I’ve been privileged enough to work with many clients in my time as a trainer, and even though I’d like to say that I’ve helped each and every one of them achieve their goals if I did I’d be lying!
Personal Training is very much a team effort between the client and the trainer. The trainer plays the role of a ‘coach’, giving their client the right information on what to do, then the client takes that information and puts it into practice. This should include the necessary exercise programming, dietary advice and any other information that will get the client to their result in the quickest and safest manner. But as the saying goes;
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”
What you do with that information will be the biggest difference in getting the job done, or falling short in the results department.
Below are the 7 essential characteristics that I’ve observed from clients that successfully achieved their goals in training. These are definitely not all from one single client, or the be all end all list for success, but rather a compilation of observations from people that had what it takes to get it done in the gym!
#1 – THEY VIEW TRAINING AS A PART OF THEIR LIFE, NOT JUST A SHORT TERM FIX
Whether you’re looking for increased muscle, impressive fat loss, outstanding athletic development, or any worthwhile training goal, it takes a lot hard work and long-term commitment. Once you understand that you’re in this for the long haul, it’s easier to accept what needs to be done. Viewing exercise as a part of your lifestyle is a must do for long-term success.
Remember; Rome wasn’t built in a day!
A physique like Dana Linn Bailey’s would have taken years of hard work and commitment to achieve.
#2 – THEY SEE THEIR TRAINER 2 TIMES PER WEEK OR MORE
Not to say that you HAVE to see a trainer at least twice per week to get the job done. We have many clients that come in weekly, or even monthly (some we don’t even see face to face but online!) and still achieve impressive results. It just means that the less you train with your trainer, the more you have to do by yourself. From experience, we just find that having two tough sessions, and two points of contact with your trainer weekly keeps our clients on track and moving forward!
#3 – FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!
If you eat like a ballerina, don’t expect to look like a bodybuilder/fitness model!
As discussed in our blog “Are you eating enough to reach your fat loss goals?” eating sufficient calories is a must for any fat loss goal, but this also counts for those looking to increase muscle mass or athletic performance. Studies show those who are big eaters, and big expenders (eat and burn a lot) are always bigger, leaner and more likely to succeed in achieving their goals.
Having the taste buds to choose from a wide array of food choices is also very important. If you’re stuck eating the same two-veggie choices, and only eat chicken, you’ll struggle to stay to your plan long term. Experiment in the kitchen, and don’t tell your trainer “I don’t like it”, until you’ve given it a go!
#4 – CONTROLLED AGGRESSION!
Although a personality trait generally left for the men, a little bit of CONTROLLED AGGRESSION in the weight room can go a long way! Not to be confused with the typical commercial gym rat, training to get ‘shredded’ for an upcoming music festival, that you see aggressively throwing the 5kg dumbbells at the end their less than impressive set of bicep curls! What we’re talking about is the mother of three, AGGRESSIVELY ripping up a 110kg personal best deadlift, or the office professional AGGRESSIVELY punching out an extra 2 reps at the end of their giant set for chest.
Gritting your teeth, focusing and putting it all on the line in the weight room is what we mean! This comes easier to some, but once you’re taught how to use some controlled AGGRESSION in the gym, you’re training will definitely bump to another level!
How you should look in preparation for your training session!
#5 – THEY ARE TRAINING FOR THEMSELVES AND NO ONE ELSE
Sitting down, working out and knowing what YOU want is a very important characteristic. So many people come to us because their partner wants them to. Until you make the conscious decision FOR YOURSELF to better your health you may struggle to find the motivation to keep going. Sit down with a trainer and set some goals (see the next point), that are WHAT YOU WANT, and for no one but YOURSELF.
#6 – THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT
Effective goal setting is something trainers should work through with their client. Clients who have clearly defined goals, with time frames, deadlines and purpose are always much more focused. Before you make the decision to work with a trainer, make sure you clearly know what you want, and when you want it! From there, you go get it!
#7 – THEY STILL HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE
A little obsession is a good thing. If you were not slightly obsessed, I’d question your commitment. That being said, you need to know how to enjoy a social life in the process. Remember, effective training should be a part of your lifestyle (point #1). A lifestyle of boiled chicken, greens and lonely nights away from family and friends will only get you so far.
As mentioned, this is not it! There are many traits and habits that take average the gym user to the elite! Identify your strengths, and work on your weakness to tap into that little extra.
At PPT, we pride ourselves on little things like this that take our clients to the next level. If you’ve ever thought of working with a Personal Trainer, email us at info@performance-pt.com.au for more information.