With more and more people making the switch from going to the gym to training at home, the niche of personal training has become more important. But what happens when you don’t have the budget or the inclination of hiring a personal trainer?

Well, in this case, you can become your very own personal trainer. But beware! It’s not as easy as it looks and the biggest challenge you will face resides within yourself. To give you a bit of help, and maybe a peek into what to expect, below are some tips to smooth the process.

#1: Put together a Workout Plan & Schedule

A personal trainer is prepared to meet some resistance from their clients, which is why he/she has a plan and implements a certain schedule. They also have a plan B in case plan A can’t be applied because of certain reasons.

Now, in your effort to become your own personal trainer, you have to be the one doing the planning and keeping yourself in check to follow through. You are both the judge and the executioner in this case so be prepared to implement a different routing when you start looking for excuses to avoid training.

#2: Find your Motivation

It may be cliché, but a person who takes care of your training routine will know how to keep you motivated. Furthermore, the simple fact that someone shows up and asks you to follow a certain routine is motivation enough to get you started.

However, all these go away when you’re left with just you, so it’s best to find other ways to keep going. For instance, studies found that people who have a training buddy are more likely to be consistent with their workout route in comparison to people who work alone.

Also, if you don’t have a friend available, music is known to spice things up and here you can find a pretty intense 30-minutes playlist that shouldn’t miss from your Spotify. Of course, you can make your own list, but keep it energetic!

#3: Get Professional equipment

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Yes, it’s true that you can work with your own weight, but once you get used to this routine, you will need more. Also, there are some pieces of equipment that are an absolute must for someone who wants to be in shape at all times. Here is a list of the absolute basic ones:

• Adjustable dumbbells and a kettlebell (for upper body workouts)
• Resistance bands (for mobility exercises and stretches)
• A non-slip mat (so you won’t break your neck during complicated yoga poses)
• A medicine ball (you should get a soft one so you won’t damage the walls)
• A rowing machine (fantastic for upper body workout and cardio)
• A treadmill (great for working out when it’s raining or dark outside).
• Jump rope

While some of the equipment in the list above are affordable and easy to use, a rowing machine or a treadmill aren’t obtainable for everyone. But this is why you should consider hiring such equipment from companies like Hire Fitness. You’re not buying the equipment; you’re just renting it for as long as you need it. After this, you return it and get something else.

#4: Push Yourself

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The job of a trainer is to push your limits and get you to work harder and faster. This way, you grow and get results, whether you’re looking to lose weight or to get better resistance to effort.  So, as your own personal trainer, you have to push your limits and not give into the discomfort sensation this action creates. After all, change is difficult and uncomfortable!

#5: Mix it Up

Boredom is the number one reason why people give up (not just physical activity!) so be alert and aware of this silent workout killer. The secret is to keep things interesting and fresh by changing the routine, the time of day when you do the workout, and even the diet.

Think like a trainer and be prepared to fight boredom and mental fatigue with new and exciting things to do. For instance, instead of running, you can choose to go for a hike, which can be equally demanding but far more interesting.

In Conclusion

We hope that now, after reading these tips you have a new found respect for personal trainers. Still, you shouldn’t be scared of starting your own journey. It may be a bit more difficult, but with good music, the ability to buy or hire commercial gym equipment and a good workout ethic, you should be able to execute an invigorating fitness routine!