Exercise is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. How you work out is a personal choice you can make based on your financial situation and lifestyle. Working out alone or with a personal trainer has benefits and drawbacks. You can review the advantages and disadvantages to determine what workout works best for you. Regardless of how you choose to work out, any amount of physical exercise can dramatically benefit your long-term mental and physical health.

Three benefits of working out alone

Here are some of the benefits of working out alone:

1. Make your schedule

When you work with a personal trainer or friend or participate in a workout class, you may have to adhere to the schedule of the other people with whom you are working out. For example, a personal trainer may have specific work times or other clients they have to schedule around. Additionally, if you have a complicated or constantly fluctuating schedule, you may prefer to work out when you have the chance instead of coordinating with others.

2. Work out where you want

When you are working out alone, you can choose where you work out. Many people who have limited ability to travel or have a full schedule may prefer this freedom. When you work out with someone else, you may need to go to a specific gym where the trainer works or where there is necessary equipment. However, if you work out alone, you can choose the most convenient place, like a nearby park, or save your workout until you are home.

3. Save money

Some people may choose to exercise alone because it can save money. For example, running in the park doesn’t require a gym membership or access to equipment. Additionally, even if you choose to belong to a gym, paying a personal trainer is an additional cost that some may not have the budget for, regardless of the benefits working with a trainer would bring to their exercise regimen.

Three drawbacks of working out alone

While working out on your own is better than not exercising at all, there are some drawbacks:

1. Hold yourself accountable

When you work out alone, you are responsible for holding yourself accountable to any schedule or program you choose to undertake. This can be a struggle for some who are just getting into exercising or who struggle with committing to a program.

2. Do your research

When you work out by yourself, you are your only resource. That means you are responsible for learning which exercises can impact your health, how to execute them safely, and how to build a program that delivers the desired results. Many personal trainers have additional education and specialized training where they learn these details to help their clients. So, if you choose to work out alone, you are responsible for educating yourself for your safety.

3. Limit your exposure to types of exercise

Working out alone means you can only execute workouts and programs with which you are familiar. This can make it hard to learn new skills or perfect your form.

Five benefits of working with a personal trainer

Many people work with a personal trainer to help them quickly and safely reach their fitness goals. Here are some of the benefits of working with a personal trainer:

1. Gain access to knowledgeable workout plans

Professional personal trainers have specialized knowledge about how different exercises and programs impact a client’s body. They have experience building plans geared toward their client’s needs that provide results. You can benefit from this knowledge only by working with a trainer.

2. Receive external motivation

A trainer can be a support system for someone beginning their workout journey. For example, setting specific time aside to focus on your fitness can inspire you to be more consistent with your program. Additionally, a personal trainer may also be able to see progress in your abilities and strength before you can, which can motivate you to continue your journey.

3. Monitor your safety

Some exercises can cause injury if you don’t execute them correctly. According to the CDC, an average annual estimate of over six million sports and athletics-related injuries are reported yearly. That’s why working with a personal trainer can prevent injuries. They are educated in an appropriate form and can watch you execute your exercises. If you pull a muscle or drop a weight on your foot, they can help you safely receive medical attention.

4. Provide objective feedback

Working out with a personal trainer means receiving specialized feedback on your progress throughout your fitness journey. Many personal trainers work with their clients to establish goals at the beginning of their fitness journey. Then, as your program progresses, your trainer may identify ways to improve your program, or you can receive even more dramatic results. This feedback can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

5. Specialized workouts

Trainers have the experience and education to build a program tailored to their client’s needs and goals. Their breadth of knowledge can help them design a program that enables you to achieve those goals quicker than if you randomly selected a program.

Three drawbacks of working with a personal trainer (and how to overcome them)

Some aspects of personal training may prevent someone from receiving the benefits of working with a personal trainer. However, here at living well balanced, we can work with you to overcome those drawbacks, so you have the most successful fitness journey:

1. Work out a payment plan

Your trainer can work with you to select a program that adheres to your budget. Figure out what you can contribute. Then, you can speak with a personal trainer today about how many sessions you want to book.

2. Agree on a schedule

Your trainer can take your schedule into account when booking a session. We have several personal trainers to provide more flexibility in scheduling.

3. Find a personal trainer near me

Working with a personal trainer nearby can make it easier to fit individual training sessions into your busy schedule. We are located on the upper West Side and are easily accessible by public transportation.

At Living Well Balanced, we offer a wide range of fitness and physical health services. From caring and experienced professionals. We provide personal training and physical, occupational, and nutritional therapy to assist our clients in their health and wellness management. You can make an appointment with one of our trainers or therapists to learn how they can benefit your treatment plan for injury recovery or prevention and chronic pain. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call at 212-579-2858 or send an email to info@livingwb.com. Check out our blog for more information about alternative therapies.