How to Get Started with Personal Training

By: Mollie Shauger | Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | Fitness

Trainer spotting a man weightlifting.

Personal training is a great way to reach your goals with the support of experienced and knowledgeable staff who can help tailor a plan to your fitness level, abilities, and schedule. Ready to get started with personal training? Here are some tips for getting the most out of your training program.

Set your goals. 

Set realistic goals, just as you would when creating a workout routine. Creating unrealistic or unattainable goals could lead to disappointment if you’re not able to achieve them. Whether you want to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, strength, or just boost your overall fitness, personal trainers can work with you to help you get there.

Choose the type of schedule you want. 

There are many variables to take into consideration when choosing what type of package and how often you should train. It is best to decide after you discuss your personal wellness goals and schedule availability with your trainer, and ensure it fits into your budget. 

At the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, we offer both weekly and monthly package options at our Sussex County, West Essex, and New Milford locations. When purchasing a package, you can decide how many times a week or month you want to meet with your trainer, and the length of the session you want (30, 45, or 60 minutes). 

Choose a trainer. 

This is to ensure the person you begin to train with aligns with your needs and personality. At the Metro YMCA of the Oranges, all trainers have different levels of qualifications and areas of expertise, however all are certified and/or are leaders in personal fitness. “This is why discussing your options with a wellness director will help ensure you start out with the trainer that best fits your needs and goal,”  says Alma Dhuyvetter, Wellness Director at the Sussex County YMCA, a branch of the Metro YMCA of the Oranges. “If for any reason your trainer is not a good fit, discuss with your trainer or the Wellness Director to identify a trainer that will best fit your needs and personality. Remember this is personal and connections can vary.”

Training with multiple trainers can also provide a broader experience, she added: “Our trainers work to support you and do not take offense to you working with other team members.” 

Inform your trainer of any specific needs. 

When choosing a trainer, discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries with that person. Let your trainer know of any modifications, barriers, or limitations to support a good personal training experience while working toward your goals, and also to make sure the trainer has the experience to accommodate your specific needs. 

”Make sure you are open and honest during your consultations with your potential trainer, and share any information that is important to ensure your safety during sessions,” says Dhuyvetter. 

Attend your first session.

The first session is another important opportunity to establish a clear understanding of your expectations from personal training. Your trainer may administer an assessment (if not done earlier in the process).

“A well-rounded session should consist of a consultation and possible baseline assessments to ensure the trainer has a good foundation of the person's physical activity level, interests, abilities and medical concerns,” says Dhuyvetter. 

At the Y, trainers begin at a safe level while providing a full session of exercise, to help the subsequent sessions become smoother and align with the client’s goals. 

Ready to get started on training at the Y? Visit metroymcas.org/personaltraining, stop by your Y’s Welcome Center, or call our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039 to speak with the wellness team. The Y offers financial assistance, which can be used to help pay for Y programs like personal training.