How to Get the Most Out of Personal Training
You pay for an hour, but your results depend on the other 23. Here is how to maximize your investment.
Hiring a coach is the first step, but it is not the only step. A lot of people think they can just show up, sweat, and the results will magically happen.
But your coach cannot do the work for you.
If you want to maximize the time, money, and energy you are spending on personal training, you need to be an active participant in the process. Here are the non-negotiables to get the most out of your sessions.
📝 Track Your Own Progress
Yes, your coach has your program. But bringing your own logbook keeps you engaged, reminds you of the cues we worked on last time, and gives you a sense of ownership over your own numbers.
Don't just rely on me to remember your weights. Bring a notebook, write down the cues that click for you, and track your sleep and nutrition notes.
🛒 Coach Franco's Pick: Workout Logbook
A simple, distraction-free workout log removes the temptation of getting lost on your phone between sets.
🛒 Get it on Amazon💧 Come Prepared to Work
I cannot tell you how many people show up to train having had zero water all day, zero food, and expect to perform.
Treat your training session like an important meeting. Fuel appropriately 60-90 minutes before, and bring hydration. If you're dehydrated, your strength drops, your focus fades, and your form breaks down.
🛒 Coach Franco's Pick: Insulated Water Bottle
A reliable insulated bottle ensures you drink enough water throughout the day so you are primed to train.
🛒 Get it on Amazon🗣️ Communication is Everything
- Inform me of pain: "Muscle burn" is fine. "Joint pain" is not. Do not try to be tough and push through a bad pain signal. Tell me immediately.
- Give feedback on intensity: If the 8 RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) feels more like a 10, I need to know.
- Life stress matters: If you only slept 3 hours and had a massive fight with your boss, tell me. We can adjust the training response to match your daily capacity so you don't overtrain.
Personal training is a partnership.
Bring the intention, bring the effort, and communicate.
I provide the map, but you have to drive the car.
Get after it.
— Coach Franco 💪
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually believe in and use.
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