25 Aug Should You Hire a Personal Trainer? Here’s the Real Answer
The Start of My Fitness Journey (And Why I Wish I Had a Coach Back Then)
I was 13 years old when I first got the spark.
No fancy gym memberships. No YouTube tutorials. No Wi-Fi.
Just a few blurry calisthenics videos shared between friends via Bluetooth—the old-school way. These guys were ripped, strong, and moving their bodies in ways that looked superhuman to me and my friends.
Out of all of us who watched those videos, I was probably one of the few who decided to actually do something about it.
Fast forward 20 years—and here I am, still on the journey, still learning. Still reading books, listening to podcasts, asking questions, studying the experts. And yes, still making mistakes (but a lot fewer than before).
If I could go back in time and hire a personal trainer? I would’ve done it in a heartbeat.
It would’ve saved me years of trial and error. Saved me from injuries. Saved me time.
But back then, there weren’t many options. No social media, no easy access to information. Today? It’s all out there. Which makes this question even more important:
Should YOU hire a personal trainer?
Why Some People Never Consider a PT (And Why That’s a Problem)
These days, I often see two types of people at the gym:
- The person putting in the effort but clearly lost—doing exercises wrong, wasting time on ineffective routines.
- The stubborn “I-know-it-all” type who’s been training for years with little to no progress but swears they “know how to train.”
I’ve had countless conversations like this:
“Hey, have you ever thought about hiring a coach or following a structured program?”
“Nah, man, I’ve been doing this for years. I know what I’m doing.”
Meanwhile, these same guys are paying $16K–20K a year for a luxury gym membership… but can’t figure out why they’re stuck.
Effort doesn’t always equal progress. If your approach is wrong, results will never come.
Who Should Hire a Personal Trainer?
Here’s my honest take:
✅ New to the gym and don’t know where to start
✅ Never trained consistently for more than 6 months
✅ Overwhelmed by conflicting advice online
✅ Plateaued with your strength or physique
✅ Need accountability to show up and stick with it
And here’s the kicker—even if you know what you’re doing, if you can afford it, you should still consider hiring a coach.
Why? Because even the best need coaches.
I’m a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve been training strength for two decades. I write about fitness. I coach people myself.
But I still have my own coach.
Why Even Experienced Athletes Hire Coaches
It’s not about lack of knowledge.
It’s about:
- Objective feedback
- External accountability
- Smarter programming without ego
Sometimes, all it takes is someone from the outside giving you structure, corrections, and that extra push.
I’ve talked to elite athletes across multiple sports—they all say the same thing: a coach gives you perspective and performance you can’t get solo.
✅ Certified benefits: Studies show personal trainers significantly improve fat loss, muscle gain, exercise adherence, and injury prevention versus training solo (source).
The Real Benefits: What a PT Actually Brings
Here’s what a good trainer actually delivers:
- Form & Injury Prevention
Prevent common gym injuries by fixing your movement patterns on the spot. - Tailored Programming
Based on your goals, not a generic influencer “split.” - Accountability & Structure
You show up. You train harder. You stick with it. - Time Efficiency
Avoid wasting months doing things wrong. Train smart, not just hard. - Long-Term Results
Not just aesthetics. Strength, health, mobility, and sustainability.
When You Probably Don’t Need a PT
The only good reason not to hire a coach?
💰 Financial limitations
Or…
✅ You’re consistent, disciplined, and can stick to a structured plan
✅ You already know how to perform movements safely
✅ You’re actively progressing and not plateaued
If that’s you? Keep pushing. Otherwise, a PT might be exactly what you need.
Final Takeaway: Is Hiring a PT Worth It?
Yes. In most cases, 100%.
A good coach isn’t an expense—it’s an asset. You’ll move faster, avoid injuries, and get smarter about training.
If I had a coach 20 years ago, I would’ve avoided so many injuries, wasted months, and setbacks. I don’t regret the grind—but I know how much smoother it could’ve been.
If you’re serious about results, consider the time and energy you’ll save. It’s not just about reaching goals—it’s about doing it sustainably.
🚀 Next Steps
- Decide why you want to improve—accountability, technique, or faster progress?
- Interview trainers—ask about results, credentials, and style.
- Commit for 4–6 weeks—assess progress, tweak if needed, and stay consistent.
Even one session per week with the right coach can completely shift your results.
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