in your protein intake, making sure you are fueling properly around workouts, or getting help from a registered dietitian.
Either way, your nutrition needs to match the work you are putting in at the gym. If you are not seeing results, diet is usually the first place to look.
Don’t Forget About Recovery
Here is where many people underestimate what it really takes to make progress. They assume the hard work only happens on the gym floor, but the truth is your results are heavily influenced by what you do once you leave.
Results come from the combination of training and recovery. If you are not giving your body time to repair and rebuild, progress will stall. That means prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress, and supporting recovery with the right post-workout habits.
If you want to learn more about recovery, read “The Importance of Rest Days: Balancing Rest and Recovery” and “The Post-Workout Recovery Routine You Need.”
Remain Consistent
You’ve gotta keep showing up even if you don’t want to! Some days will feel great. Others will feel like a grind. That is normal. You don’t need to train every day or push yourself to the max in every workout, but consistency is key.
What matters most is showing up regularly and putting in quality effort over time. Always remember that consistency beats intensity, and discipline is built through repetition. Your trainer can help you stay on track even when motivation drops.
Track Progress
Tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and keeps your plan on course. A good trainer will help you track multiple metrics and help you see the bigger picture.
For example, many people get stuck on the number on the scale. However, your scale weight is not the only measure that matters, and often it doesn’t tell the real story. Progress can show up in how your clothes fit, how much weight you are lifting, how your energy feels throughout the day, or even in how confident you feel.
Another important thing to remember when tracking progress is that it’s always about progress over perfection. Your personal trainer can help you focus on the positive changes you are making, recognize wins beyond the scale, and keep you moving forward even if results are not always linear.
Have Patience
Going back to what we just said (progress over perfection), a body transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Nor is rushing the process healthy or sustainable. Small steps, stacked over time, lead to big changes. Any online “trainer” or influencer promising that you’ll lose fat fast or gain 5 pounds of muscle in 30 days is selling hype, not reality.
Real, lasting change takes consistency and time. You need to be patient. It can be difficult to navigate how soon you should or shouldn’t see results, what’s truly a plateau, or whether you’re just experiencing normal fluctuations, if you are attempting to figure it all out alone.
Having a personal trainer who understands the process, can monitor your progress, and make smart adjustments keeps you from second-guessing yourself and helps you stay on track even when the results feel slow.
The Personal Trainer–Client Relationship: A Personal Partnership
At its core, working with a personal trainer is a service. You have a need or goal, and you pay a trainer to help you reach it. However, working with a personal trainer is more than just showing up for workouts and having someone tell you what to do and how to do it.
The personal trainer–client relationship is unique. It’s not just a monetary transaction. There is a level of honesty, vulnerability, and trust that can create a unique personal bond. There are many reasons this connection can form so strongly.
For many, weight or appearance is often tied to deep insecurities. For these people, it takes a lot of trust and vulnerability to open up and share their story, struggles, and goals. A good trainer knows how to create a judgment-free environment where you feel safe to be honest about your goals, fears, and challenges. This can create a very strong bond.
Additionally, many people hire a personal trainer around a significant life event. It could be to prepare for something exciting like a wedding, a milestone birthday, or an athletic or bodybuilding competition. But it could also be in response to something difficult, such as a painful breakup or health scare. Personal trainers are often a sounding board, which creates a unique bond as they help clients work through both physical and emotional milestones.
Another thing that makes the personal trainer–client relationship unique is what we touched on earlier: personal training is a partnership. Unlike many other services, where you pay for a result and have no role or responsibility in the process, personal training is collaborative. Your effort between sessions is just as important as what you do in the gym together. You are a team!
There are very few services you pay for that combine education, accountability, and support the way personal training does. Hiring a trainer is like having a teacher, motivator, therapist, cheerleader, and life coach rolled into one.
Exactly why, when choosing a personal trainer, you need to consider more than their certifications and experience training clients with similar goals as yours. Those things are important, but they also need to be the right personal fit. Your trainer should be someone you respect, trust, and feel comfortable sharing both your struggles and your victories with.
FAQ About Personal Training
What certifications should a personal trainer have?
One personal training certification isn’t necessarily better than another, but a good starting point is to look for trainers certified by trusted bodies like ACE, NASM, or NSCA. These organizations require anatomy, programming, and safety standards that meet recognized fitness industry benchmarks. Any extra certifications aren’t necessary, but depending on your goal, they could be a nice bonus.
How do I choose the right personal trainer?
Start by looking for a trainer whose qualifications match your goals (whether that’s fat loss, strength building, injury recovery, or longevity). Ask about their experience with clients like you. Pay attention to communication and personality fit. You should feel heard, challenged, and trust that they have the expertise to guide you for the long haul.
How much does a personal trainer cost?
It’s not possible to tell you the exact cost of a personal training session. The price of personal training is highly variable, depending on experience, location, and session format. Also, some trainers offer discounts if you purchase personal training packages.
That said, according to the most recent nationwide data, typical personal training rates range from $40 to upwards of $75 per hour, with some personal trainers charging $100–200 per session.
Pricing will always be discussed before your first training session, so you know exactly what to expect and can decide on a plan that works for your budget.
Where can I find a good personal trainer?
Start at a gym with a solid reputation, as they typically vet their trainers. You can also search online directories, fitness platforms, trusted review sites, and of course, word of mouth. If you have a fit friend, ask them if they use a personal trainer.
Once you have selected a few qualified trainers who seem to align with your goals, schedule a consultation to see if the person and training style actually match your expectations.
How important is it that my personal trainer is in excellent physical shape?
What is it they say… never trust a skinny cook? You might often hear something similar when it comes to personal trainers: that if they don’t look the part, they can’t help you get results.
Of course, a personal trainer should walk the walk and live a healthy lifestyle. However, keep in mind that “fit” looks different for everyone, and having a six-pack might be impressive, but it isn’t always an indicator of overall health.
The most important things to consider when hiring a personal trainer are that they have proper credentials, are equipped with the right skills to help you reach your goals, are a fit for your goals and personality, and always use training methods that place your health above all else.
How does online training differ from in‑person training sessions?
It depends on the type of online training. If you are using an app that follows preloaded workouts, these plans are usually cookie-cutter and not tailored to your specific needs. You might have access to video demos that show you how to do exercises and provide general instructions, but there isn’t really any personalization or feedback on your form or progress.
If you are doing one-on-one online training with a personal trainer, these plans can be customized and a little more adaptable to your goals. However, everything is still online. Communication is limited to the trainer’s app or via email, along with an occasional text, video call, or phone check-in.
In-person training is not only completely personalised, it gives you instant feedback and a type of motivation that’s hard to replicate via screen (not to mention the personal trainer–client relationship we talked about earlier).
Is a gym membership necessary to work with a personal trainer?
Usually, but not always. Some trainers work in studios, outdoors, or bring equipment to your home. However, if you are training at a gym, a membership is typically necessary. This might be a separate gym fee or included in your trainer fees. Always ask what setup they use and if it’s included in their rate.
How often should I train with a personal trainer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should train with a personal trainer. Some clients meet with a trainer three times a week or more, while others benefit from once or twice a week. It comes down to your schedule, budget, and how much guidance you need to stay on track.
Do I need to work with a personal trainer forever?
Not at all. While a lot of people stick with trainers longer for advanced programming or greater accountability, a trainer can set you up to succeed on your own. Many clients use personal training as a way to learn proper form, build confidence, and create a solid foundation. Once they feel capable, they taper off, confident knowing how to maintain progress.
Conclusion
Personal training is more than just paying for workouts. It’s about having a partner who guides you, challenges you, cheers you on, and keeps you accountable so you can reach your goals faster and with more confidence. The right trainer provides structure, teaches effective training methods, and offers support every step of the way (both in and out of the gym).
At RAW Athletic Club, our elite team of certified personal trainers is here to help you get the most from every training session. Whether you’re a beginner new to training, getting back into it, or ready to take your performance to the next level, our personal trainers can create a program built for you.
With two state-of-the-art facilities in Port St. Lucie, FL, and Stuart, FL, with everything you need under one roof to reach your goals faster and easier (we even have a barber shop and smoothie bar), we make it easier to show up, stay consistent, and see real results.
To learn more, contact us online, book a gym tour, or just stop by for a visit!
